FOUR pints is the best amount of beer to drink, experts have confirmed.

Researchers at the Institute for Studies found that four pints of ale or lager allows the drinker to forget most of their problems and feel generally pleasant, but still function the next day.

Professor Henry Brubaker said: “Any less than four pints and the evening is essentially pointless.

“Subjects in the ‘one’ and ‘two’ pint test groups were boring, and ‘three’ just went to the toilet more than usual.

“Five is reasonable too if you don’t have work the next day. You’ll suffer for it though.”

He added: “These are only guidelines. Just go with whatever number of pints feels right for you.”

However drinker Wayne Hayes said: “What about those times when you feel pissed off one pint, or you can’t get drunk no matter how much you drink? And crisps, what if you’re eating a lot of crisps?

“Science never takes crisps into account.”