An Instagram account, RateThisBench, has reviewed more than 300 benches since its creation in summer 2019. The account's creator, who started the page to amuse friends, now has approximately 27,500 followers.
The rating system considers factors such as location, the presence of armrests and backrests, and the quality of the base. Wooden benches and those with interesting plaques receive extra marks, while metal benches in city centres with mid-bench armrests typically receive lower scores.
In June 2026, the creator awarded a perfect 10/10 to a bench in a Gloucestershire churchyard, which had previously been rated 9/10. This upgrade occurred after he married Sophie, who he met through the Instagram page, and sat on the bench with her for the first time as his wife. The vicar of the church has since reported a surge in wedding bookings.