England legend urges followers to ‘get behind’ their native pubs in time for the World Cup
England football legend Joe Cole has launched a rallying cry to fans ahead of the World Cup: “Get behind your local.”
The ex-Three Lions ace reckons there’s nothing like the buzz of watching the big game in the pub – and football on the telly is now a lifeline for the UK’s watering holes as they feel the squeeze. Nine out of ten landlords say football is vital to revenue. But 79% say a good quality TV is also key with eight out of ten fans having missed a key moment due to poor screens.
Now Joe has teamed up with Samsung for a Raise the Bar campaign, with 11 shortlisted pubs vying to win a £14,000 TV and audio tech makeover to help them give locals pitch perfect viewing.
Joe says: “Each one brings something special…from the atmosphere to the people behind the bar.” Here are the three finalists speaking about why the beautiful game and the pub are a match made in heaven…
The Bevy
Where: Brighton
What: The UK’s only community pub on a council estate set up 11 years ago.
Who: Pub chairman Warren Carter, 60.
Features: “We are part pub, part community centre. We have pool and karaoke, but we’re turbocharged by our community activities from family Thursdays with free activities for children to bingo for seniors, dementia cafes and a book club.”
Biggest pub pressure: “We keep our prices as low as we can. But it’s the cost of living. Pubs are part of our DNA and for some reason we are letting them get battered.”
How big is football to you? “The World Cup is massively important and every pound we make from the World Cup will be ploughed straight back into the pub and our community activities. Football is a massive thing for us. You’ll get lots of people who don’t normally come to the pub will come for the World Cup. Football’s a way of bringing everyone together.”
What about TV? “To win Samsung TVs for us to show the World Cup it would make our summer. TV massively drives our trade.”
Favourite footie pub moment: “When had a packed pub for the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.”
Football pub etiquette: “If you’re really tall sit at the back. If England score don’t throw beer in the air. Get there early, have a burger, a pint and soak up the atmosphere first.”
World Cup prediction: “England to win – we’ve got the players! It will really lift the country and pubs if we win.”
The Lord Byron
Where: Margate, Kent
What: An independent back street town pub dating back to 1886, named after the Romantic poet.
Who: Owner and full-time fire-fighter Tony Palmer, 52.
Features: “Pool and darts teams, card schools, live music on Saturdays, meat raffles on a Sunday, four Airbnbs at the back and a 100-seat beer garden. We’re supported by 2000 loyal regulars.”
Biggest pub pressure: “Trying to keep the doors open. Nearly every single cost is multiplying.”
How big is football for you? We have a big following for all the teams, not just local ones.”
What about TV? At the moment we have four TVs, but to show it on high-definition TVs makes all the difference compared to a normal TV because of the clarity. A quality picture really does enhance the atmosphere in the pub. I like to give the public the best.”
Favourite footie pub moment: “I set up a big TV in the garden for Euro 2024 just to watch the games and the atmosphere was phenomenal.”
Football pub etiquette: “Come in your shirt, whatever team you’re supporting, enjoy the banter and don’t just stick to watching the England games. It’s a great experience for the kids who want to see top players like Mbappe.”
World Cup prediction “I think England can go far. Harry Kane will be the key player.”
Sadler’s Cat
Where: Manchester
What: A community pub built 10 years ago, named after a pioneering 18th century balloonist James Sadler who took his cat up with him locally.
Who: Manager Ben Cusick, 33.
Features: “We’re a wooden barn style pub in the city centre with furniture handmade by the local community and craft beer. There are dartboards and a darts league, open mic nights, workshops, record fairs and a wall featuring different Top Trump cards.”
Biggest pub pressure: “It’d be great to get more bums on seats.”
How big is football for you? “I’m a Man City fan and whenever I can’t go to games, I’m down at a pub watching the match, so I can root for the boys.”
What about TV? “Because of our location near transport links, it would be great to have high quality TVs so people can drop in and watch a late-night match and enjoy a pint.”
Favourite footie pub moment: “Watching the Euros final in 2020 during Covid, with England…there were a lot of emotions going on!”
Football pub etiquette: “Don’t throw things at the screen. Have a couple of pints, relax and don’t get too silly!”
World Cup prediction: “I’ve been saying for a while now that Nico O’Reilly is going help England win it. He’s been incredible for Man City this season.”
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVE FOOTIE PUB…
Zeena Hill from Samsung UK says: “Pubs have long been at the heart of UK communities, bringing people together to connect, celebrate and share major sporting moments.” See more details of the shortlisted pubs at watchitonasamsung.com and vote for your favourite by 5pm on 1st June.
