A recent study involving 3,000 participants across 11 countries, including the United Kingdom, suggests that coffee is most enjoyed on Wednesdays. Conducted by psychologists at the University of Oxford between April 2024 and February 2025, the research indicates that the middle of the workweek offers a psychological boost as people begin to anticipate the upcoming weekend.

Professor Charles Spence, lead author of the study, explained that Wednesday marks the point when individuals start counting down to their days off, creating a more positive outlook that enhances their enjoyment of coffee. The findings also identified mornings as the prime time to drink coffee, with spring emerging as the season during which the beverage is most appreciated.

Changes in weather and seasonal moods appear to influence how individuals perceive the flavor of coffee. Professor Spence noted that the encouraging atmosphere of spring, characterized by improving weather and renewed optimism, may amplify the pleasant emotions associated with drinking coffee. Conversely, the onset of autumn and the approaching winter months might contribute to a decline in enjoyment, as the season is often linked with a dip in mood, sometimes referred to as the “winter blues.”

In addition to timing and seasonality, the social context and manner in which coffee is consumed also impact overall satisfaction. Participants reported greater enjoyment when drinking coffee while seated with friends rather than standing, walking, or drinking alone. The study also found that coffee consumed without a lid, which allows the aroma to be fully experienced, tends to be preferred.

Demographic differences surfaced in the research as well, with Generation X and Millennials—those aged between 30 and 60—tending to find more pleasure in coffee than younger adults in Generation Z, aged under 30.

The study’s findings add nuance to British coffee consumption patterns, where an estimated 98 million cups are consumed daily. This figure is slightly less than that of tea, which remains the nation’s most popular hot beverage at about 100 million cups per day.