Football fever still at home
Our home nations may have failed to qualify for Euro 2008, but as BigHospitality has found, many pubs and bars are still using the tournament as an excuse to pull in extra trade.
European bars, pubs and restaurants all over the country are getting swept up in football fever as they support their home nations in Austria and Switzerland. Many are simply showing the live games, but other businesses are going the extra mile to score an increase in trade during the tournament.
The Bavarian Beerhouse in London is the UK home of the German Football Federation’s official fan club for the national team, Nationalmannschaft. As well as decorating the venue and showing all German matches on giant plasma screens, the bar/ restaurant will also be hosting some football-themed events during the tournament.
Waiters and waitresses will be donning traditional dress for the occasion, and the bar will be come alive with some after-match parties, hosted by a live DJ, although entry to the event must be booked in advance.
Diana Lehman, Manager of Bavarian Beerhouse said: “It is an honour to be the UK home of German football and we will be cheering on our national team in the hope that Germany brings home the Euro 2008 cup.”
The Real Greek restaurant, also in London, is planning to hold some exciting events, with free shots of Ouzo given each time the team scores, and some football-themed variations of some of their regular dishes.
"We`re 100 per cent behind the Greek team and hope to completely run out of Ouzo by the end of the championship as the lads storm to victory," said Liz Williams, Managing Director of The Real Greek.
The British Beer & Pub Association said many traditional British pubs, like the Belvedere in West London, have pledged to adopt a competing country so as not to miss out on Euro 2008.
"We think pubs will benefit significantly from the tournament, whether it`s by offering an increased range of European beers or adopting a nation. We expect sales will be up on the previous year, even though England are not in it," said a spokesman.
Regulars at the Belvedere are showing an allegiance to the Polish team and are planning to donate over £2,000 to the Barka UK charity, if Poland get through to the final.
Andy Eldridge, Manager of The Belvedere, said: "Our customers are really looking forward to the tournament. We have big screens set up for the matches and we’re looking forward to welcoming large crowds for each game. Of course I’m supporting Poland all the way."
The tournament kicks off at 6pm tomorrow night, with Switzerland playing the Czech Republic.
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