Pubs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Historic pub beloved by football fans set to be turned into nine flats as fans say ‘piece of history going’

      by

      FOOTBALL fans have been left heartbroken after finding out a historic pub regularly frequented by match-goers is set to be turned in to flats. Swansea City fans are mourning the end of the Singleton Hotel pub which had previously been a go-to destination for fans on a match day.
      The Singleton Hotel pub is set to be turned into flats
      The pub was just a short walk from Swansea City’s old ground Vetch FieldCredit: PA
      The old pub was a fan favourite watering hole before and after games for Swansea supporters for a number of years.
      It was located just a stones throw away from Vetch Field where the Swans used to play their home fixtures until 2005 when they moved to the Liberty Stadium.
      It was also well known for its live music and operated as a hotel which regularly hosted familiar faces from the world of theatre due to its proximity to Swansea Grand Theatre.
      Those who loved the pub were disappointed to learn that it was closing its doors for good back in 2019 and they will now have to say goodbye again following the proposed works to make it into flats.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      And fans have reacted to the news that the historic venue will no longer be a part of their lives.
      One said: “Another piece of Swansea history going.”
      Another added: “Sad. Used to go there 40 years ago, before and after Swans home game.”
      A third said: “The good old days. Swansea pub life is practically gone now.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Swansea fans have had to wave goodbye to one of their old favourite pubs and will be hoping they don’t wave goodbye to the Championship this season too.
      The Welsh outfit currently sit 22nd in the league after a terrible start to the season that sees them winless in their opening five games.
      Swansea City are yet to win in the league this seasonCredit: Alamy More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Eddie Howe breaks silence on Sandro Tonali’s trip to Wetherspoons and reveals which Newcastle star copped the blame

      by

      EDDIE HOWE has revealed that Matt Ritchie has got the blame for sending Sandro Tonali to Wetherspoons.The Newcastle manager broke his silence on the Italian’s pub trip during his press conference ahead of the game against Manchester City on Saturday evening.
      Eddie Howe has broken his silence on Sandro Tonali’s trip to WetherspoonsCredit: Getty
      The midfielder went to the boozer after the win over Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
      Howe has said that Matt Ritchie has been blamed for the prankCredit: Alamy

      Tonali, 23, found himself at The Job Bulman pub in Newcastle following the club’s Premier League opening win over Aston Villa.
      The midfielder’s name was spotted by a fan on a reserved sign before he was then pictured with a supporter at the venue.
      The strange choice of venue for the former AC Milan star had fans convinced his team-mates had pulled a prank on him.
      This then led fans to speculate who the mischievous team member was, with club star Bruno Guimaraes being asked who it was, although he did not crack under pressure.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The intrigue has now led to manager Howe to be asked about the prank, to which he insisted there was no problem with his newest star being in the pub.
      However, he revealed that Scottish midfielder Ritchie is being blamed for the joke.
      He said: “He was in there for something to eat, I think. A very innocent situation.
      “He’s settled in really well and built friendships.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      “I’m not sure how Matt Ritchie has got the blame — poor Matty!
      “I’m not sure he booked it for him.”
      Tonali arrived from the Rossoneri this summer for a fee of £60million , making the 23-year-old the most expensive Italian player in history.
      The move already prompted some bitter AC Milan fans to say the Italian international has downgraded by swapping Italy for England.
      However, he seems to be settling in as he was hailed as a “man of the people” as he followed up his Wetherspoons trip with a visit to a local ice cream shop Scoopalicious. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans get big boost ahead of historic World Cup final in call for early opening hours for pubs

      by

      PUB bosses today called on Rishi Sunak to loosen Sunday licensing rules for the Women’s World Cup final.Hospitality chiefs want boozers to be permitted to sell alcohol before 10am, with the Lionesses set to take on Spain an hour later.
      Pub bosses today called on Rishi Sunak to loosen licensing rules for the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Alamy
      Most pubs are banned from selling alcohol in the early morning.
      But hospitality chiefs want an exception this Sunday.
      Chris Jowsey, chief executive officer of Admiral Taverns, which runs more than 1,600 pubs, said: “We urge the Prime Minister to allow pubs to open at 10am on Sunday to support our Lionesses and bring communities together to cheer on the team.
      “It has been inspiring to watch not only their outstanding achievements on the pitch, but the way it has brought the nation together off the pitch.”
      READ MORE LIONESSES NEWS
      Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, added “Millions of people have been cheering on our amazing Lionesses throughout this tournament at their local pub.
      “Now, as England enter their first World Cup Final since 1966, we need the government to step in and allow the necessary regulatory easement to allow pubs to serve the public from 10am on final day.
      “Where there’s a will, there has to be a way.”
      Individual pubs can apply for a temporary licence to serve booze before 11am.
      But the process takes a minimum of five working days.
      So far there’s no plans from government to make sweeping changes the rules.
      MPs today joined calls from the hospitality industry.
      The Lib Dems demanded politicians return to Westminster from parliamentary recess so a new law can be passed to change alcohol restrictions on the day.
      Lib Dem Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: “This is an open goal for the government.
      “The Lionesses have made history by reaching the final, it’s only right that people across the country can come together and show their full support on Sunday.
      “MPs should get down to Westminster tomorrow and score a last minute winner for our pubs and the Lionesses.”
      Most read in The Sun
      Alun Cairns MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said: “Early opening and serving would be a fitting tribute to the Lionesses and a welcome boost to the industry.
      “I have raised the issue with the Home Secretary directly who is looking in to see what is possible.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Female football fans now flock to pubs thanks to Lionesses but some too worried because of safety fears

