One of the world’s oldest champagne makers is preparing to sell the fizzy drink in pint bottles – Winston Churchill's favourite measure – after Britain leaves the European Union, the Telegraph can disclose.

Pol Roger wants to sell champagne in imperial measures for the first time since 1973, when Britain’s decision to join the European Economic Community meant only metric measurements were allowed.

The French company’s board approved the move in the summer and is now discussing a new bottle size in imperial measurements with its suppliers.

Pol Roger said champagne could be laid down from the 2016 vintage in pint bottles early next year and with the first non-vintage champagne available in shops from 2021.

This would mean that champagne in pint bottles could be ready for sale around the time that the UK is expected to leave the European Union.