‘Support your local pub and England’ Kettering landlady urges football fans
Football fans are being urged to support their local pub – and England – for the crunch match against Mexico in the World Cup.
Cat Minney took on The Wayfarers in London Road, Kettering, at the start of the year and the family-run business has gone from strength to strength.
With screens spread across the large beer garden, lounge, bar and function room, the pub has been rammed for matches.
A combination of good weather, good results and evening kick-offs have provided a much-needed boost for the pub, club and venue trade – reminding punters of shared community and experience, a boost Cat would like to see carry on.
She said: “It’s been a tough stretch for landlords, landladies and hospitality in general, but the World Cup is showing us exactly what we’ve been missing.
“The pure, unmatched energy of experiencing a big game together, as a community – you just can’t replicate that kind of atmosphere at home.”
The round-of-16 match in Mexico City kicks off at 1am on Monday and is not expected to finish until at least 3am.
Following a decision by the Government, pubs in England will now be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday, allowing football fans to watch the Three Lions’ World Cup clash with Mexico to the final whistle.
Welcoming the extension to opening hours, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association Emma McClarkin said: “We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”
Dozens of pubs and clubs across the area will be opening their doors to footy fans – most running an entry by ticket system.
Customers at The Wayfarers will need to book their space – a £5 deposit will be redeemable at the bar – to help with planning.
With the pub being in the middle of a residential area, the match will be shown indoors with booked spaces allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and fans need to be inside by 11.30pm on Sunday.
The venue will be teaming up with staff from town centre venue Lucky Chuck’s to share in the atmosphere.
Cat added: “It’s also been great to see local support growing, with businesses like Lucky Chuck’s joining us for Monday’s match.
“This is going to be an experience like nothing we’ve done before, with the whole community coming together over a shared passion.
“We want to thank all that have supported us so far. We have thoroughly enjoyed the World Cup so far.
“It’s been a great atmosphere, with a great group of patrons enjoying this place we call home. Come on England!”