From vintage markets to knowing how to say quinoa: the top 40 things that (apparently) make Britons cultured

Eating seaweed with chopsticks - that's cultured (Rex Features)

What does only drinking proper coffee have in common with going on city breaks? According to a survey of more than 2,000 people they are all among the top qualities that make Britons cultured.

The poll also found key qualities for refined people included reading newspapers and having a keen interest in the news. And while seven in ten of us wish we were more cultured some people may just have a bit longer to wait – apparently the majority feel they are at their most cultured at 38.

A spokesperson for Yakult, who commissioned the research to mark their 80th anniversary, said: “It seems that perceptions of 'culture' can vary, but the one thing that almost everyone has in common is a desire to experience more of it, and to become more 'cultured'.

'Being cultured can simply be a case of showing interest in the world and experiencing new things. We can all benefit from this, as getting out and about is a great way of improving our lives.”

Here, according to Yakult, are the top 40 things that make Britons cultured:

Crowds watch a performance at Shakespeare's Globe theatre (Getty Images)

1. Go to the theatre

2. Can recognise paintings/art

3. Visit local heritage sites

4. Listen to classical music

5. Go to the ballet

White with fish, red with meat? (Mitch Payn)

6. Know what wine goes with what

7. Don't skip the news when it's on TV

8. Watch documentaries

9. Can read music

10. Take an avid interest in politics

11. Read daily newspapers

12. Take countryside walks

13. Read a book before bed

Warsaw is a vibrant city which is opening its arms to foreign visitors

14. Choose city breaks over beach holidays

15. Watch Question Time

16. Host dinner parties

17. Know about cheese

18. Enjoy crosswords or Sudoku

19. Go to vintage markets

20. Know about cuts of meat

21. Watch tennis or cricket

22. Read a book before the film comes out

Fiona Bruce on The Antiques Roadshow (BBC)

23. Watch Antiques Roadshow

24. Own a library card

25. Watch films with subtitles

26. Visit farm shops

27. Use chopsticks over a knife and fork

28. Drink 'proper' coffee - not instant

29. Know how to pronounce 'quinoa'

30. Grow your own fruit/veg on an allotment

Finale fireworks above Lulworth Castle on day 3 of Camp Bestival 2015, Lulworth Castle, Dorset. (David Jensen / EMPICS Entertainment)

31. Go to music festivals

32. Collect music on vinyl

33. Read Wikipedia articles

34. Only eat local produce

35. Get the conundrum on Countdown

36. Wear bow-ties or brooches

37. Get food from supermarket 'finer' ranges

38. Drink herbal tea

39. Put on an accent to pronounce foreign words

40. Avoid generic superstore furniture