What does only drinking proper coffee have in common with going on city breaks? According to a survey of more than 2,000 people they are all among the top qualities that make Britons cultured.
The poll also found key qualities for refined people included reading newspapers and having a keen interest in the news. And while seven in ten of us wish we were more cultured some people may just have a bit longer to wait – apparently the majority feel they are at their most cultured at 38.
A spokesperson for Yakult, who commissioned the research to mark their 80th anniversary, said: “It seems that perceptions of 'culture' can vary, but the one thing that almost everyone has in common is a desire to experience more of it, and to become more 'cultured'.
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'Being cultured can simply be a case of showing interest in the world and experiencing new things. We can all benefit from this, as getting out and about is a great way of improving our lives.”
Here, according to Yakult, are the top 40 things that make Britons cultured:
Crowds watch a performance at Shakespeare's Globe theatre
1. Go to the theatre
2. Can recognise paintings/art
3. Visit local heritage sites
4. Listen to classical music
5. Go to the ballet
White with fish, red with meat?
6. Know what wine goes with what
7. Don't skip the news when it's on TV
8. Watch documentaries
9. Can read music
10. Take an avid interest in politics
11. Read daily newspapers
12. Take countryside walks
13. Read a book before bed
Warsaw is a vibrant city which is opening its arms to foreign visitors
14. Choose city breaks over beach holidays
15. Watch Question Time
16. Host dinner parties
17. Know about cheese
18. Enjoy crosswords or Sudoku
19. Go to vintage markets
20. Know about cuts of meat
21. Watch tennis or cricket
22. Read a book before the film comes out
Fiona Bruce on The Antiques Roadshow
23. Watch Antiques Roadshow
24. Own a library card
25. Watch films with subtitles
26. Visit farm shops
27. Use chopsticks over a knife and fork
28. Drink 'proper' coffee - not instant
29. Know how to pronounce 'quinoa'
30. Grow your own fruit/veg on an allotment
Finale fireworks above Lulworth Castle on day 3 of Camp Bestival 2015, Lulworth Castle, Dorset.
31. Go to music festivals
32. Collect music on vinyl
33. Read Wikipedia articles
34. Only eat local produce
35. Get the conundrum on Countdown
36. Wear bow-ties or brooches
37. Get food from supermarket 'finer' ranges
38. Drink herbal tea
39. Put on an accent to pronounce foreign words
40. Avoid generic superstore furniture
