Apparently 1 in 10 Brits would do without having a holiday to instead be able to afford a new kitchen according to a new survey by Beko, while some 40% worry that their kitchen is “not as impressive as their friends'”.

The survey – which involved 2,000 UK home owners – highlighted the growing issue of “kitchen envy” among younger home owners, with one in five of 26-30 year olds stating that they are envious of their friends' kitchens and appliances.

Apparently, the survey also found that young people are choosing to socialise at home rather than visting the pub or and/or nightclubs, it says is supported by recent news that half of UK nightclubs and pubs have closed down in the last 10 years, and with over half (50%) of those surveyed suggesting that they now prefer to entertain more often at home, it in turn puts on pressure for the perfect kitchen.

The Beko survey was also said to reveal that 52% of people enjoy having friends over for drinks, with 50% hosting dinner parties. Furthermore, one in 10 men admitted that they would seek the “best” kitchen gadgets and appliances to compete with friends.

According to Beko, the phenomenon of “kitchen envy” has grown as the UK has adopted a more “Come Dine With Me” culture, with more people holding dinner parties and entertaining at home.

“It’s interesting that today, for both men and women, one of the most visible forms of competition between peers is seen in the home and perhaps most of all in the kitchen, which is the heart of the home for most people,” said Harley Street psychologist Dr Becky Spellman.

Doctor Spellman also added a glowing report about Beko products and suggested a link that having nice appliances and a good kitchen suggests "a connection with our hunter-gather past" but we dont remember seeing this scientific research mentioned in the research journal that is the DailyMail so read into that what you will as normally the DM is a first place any paid for adverts (sorry "research") ends up...