Independent pubs and bars screening the Women's World Cup final
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Posted: Fri 18th Aug 2023
England play in the Women's World Cup final this Sunday and independent hospitality venues across the country are expecting busy bars as the nation hopes to celebrate the first English football world champions since 1966.
Industry body UK Hospitality predicts that an extra one million people will visit pubs, bars and restaurants to watch the Lionesses take on Spain in Australia, generating an additional £41m in sales.
The match kicks off at 11am UK time which is earlier than when many licensed venues can start serving alcohol on Sundays.
The government is encouraging local authorities to be speedy with their approval of requests for earlier drinking. The process usually takes five days so pubs would have had to have applied by this Monday.
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove said:
"The whole nation is ready to get behind the Lionesses this Sunday in what is England’s biggest game since 1966.
"I’ve asked councils to do everything they can to help pubs get open earlier on Sunday, so people can come together and enjoy a drink before kick-off for this special occasion."
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, added:
"The nation will be cheering on the Lionesses on Sunday and the next best thing to being in Australia is enjoying the match in the pub or hospitality venue.
"Many are taking advantage of the fact that they can open to encourage people to come out for breakfast or brunch to get ready for this historic match.
"Demand from fans has been exceptional, with bookings filling rapidly, and there's no doubt the day will be a huge boost for the sector, potentially delivering an additional £41 million in sales."
Small business bars screening Women's World Cup final
Here are some independent venues where you can watch the World Cup action:
The Hub on Verulam in St Albans
Co-founder Hannah Petrouis said:
"We are so excited for the Women's World Cup Final. As we have been getting closer to the final, tickets have been selling as soon as the Lionesses have made it through to the next stage. It's been great to see interest in the women's game grow and grow, through the Euros last year and now in this tournament.
"We are planning for a very busy Sunday with both screening rooms nearly full. Those watching can order food and drink via the QR code straight to their seat before continuing the celebrations with lunch from our Sunday menu."
Image credit: Katie O'Connell
The Wanstead Tap in Forest Gate, London
This East London bar already has a 10am alcohol licence so will be serving drinks before kick off.
Owner Dan Clapton said:
"The Wanstead Tap is a small venue and bar under railway arches at the heart of the community in Forest Gate, E7
“We are showing the Women's World Cup final are hoping that a victory will provide some much needed cheer during this less than brilliant summer.
"No one under the age of 60 can remember the last time an English football team won the World Cup so we want all the community, all ages, football lovers or not to share in what will hopefully be a momentous day."
Propyard in Bristol
Propyard is a former Ministry of Defence torpedo testing factory that is now an events venue. It will be screening the Women's World Cup final.
James Joiner, business and partnerships, at Propyard said:
"The Lionesses have done it again. Finally the long-awaited Women’s World Cup final is here. Come and watch the game on our HD screen, surrounded by fellow fans, in the industrial Crane Room.
"Grab some delicious food from our cafe, whilst you wash all the glory down with drinks from our bar. And if the heat on the pitch is getting too much, feel free to enjoy our open-air courtyard too.
The Picturedrome in Northampton
Chris D'alessio and Suzy Keeping are the directors and owners of KDR Events. They run The Picturedrome in Northampton as well as The White Horse in Old, Northampton.
The Picturedrome is screening the final.
Chris said:
"As a company we value women's sports just the same as men. Last year we had the privilege of going to the Women's Euro 2022 Final at Wembley. This was one of the best games both myself and Suzy have ever watched live.
"Just over 12 months later they are in the World Cup final which is an amazing accomplishment. This is fantastic for women's sports."
The Craftsman in Warwick
Father and son Paul and Harvey Brown, supported by mum Jacqui and brother Regan, launched The Craftsman in July 2023.
Paul Brown said:
"The Craftsman bar will be open from 10am, serving a special brunch menu, as well as our usual main menu, and amazing selection of craft beers.
"The match will be shown on a massive 80inch screen above the bar. Come on Lionesses!"
Daltons Show Rooms is showing the final on a screen on Brighton Beach. Other Brighton pubs screening the match include The King and Queen and Presuming Ed
Other bars in Bristol screening the match include: Wiper and True Taproom, Bristol Beer Factory Tap Room, King Street Brew House, Racks, Hen & Chicken, The Seven Stars
Other venues in London include: The Ivy House in Nunhead, St Christopher's Inn at London Bridge, Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, The Regent in Balham, The Junction in Harrow,
Bars screening the Women's World Cup final in Manchester include: Freight Island, Oast House, Nell’s Pizza
Venues in Birmingham taking part include: Hennesseys, The Distillery, Box Brindleyplace
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