British men are afraid to choose the vegetarian option in a restaurant for fear of being socially shunned, researchers have claimed.

Scientists from the University of Southampton found even men who dislike meat or are unable to eat it for health reasons find it difficult to pick a vegetarian or vegan dish from a menu for fear of being ridiculed.

A year-long research project found men had experienced “social isolation” among friends after admitting to reducing their consumption of meat.

The findings, based on a sample of 22 men, are to be presented to the Royal Geographical Society’s Annual International Conference this week.

Dr Emma Roe said: “What we have discovered is that many men are interested in eating less meat, they just need social permission to do so.