Most pubs – a traditional British pub – in London are packed with fans cheering and celebrating England’s victory against Tunisia at the 2018 World Cup.
According to the correspondent residing in London, there are not many areas in the UK to focus on outdoor football – or fan zone – which is popular in other European countries for big international football tournaments with home teams. Instead, British football lovers choose to gather at traditional pubs to enjoy a cool beer while cheering on the Three Lions.
There was a time when people were worried about the decline of pub culture in the UK. According to the British Beer and Pub Association, the number of pubs in the country during the period 1982 – 2017 decreased by 25% to 50,800 shops, although the UK population grew by 17% in the same period. Even in London, the number of pubs and bars has dropped from 4,835 in 2001 to 3,615 in 2016.
However, seeing the pubs across London almost no longer have a vacant space before the ball rolling on June 18, the World Cup atmosphere has really warmed up in the UK and the resurgence is the strength of a distinctive pub culture at “Misty Land”.
Matt Watson, a 38-year-old UK football fan, said if he did not follow the team to cheer directly, his choice was still watching football at pubs and bars with friends to Have the most comfortable and fun moments. He and his friends had already set up a big table at a central London pub for the upcoming matches of the England team and even made a celebration for the finals.
The World Cup atmosphere at traditional pubs also attracts many young people in the UK. The 18-year-old Reema Abedin said watching and cheering England up at a lively pub is a better experience than watching football at home or watching on computers and phones. The great thing about watching pub football is that strangers also become friendly and open.
In the three group matches of England at the 2018 World Cup, there were 2 matches taking place at 7 pm on weekdays, and the other was at 1 pm Sunday, which was a convenient time for English pubs guaranteed to keep the footprints of their customers’ full stay for about 2 hours during the match.
Estimated, with only three group matches of England at the 2018 World Cup, the country’s pubs will collect £193 million for selling food and drinks for fans to watch football. And this number could increase to £488 million if the Three Lions go to the final, meaning that one-third of the UK population will go to the pub to watch football.
Not many people believed in the real opportunity of coach Gareth Southgate’s final match after their hard victory against Tunisia in the opening match. However, no matter what, the 2018 World Cup is certainly an important kick for the British economy thanks to the playfulness of the fans, along with contributing to very distinctive pub culture. of “Misty Land”.