City centre venues in World Cup fever cash boost

Worcester venues that would ordinarily never show football have reported a spike in takings after embracing World Cup fever.

Emily O'Brian, a barmaid at Tonic, said showing Wednesday night's England game against Croatia felt "very community based".

She said: "We did it really just for our regulars that are quite into football and we like giving back. People were there having a nice time, having a chat."

Jasmin Bishop, from Weavers Of Worcester, said: "Outside we had 40 to 50 people cheering and it was absolutely brilliant for us. Even with the late kick-off it was fantastic."

O'Brian also praised Worcester's independent businesses for their support.

She said: "One thing I love about Worcester - I've been here about nine years - is that all the independent bars aren't competing with each other, we're more helping each other out.

"I think that's why we're so successful. I think we're over 70% independent in this city now and I think that's down to not viewing each other as competition and rather as community.

"And that's what's nice about the World Cup, it's not my team against your team, it's our team."

Over at the Copper Beech Brew Co, Alice Hartley said: "A lot of our customers asked if we would be showing it so we decided to put it on.

"We were pretty full and fully booked out. We had pre-bookings and walk-ins, and we definitely saw an increase in takings because we're not normally open in the week.

"I think it's very important to keep people coming and having these things on encourages different people to come."

Sam Barriscale, from Spin The Black Circle, said his business was more known for its live music events but decided to make an exception for the World Cup.

"It's a nice, chilled cafe vibe rather than a sports bar," he said. "I never watch football or any sports but enough people said they were interested in it so of course we'll pop it on."

Asked if takings had improved as a result of showing the football, Barriscale said: "Very much so. We had about 20 to 30 people in here, and we're not usually open on a Wednesday evening - we opened up especially."

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