THE COFFEE capital of the country is Brighton and Hove, according to a new study.

The average city resident spends £177 per year on take-away coffee - £25 more than third place Londoners.

Research carried out by Greggs and the University of Stirling found we have become a nation obsessed not just with drinking coffee, but discussing it.

The ‘Developing an Understanding of Coffee Culture in the UK’ report found like wine buffs discuss Merlots and Pinor Noirs, coffee buffs are do the same when with beans.

Professor Julie Tinson of the University of Stirling, commented: “Coffee has become an identity statement, acting as a ‘social glue’ that binds different groups together.

“And just like our European cousins, who are known to spend hours in cafes or coffee shops watching the world go by, it seems catching up with friends or colleagues over a coffee is becoming as popular as heading to a pub or bar for a glass of wine or a pint.”