England legend Joe Cole surprises pub punters as he exhibits up for World Cup pleasant
As fans gathered to watch the England game, Three Lions icon Joe delighted them by joining in the pre-match build up at the Lord Nelson pub in Margate
Joe Cole surprised punters at the Lord Nelson
England legend Joe Cole delighted punters at a pub that won a tech upgrade ahead of the World Cup by dropping in to enjoy the pre-match build-up with them. The ex-Chelsea star surprised fans by popping into The Lord Byron in Margate, Kent, ahead of England’s 1-0 victory against New Zealand in a friendly on Saturday.
Joe has been leading Samsung’s UK-wide campaign, which celebrates the vital role of local pubs and venues as the heart of communities. The initiative provides essential equipment and financial support, ensuring these spaces are ready to bring people together for an unforgettable summer of football excitement.
As fans gathered to watch the England game around the newly installed Samsung TVs and audio equipment, Joe delighted them by joining in the pre-match build up. A whopping 11,000 Brits cast their votes in a nationwide search before The Lord Byron was crowned the ultimate winner.
As the recipient, the pub will be equipped with thousands of pounds worth of cutting-edge TVs and audio tech, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience for fans on match days. Samsung’s Raise the Bar campaign shines a spotlight on one of Britain’s most important and increasingly pressured institutions, the local pub.
The initiative comes at a time when research shows 87% of boozers say events like the World Cup are crucial for boosting revenue, with earnings rising by a monthly average of £10,985 during these periods.
Tony Palmer, a full-time firefighter and community champion, has transformed The Lord Byron into a welcoming hub for Margate residents. It hosts a wide range of initiatives for locals, community groups and sports teams.
Nearly 2,000 regulars frequent the pub, making it a cornerstone of local life after it was saved from closing during covid by locals clubbing together to support the institution.
Joe Cole said: “There’s something truly special about pubs like The Lord Byron. It’s not just about watching football – it’s about the camaraderie, the energy and the shared passion that brings people together.
“Being here with Tony and the locals this weekend reminded me why these places mean so much to fans. When you’ve got the right crowd in the right venue, every match becomes unforgettable.”
Tony, landlord of The Lord Byron, said: “The past few years have been incredibly challenging for pubs like ours. With costs rising across the board, keeping the doors open has taken real determination.
“From darts teams to live music nights, we put everything into creating a place where people can come together, so to receive this support and recognition genuinely means the world to us.
“Having Joe Cole here to mark the occasion has been the icing on the cake and a moment our whole community will remember.”
Samsung’s Raise the Bar campaign created an opportunity for multiple venues to upgrade their tech in time for kick-off and ten other runners up are also receiving a brand-new Samsung TV worth up to £3,000. By combining premium TV technology with local marketing support, the initiative does more than just upgrade screens, it helps pubs thrive during this key time and encourages communities to come together.
Zeena Hill, Senior Director of Marketing at Samsung UK, said: “We’ve been blown away by the number of people across the country that have taken part in our campaign, demonstrating the importance pubs play within our communities.
“The significance of high-quality sound and screens are essential to the matchday experience and those shared moments simply don’t have the same impact without them.
“The Lord Byron is a shining example of a pub that unites a community and we’re thrilled to support Tony and his team with an upgrade that guarantees locals won’t miss a single moment of the action this summer.”
Keep up with The Lord Byron’s journey this summer of football here: https://www.facebook.com/thelordbyronmargate/ and with all the winners that can now #WatchitonaSamsung
Top 10 most memorable moments
1. Ronaldo’s Hat-Trick vs Spain (2018)
2. Messi’s Copa Redemption (2021)
3. Mbappé Announces Himself (2018)
4. Ronaldinho’s Lob Over Seaman (2002)
5. Messi Lifts the World Cup (2022)
6. England vs. Germany 5-1 (2001)
7. Maradona’s “Goal of the Century” (1986)
8. Spain’s Tiki-Taka Era (2008–2012)
9. Portugal Wins First Major Trophy (2016)
10. South Korea’s Historic Run (2002)
