England legend Joe Cole surprised patrons at a Kent pub that recently won a major technology upgrade, appearing unannounced to enjoy the pre-match atmosphere ahead of the World Cup. The former Chelsea star walked into The Lord Byron in Margate just before England's 1-0 friendly victory over New Zealand on Saturday, delighting fans who had gathered to watch the game.
Samsung's Raise the Bar campaign
Cole has been fronting Samsung's UK-wide Raise the Bar initiative, which highlights the crucial role of local pubs and venues as community hubs. The campaign provides top-of-the-range equipment and financial backing to ensure these spaces are primed to bring people together for a memorable summer of football.
Fans at The Lord Byron were already enjoying the newly installed Samsung televisions and audio systems when Cole arrived to join the pre-match build-up. The pub was chosen as the ultimate winner after more than 11,000 Britons cast their votes in a nationwide search.
Prize package worth thousands
As the recipient, The Lord Byron received thousands of pounds worth of cutting-edge TVs and audio technology, guaranteeing an unmatched viewing experience for match days. Samsung's Raise the Bar campaign draws attention to one of Britain's most cherished yet increasingly pressured institutions: the local pub.
The initiative comes at a time when research indicates that 87% of pubs say events like the World Cup are vital for boosting revenue, with earnings rising by an average of £10,985 per month during such periods.
Community hub saved from closure
Tony Palmer, a full-time firefighter and community champion, has transformed The Lord Byron into a welcoming hub for Margate residents. The pub hosts a wide range of initiatives for locals, community groups, and sports teams. Nearly 2,000 regulars frequent the establishment, making it a cornerstone of local life after it was saved from closure during the COVID-19 pandemic by residents rallying together to support it.
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 Palmer, landlord of The Lord Byron, commented: "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."
Runners-up also rewarded
Samsung's Raise the Bar campaign created an opportunity for multiple venues to upgrade their tech in time for kick-off. 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 period 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."