      by

      MORE than half of female football fans are now more likely to head to a pub to cheer on their team. That is down to the Lionesses’ roaring success in recent years.
      England’s Lionesses ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      A poll of 1,350 women who follow the beautiful game revealed 79 per cent believe a successful tournament for England at the Women’s World Cup will encourage even more fans to head out to the pub to watch a match. 
      They get their campaign underway against Haiti tomorrow.
      However, 36 per cent admitted they have avoided supporting their team – because they are worried about their safety heading home at full time.
      More than half (51 per cent) have avoided watching evening games so they don’t have to walk home in the dark.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And 59 per cent are concerned about the large crowds that congregate at the full-time whistle.
      The research was commissioned by Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, which has partnered with personal safety app WalkSafe, to empower more than 500,000 users to map a safe route home leveraging police data and safety information. 
      Emma Kay, founder of WalkSafe, said: “An exciting summer of sport is already well underway.
      “And with the incredible achievements of the Lionesses, and a raft of other inspirational sportswomen, it’s no surprise more and more want to support these stars in pubs and stadiums.
      Most read in Football
      “But as many have unfortunately discovered, getting back following the events isn’t always the most hospitable environment.
      “That’s why it is important we continue our partnership with Budweiser Brewing Group, to help support our mission to make the world a safer place, giving our users the tools to put their personal safety first.”
      However, 63 per cent will not let safety concerns diminish their love of football.
      And 62 per cent have managed to make new friends because of their shared passion for the sport, the study conducted via OnePoll.com found.
      Brian Perkins, president of Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a football match and not worry about getting home safely at the final whistle.
      “But as the research shows, it is still a major concern for a significant number of female fans who simply want to cheer on their team.”
      England’s Millie Bright with team-mates at the Brisbane StadiumCredit: PA More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jubilant West Ham fans take to the streets to celebrate after triumphant Europa Conference League win over Fiorentina

