Brits are expressing confusion over the apparent decline in popularity of a classic British beverage that was once enjoyed by both children and adults for decades. The fizzy drink, traditionally a blend of beer and lemonade, reached its peak popularity between the 1970s and 1990s, becoming a staple in pubs and supermarkets across the nation. However, recent observations suggest that its consumption has significantly decreased.
The Drink in Question
The beverage, commonly known as shandy, typically consists of a 50/50 mixture of beer and lemonade. A stronger variant, the lager top, features a pint of lager with just a splash of lemonade. In a post on the AskBrits community on Reddit, one user asked: "In the 90s it was one of the most popular drinks for older kids and adults, so why don't people drink shandy so much anymore?"
Public Reactions
The query sparked a lively discussion, with many offering theories. One respondent suggested: "Probably coincides with the decline of traditional bitters and the increase in popularity of lagers. A bitter shandy is a nice drink, especially on a warm summer's day and I recall it being popular in the 80s. A lager shandy is, for some reason, horrible to me. 'Lager tops' were relatively popular 20 or 30 years ago, but I don't know if they still are."
A second commenter, working in the pub trade, noted: "I can confirm that the older generation are definitely the ones who scoff the most at shandies. The view is that it's a waste of good beer. I'm inclined to agree, if I'm thirsty I'd sooner get a pint, and a half of lemonade to quench my thirst, rather than ruin the flavour of my beer. I've never had a shandy that tastes better than its main components."
Another user reminisced: "Used to drink it as a kid, I remember the vending machines at our local pool sold them and me and my mates would all pretend we was p***** walking home!" Meanwhile, a fourth asked: "Anyone remember Panda shandy back in the 90s?"
Enduring Fans
Despite the decline, some remain loyal to the drink. One Reddit user shared: "I always get a shandy and my wife mocks me! Says it's a waste of good beer, and to be fair it's the exact same price as a pint, hmm if I bought half a pint and a lemonade it would be much cheaper." Another added: "My husband only drinks shandy. At the pub, always and he buys mini bottles of it for at home from Morrisons for £2.40 for 10 small bottles."
A third enthusiast exclaimed: "Always drink an ice cold one in the summer. Has to be ice cold though, to the point of almost frozen." While a fourth declared: "Oh I love a shandy! Neither my husband or I are big drinkers so we'll sometimes get a bottle of beer and a glass of lemonade and make shandies when we go for something to eat."
