An England-mad pub has made the ultimate stand to the Spanish. Ahead of Sunday night’s Euro 2024 final between the Three Lions and Spain, a couple of taps have undergone something of a make over.
The Eagle and Hind in Chelmsford, Essex has been bustling with fans for every England game since the tournament began last month. Bunting lines the ceilings, balloons adorn the bar and live music is brought in to ramp up the atmosphere as locals cram in to back the boys out in Germany.
Despite visiting on Friday, two days after victory over the Dutch and two days before the final hurdle of Spain, The Eagle and Hind was bubbling with excitement.
READ MORE: ‘I flew to Spain for one beer – turns out it’s in my local but brewmaster blew my mind’
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Every other person on both sides of the bar was kitted out in an England shirt as they sipped on the pub’s newest* beers.
(Image: Charles Wadepalmer)
*Well they taste the same but for this weekend only they’re definitely not Spanish, okay?
Following a visit to its Sevillian headquarters earlier this year, the Daily Star is well aware of Cruzcampo’s authentic Spanish routes. Brewed specifically to keep its flavour at a cooler temperature in continental Europe’s warmest city.
As for Madri, well we’re not so sure but it’s certainly an ambassador of Madrid if nothing else.
With all that in mind, Eagle and Hind bosses Tom Huzzey, 26, and Charlotte Gilgoe, 33, couldn’t possibly fathom punters necking back nectar of the enemy. So they did what we at the DS call on all pubs to adopt for one weekend only and that’s to Anglicise our favourite lagers.
After throwing ideas at each other back and forth, Tom and Charlotte creatively concluded they’d be serving ‘Judecampo’ and ‘Madrice’.
Tom said the idea began as a laugh but swiftly materialised into printing off new labels which once stuck on the iconic taps, won a laugh and a comment off all those clocking the change.
(Image: Charles Wadepalmer)
Speaking to the Daily Star, Tom said: “It started off as a bit of a joke originally. We were just talking about how we were going to stop serving Spanish lagers for Sunday because it’s a bit of a bad omen but then we decided because they’re quite popular we don’t want to lose out on the money so we’ll rename them, make them more patriotic.
“It literally happened this morning. We didn’t do any planning.”
The couple came close to relabelling every bottle of Sol (Palmer) in the fridge only to learn it is in fact Mexican. Charlotte did, however, suddenly become concerned about pouring glasses of Rjoja red wine. Best of luck to them finding a patriotic pun in that.
(Image: Charles Wadepalmer)
Tom said the pub’s been busier than ever this tournament, giving finances a healthy boost for the summer.
“It’s been very busy, our busiest one was on Wednesday for the semi-final,” he told the Daily Star. “Honestly iIve never seen the pub so packed. It’s been great and it’s just been building up and building up and I suspect Sunday is going to be ridiculously busy.
“We like to put on a bit of an atmosphere. We’ve got a DJ who comes in to start before kick-off and a drummer as well to play Vindaloo and Carnival de Paris and all of them ones. We’ve sold out every game so far, the same people booking it over and over again.
(Image: Charles Wadepalmer)
“We are fully booked for Sunday now but if anyone wants to get here earlier for the outside seats they’re more than welcome.”
Commenting on the extra takings pubs have been taking and can look forward to this Sunday, Michael Kill CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “I cannot overstate the significance of England’s success in the Euros for our night time economy and hospitality sector.
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
“The national football team has not only lifted the spirits of a nation but also revitalised a sector that has faced unprecedented challenges.
“Their win in the semi finals provides us with another golden opportunity to host a massive night of football, bringing fans together across the UK. This event is more than just a match; it is a beacon of hope and a much-needed boost for venues, staff, and the entire community involved in nightlife and hospitality.”