      by

      JUBILANT West Ham fans took to the streets last night to celebrate  after their club won its first major trophy in 43 years.Fans threw their arms into the air as Jarrod Bowen netted a last-gasp winner to crown the Irons champions of the Europa Conference League.
      West Ham fans shed tears of joy after their team won their first European trophy in 58 years last nightCredit: AFP
      Supporters took to the streets to commemorate the massive momentCredit: AFP
      The streets were coloured maroon and blue following the winCredit: AFP
      Supporters collapsed in tears at full-time after the 2-1 victory over Italy’s Fiorentina.
      After captain Declan Rice took his place in West Ham history alongside legendary trophy-winning skippers Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, fans filled the streets of Czechia’s capital – as well as back in London.
      Footage showed supporters cheering at the top of their lungs and leaping on top of each other in excitement.
      Others were seen collapsing in tears at full-time as the Irons were crowned champions.
      Read more on football
      Many tore their shirts off as they screamed in celebration, while others had their phones in their hands – capturing the historic moment.
      Adults and children alike cheered for their beloved team, closing their eyes with their arms around one another.
      In Prague, where West Ham fans had earlier been ambushed by Italia ultra hooligans, the streets overflowed with Hammers.
      Back home was no different, with maroon and blue shirts spilling out of pubs.
      Most read in Football
      Inside Prague’s bars, fans leapt onto tables, kissing each other as tears streamed down their faces.
      Many could be heard singing: “West Ham are massive everywhere we go.”
      Others chanted: “2-1 to the cockney boys”.
      The Europa Conference League final took place at the 19,300 capacity Fortuna Arena, with West Ham receiving a ticket allocation of just 5,000.
      Just hours prior to the match, supporters had been attacked in what was dubbed an unprovoked brawl.
      Black-clad hooligans in hoodies and masks could be seen hurling chairs and flares toward a bar full of Irons fans.
      Around 300 West Ham supporters, including families, had been drinking at the pub when they were ambushed by a gang of 100 yobs brandishing chains, belts, and bottles.
      People were said to have been raced to hospital, while local police arrested the yobs on the ground.
      After the match, as celebrations spilled into the streets, West Ham fans clashed with cops in riot gear.
      A flare was let off in the crowd with one eye-witness saying “all hell broke loose”.
      Trouble also broke out during the match in the city’s Fortuna Arena as West Ham fans hurled plastic pint pots at a Fiorentina player.
      Cristiano Biraghi had blood pouring from his head after being struck as he went to take a corner.
      The referee was also handed a disposable vape thrown from the crowd.
      The game was West Ham’s first European final for 47 years — but concerns were raised beforehand about the prospect of trouble.
      The stadium holds just 20,800 — with a mere 4,890 seats allocated to West Ham supporters.
      However, an estimated 20,000 were in Prague, many heading to the fan zone.
      Read more on The Sun
      Many praised the reception from the Czechs and mingled with celebrity supporters such as TV chat show host James Corden, 44.
      It was West Ham’s first European trophy in 58 yearsCredit: Rex
      Celebrations will no doubt go on long into the nightCredit: PA
      These fans couldn’t contain their excitementCredit: Rex
      This young fan was clearly delightedCredit: Rex
      Fans were over the moon at the winCredit: PA
      Pubs in Prague erupted when the game neared its endCredit: PP.
      It was a big day for West Ham fansCredit: AFP
      West Ham fans will remember this day for years to comeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd . More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Fiorentina ultras attack West Ham fans with fireworks, metal bars and chairs in mass brawl ahead of UECL final

      by

      SHOCK footage shows Fiorentina ultras attacking West Ham fans with fireworks and metal bars at a pub in Prague. Black-clad hooligans in hoodies and masks can be seen hurling chairs and flares toward a pub full of Irons fans.
      Footage shows Italian fans appearing to attack a West Ham pub
      The pub was left devastated as it was hit by flares, hurled chairs and broken glass
      Czech riot police stepped in to catch the Fiorentina hooligans
      Hoolies are seen wielding bars and hurling objects at West Ham fans
      Some 20,000 West Ham fans are in Prague for the Europa Conference League final which kicks off at Slavia Prague’s Eden Arena at 9pm local time.
      Hammers supporters had been enjoying the sunshine as the club seeks to secure its first major trophy for 43 years.
      But the scenes turn nasty when a group of approximately 50 Italian hooligans began attacking the pub – which had a banner outside that read: “Forever Blowing Bubbles”.
      Footage from multiple angles shows the gang descending on the bar, hurling chairs, throwing flares and fireworks, and wielding clubs and metal bars.
      READ MORE ON WEST HAM
      And a loud explosion can be heard as a bright flash is seen just outside the bar amongst a group of West Ham fans.
      Smoke can be seen rising from the pub, with the street reportedly left covered in broken glass.
      Czech police in riot gear could be seen chasing down groups of hooligans as they attempted to flee.
      One eyewitness told The Sun: “The mob attacked a couple of bars before police clocked on to them.
      Most read in Football
      “A load of undercovers got hold of them after they tried to attack another one.
      “They all tried to attack a group of West Ham, but they were quickly floored by the police. 
      “The ultras didn’t want to stay and fight anyone. It was just a load of scumbags in black throwing chairs.”
      He added: “The atmosphere has been peaceful all day and both sets of fans have got on. Fiorentina, like many European clubs, has that hardcore element and this is what we’ve seen.”
      The ultras didn’t want to stay and fight anyone. It was just a load of scumbags in black throwing chairs.Witness
      Cops confirmed they arrested 16 Italian fans after the attack on the pub in Rytířská Street.
      Journalism student Alfie Mulligan tweeted: “Just been stood in a lovely bar in Prague … 50+ Fiorentina fans come round the corner shooting fireworks, armed with batons … but looks like a war hospital.
      “Completely unprovoked. Children in the bar. I got hit by a chair. This isn’t what the final was about.”
      He added: “Shambolic scenes from the Fiorentina support. I’ve never been so scared in my life.
      “Italian ultras. More like cowards. Completely unprovoked.”
      In a statement, Czech cops said: “Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar in Rytířská Street, injuring three.
      Read more on The Sun
      “One policeman was also attacked.
      “We have restricted the personal freedom of 16 people and we are currently investigating the whole incident.”
      Plain clothes police detain another fan in the street after the brawl
      Czech police revealed a picture of the arrested Italian fansCredit: Police Handout More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside abandoned stadium of Premier League club which was only ground to have a pub on each corner but now lies in ruins

