A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that 15 minutes late is often seen as fashionable, but 29 minutes is where lateness starts to seem rude; an hour is beyond acceptable for 26 per cent. The findings matter as people report frustration with modern meet-up habits, while also expressing a renewed preference for spending time together in person.

Commissioned by SVEDKA Vodka, the survey found that 32 per cent say they move a gathering’s start time forward when inviting their tardiest friend. Some respondents blame smartphones and easy apology messages for making lateness more acceptable; meanwhile, 82 per cent say they are trying to spend less time on their phones and more time meeting people. Face-to-face socialising makes 51 per cent happier, and the pub is the favourite meeting place, named by 54 per cent.