The Dubliner, a pub in Boston that has become a central gathering point for Scotland fans during their World Cup campaign, is bracing for a wave of England supporters by renting extra refrigerated units and drafting in staff from across the city.
Scots Set High Bar for England Fans
Bar manager Brian McDonnell explained that the pub has had to significantly increase its stock and logistics to cope with demand. “Obviously, stock – we have to stay way up on stock. We have deliveries coming in nearly every day – just always rotating around,” he said. The venue has added two mobile fridge units in the back alley to ensure a constant supply of cold beer.
McDonnell noted that the influx of Scotland supporters transformed business, even on typically quiet nights. “On a Monday now, we still have a queue down the street, we have full staff, we have record numbers,” he said. The pub has also brought in extra bartenders from sister bars elsewhere in Boston to handle the surge.
Zero Problems from Tartan Army
Despite the heavy drinking and partying, McDonnell praised the behaviour of Scotland fans. “They are big boozers, big partiers – but while doing all that, they caused zero problems,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve had to kick out a single person. There’s been no scraps, no malice from anyone.”
With England fans now arriving for the Three Lions’ match against Ghana, McDonnell hopes they will match the Scots’ conduct. “The Scots have really set a high standard with regard to the party, but also just their behaviour and everything. So I hope the English can follow suit,” he joked.
World Cup Boosts Boston Pub Business
The World Cup has turned the Dubliner into a round-the-clock hotspot. McDonnell said visitors have told him it is “one of the best vacations they ever took,” despite initial hesitations about traveling to America. The pub is preparing for another busy period as England supporters fill the city.
