The Railway Tavern in Dereham, Norfolk, has built a giant grandstand for hundreds of fans to watch the World Cup this summer – and it’s already fully booked
England’s most patriotic pub landlord has constructed a colossal £6,000 grandstand in his beer garden to accommodate 400 World Cup enthusiasts. Paul Sandford has erected the impressive structure at The Railway Tavern, with room for an additional 300 spectators to congregate around it, allowing over 700 fans to cheer on the Three Lions in true stadium fashion.
A team of scaffolders assembled the feature, now known as the World Cup super grandstand, over the course of a week. Located in Dereham, Norfolk, the pub also boasts a VIP area complete with waitress service and an American theme.
“I’ve had interest from all over the country,” Paul revealed to creatorzine.com. “Loads of people want to come and watch the games here. We’re already fully booked up. It’s really exciting.
“This is going to be the ultimate place to watch England this summer. It will be a festival of football.”
He added: “The atmosphere will be unbelievable. We are counting the days down until it comes alive.”
Paul hopes that the grandstand will aid in raising funds for Dereham Cancer Care, a cause close to the pub’s heart. This news follows criticism of another pub for implementing a sportswear ban ahead of the World Cup.
The Station introduced a smart/casual dress code only, prohibiting entry to anyone wearing sportswear, hats or hoodies. It also implemented new closing times, with last entry set for 11pm and the venue shutting its doors at 1am.
The alterations will be in effect on Fridays and Saturdays after 9pm. A representative for the pub in Sutton Coldfield, West Mids, stated: “As a few of you are already aware, we’ve had a few changes to how we operate recently, and we just wanted to communicate them to everyone.”
The news sparked a lively discussion, with some questioning the timing given the imminent World Cup. Some regulars fear it could deter customers, while others have embraced the change.
Alex Field expressed scepticism about the decision. He commented: “There’s a World Cup around the corner and a Champions League Aston Villa season upcoming and they’re banning sportswear on Saturday, it’s baffling.
“I do believe customers will go elsewhere if they can’t wear England gear and shorts. I will continue to drink there but it may just be a move away from there before Villa fixtures on a Saturday as me and my friends like wearing our colours.
“So it’s more a feeling of disappointment than animosity toward the venue.”