Liverpool pub owners have shared what it is really like during England World Cup games, revealing a unique atmosphere that differs from club matches. As England prepares to kick off their World Cup campaign, venues across Merseyside are gearing up for the tournament.
The Angus: A Different Crowd
Dan Nicholson and Shaun O'Donnell, owners of The Angus pubs in Liverpool city centre and Crosby, have been preparing for the influx of customers. Shaun O'Donnell told the ECHO: "We're planning for it to be busier than usual, we've got England flags out and some other countries just to try and give it a bit of decoration because it is a tough time for hospitality at the moment."
He added: "Hopefully it will give us a well-needed injection because it has been quite tough, this year has probably been the toughest to date since we opened."
However, O'Donnell noted a key difference: "In terms of the 'Scouse not English' thing, it does ring true. We'll never be as busy as we are for a Liverpool game. We get a different crowd, it's probably more relaxed, more couples come in and the big difference is that people just aren't bothered about the result."
Memorable Moments
Reflecting on past tournaments, O'Donnell recalled: "One memory that stands out is in the Euros when Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty, the place erupted. People back whatever Liverpool and Everton players are in the team, but obviously there aren't many of them this year."
Denbigh Castle: Mixed Feelings
Dominic and Fiona Hornsby, who run several Liverpool venues including Denbigh Castle, shared their views. Fiona Hornsby said: "Everybody loves moaning about England, especially this year with the German manager. They think he hasn't got a clue and hasn't taken the right players."
Despite the criticism, international tournaments provide a boost. She explained: "With The Denbigh Castle, we have got no outside area, so June and July are always quite a quiet time. So England playing is really a benefit; it gives us that lift in a quieter month."
She recalled the Euro 2024 final: "It was England vs Spain, and it was chaos. We got a lot of Spanish customers, and the beer garden was really good fun, with half English and half Spanish. It doesn't get as territorial as a Premier League game."
Cobden in Woolton: Success Depends on England's Performance
Jackie Mallon, who runs the Cobden with her son Michael, noted: "We don't get as busy for the World Cup. We don't get as busy when England's on as we would say, a Liverpool, Man United or a local derby game. But, the better England do, the better we do."
She added: "A couple of World Cups ago, England got knocked out early, so the flags and bunting were a bit dated by the final. But the last one, England did brilliantly, so the busier we were."
