Just five of JD Wetherspoon's approximately 800 pubs across the UK will open for England's crunch 1am World Cup clash against Mexico on Monday, despite the Government allowing pubs to serve customers until 5am for the match. The decision means only a handful of the chain's venues will be showing the game, although supporters in the North East are better served than most after two of the five selected pubs were confirmed to be in the region.
England's Path to the Last-16
England booked their place in the last-16 showdown after overcoming DR Congo on Wednesday. Thomas Tuchel's side were made to work for the victory, with Harry Kane levelling the match in the 75th minute before scoring again in the 86th minute to seal a 2-1 win. The result sets up what is expected to be a difficult encounter against tournament hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Government Licensing Extension
On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that pubs across England and Wales would be permitted to remain open until 5am for the fixture. Four fan zones in Newcastle have also confirmed they will open, as England supporters prepare to sacrifice a night's sleep in the hope of watching their team reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The nationwide extension means individual pubs will not have to apply separately for a licence to stay open later.
Announcing the extension to pub opening hours on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer said: "Football might be coming home, but we're making sure fans don't have to. Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together."
Wetherspoon's Limited Opening
Despite the extended licensing hours however, a spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon said "only five of the 800 Wetherspoon pubs will be open" for the match. Of the 91 branches located within Greater London, just one branch will be opening as the Three Lions face El Tricolor. Other pub owners have also opted out of opening for the match, pointing to staffing issues.
Full List of Wetherspoons Opening for England vs Mexico
- The Bishop's Mill – Durham
- The Cooper Rose – Sunderland
- The William Rufus – Carlisle
- Penderel's Oak – Holborn, London
- The Solomon Cutler – Birmingham
