We all know this to be true … but it sounds better when a scientist proves it!

Researchers from the University of Bristol's Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group (TARG) have put their Phd brains to the test and  proved beer goggles really do exist; that even a small amount of alcohol can make other people seem more attractive.

Volunteers were asked to look at photos of men, women and landscapes before and after drinking - and in every category alcohol affected their perceptions.

The volunteers were divided into two groups - one group drank just one alcoholic drink, while the other drank a non-alcoholic placebo drink.

Among the images there were 20 male faces, 20 female faces and 20 landscapes.

The results showed that attractiveness ratings were higher for all three image types among the alcohol group compared to the placebo group.

The study leaders said this confirmed the beer goggle hypothesis, which claims people become more attractive to the opposite sex after a few drinks.

Now the Bristol team is extending the research into the more realistic setting of a pub.

Researcher Olivia Maynard said: “It's a bit of fun, but there is a serious message.

“If alcohol does change perceptions of attractiveness then that could be a factor in the kind of risky behaviour you see when people are drunk, such as unprotected sex.”