But now, data from CAMRA’s latest survey shows a small decrease in the percent of women drinking real ale, down to 31 per cent.

 

However, CAMRA do not seem concerned by the figures, putting the figures potentially down to a recent change in research provider, from TNS to YouGov.

 

Press manager Neil Walker told ALES & FEMALES: "The slight decline could actually be accounted for by the fact we have moved from one research company to another.

 

"We've seen a few things fluctuate with the move so [it's] nothing to worry about."

 

Nevertheless, the findings still show the amount of women picking up a pint of real ale has stabilised in more recent years.

 

Women have been credited with helping CAMRA more than double its membership over the last ten years.

 

In a press release from 2013, CAMRA announced an overall membership increase from 65,000 to 150,000, with women making up 22 per cent - "a growth of 20,000 members in the last decade."

 

CAMRA chairman Colin Valentine at the time said: “It’s very exciting that more and more women are trying real ale.

 

“Our national drink threw off its flat cap image years ago and now it is increasingly seen as a drink for women as well as men.”

 

In the release, Christine Cryne, a member of CAMRA’s National Executive, said: “The upsurge in interest in real ale amongst women in the UK is in no small part thanks to the sheer range of beer which is now available.

 

“It's been great to see the increased number of women attending beer festivals to try the different flavours that are available.”

 

The five-day Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) will take place again next week from Tuesday 11th August in London.