      by

      GRIFFIN PARK was until recently one of the most vibrant stadiums in the Football League.Despite its meagre capacity of 12,764, the stadium was iconic for the fact it was the only English stadium to have a pub on every corner of the ground.
      Brentfod fans celebrate outside Griffin Park during the coronavirus pandemic.Credit: Getty
      Demolition begins at Griffin Park.Credit: Rex
      Griffin Park in its abandoned state.Credit: Rex
      But since Brentford made the move to the Gtech Community Stadium in September 2020, their spiritual home has been left in a state of ruin.
      All that remains now are the corners of some stands which are covered in weeds.
      The stadium was home to Brentford since 1904, when it was acquired as an orchard from Fuller’s brewing company.
      A team of volunteers cut down the trees in order to make room for the Bees’ former home, in exchange for being able to keep the wood.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      True to its reputation of being the only ground with a pub on every corner, the name of Griffin Park was inspired by one of the corner pubs named ‘The Griffin’.
      The others were: The Princess Royal, The New Inn and The Brook.
      The stadium was built with a 20,000 seater capacity in mind, alongside hopes that it could be increased to 30,000.
      However for much of Brentford’s early history, the ‘stadium’ consisted of one grandstand.
      Most read in Championship
      It wasn’t until Brentford’s debut season in the first division in 1935-36 that the ground finally had four stands.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      In the 1980s Griffin Park began taking the shape it would until its closure, with seated stands nestled between the four pubs.
      For much of Brentford’s history, their lower league status did not necessitate improvement, which led to Griffin Park having an old-school look.
      Speculation around moving away from their home began around 2002, but it wasn’t until current owner Matthew Benham became involved with the club that plans to move accelerated.
      Benham made his money in finance before moving to sports betting in 2001, which enabled him to make his millions.
      He implemented a gambling model alongside former business partner and now Brighton owner Tony Bloom which allowed their company to predict matches more accurately than the bookies.
      After the club fell into financial trouble under former owner Ron Noades, Benham began investing in the club as a ‘mystery investor’ in 2003.
      Demolition in progress at Griffin Park.Credit: Rex
      One of the club’s famous former entrances.Credit: Rex
      Benham gradually expanded his control over the Bees’ by agreeing to take on their loans before becoming the full owner of the club in 2012.
      The club earned promotion to The Championship in 2014 and final approval for the building of the Gtech Community Stadium was granted in September 2016.
      With the club flirting with promotion to the Premier League both in the 2014-15 season and 2018-19, questions were asked as to whether Griffin Park could safely be used in England’s top tier.
      The club were expected to apply for special dispensation to remain at Griffin Park while construction on the Gtech was completed.
      Much to the frustration of Brentford fans, they were unable to say goodbye to the ground due to the final season at Griffin Park being played during the Covid-impacted 2020-21 season.
      Read More on The Sun
      The club earned planning permission to build 75 family homes on the site of Griffin Park, alongside a centrepiece garden that would pay tribute to their former home.
      But in a recent photo, its clear to see that building has not begun and all that remains are crumbling stands.
      The stadium in its heyday.Credit: Getty
      Griffin Park is now derelict.Credit: Rex
      The current remains of Griffin Park.Credit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man arrested for ‘killing’ football fan Tony Johnson after Burnley and Blackpool supporters brawled outside pub

      by

      A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of killing a football fan who died after a brawl between Burnley and Blackpool supporters.Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a fatal head injury after the fight erupted outside The Manchester Pub in Blackpool on March 4.
      Tony Johnson, pictured with his partner, died from a fatal head injuryCredit: SWNS
      A 33-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in custody.
      Six other men aged between 18 and 49 have also been detained on suspicion of violent disorder.
      The arrests came following morning raids at eight addresses across Fylde and Burnley yesterday.
      Tony died after his beloved Blackpool drew 0-0 with Burnley at home.
      Read more news
      Speaking on behalf of Tony’s family, his partner said their lives were “never going to be the same” after the death of the “beloved” grandad.
      She said: “I am devastated to have lost my best friend, life partner and soul mate in a cruel act.
      “Tony was a very much loved dad, son, brother, uncle and Gramps and obviously a beloved friend to many.
      “We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same.
      Most read in Football
      “He will be one missed gentleman and the party will live on through us all, just as he would’ve wanted.
      “Rest in peace my darling, tangerine dreams forever.”
      Tony’s partner paid tribute More