First the bad news: in a restaurant, nearly 67% of Belgians, almost exactly two out of three, will choose wine with their meals; only 25% will choose beer. But beer drinking is in the ascendance - food and beer pairing is the latest fad in the restaurant industry. The sommelier of the future will be expected to know his Chimay from his Chateauneuf du Pape.

Now the good news: when they go to a café, 94% of those surveyed would choose beer. You may well raise an eyebrow at such results, but consider that nearly 10% of people drink no alcohol at all in a café. Somehow, it appears that some tee-totallers are drinking beer. And nobody is drinking any of those rows and rows of alcoholic drinks every café has lined up behind the bar.

When asked what they prefer to drink at home, 40% of people (mainly French-speaking and male) said beer; the same number (mainly Dutch-speaking and female) said they preferred non-alcoholic drinks. The share of wine is down from 22% to 18%, presumably under the influence of Flemish women.

That being said, the preferences of Belgians are clear: of those who prefer beer, the prize goes to pils, though the share is falling from 52% in 2005 to only 36.5% now. Strong blond beers like Leffe have risen over the same period from 7% to nearly 14%. Blanche, Trappist and abbey beers have all risen. Belgians may be drinking less beer, but they're drinking it more discerningly.