THE World Cup coupled with England’s run to the semi-final has given pubs a boost in sales, with the Beer and Pub Association estimating that 41 million extra pints were downed in our pubs nationally during England’s World Cup exit against Croatia alone.

The World Cup and warm weather was always going to be good news for many pubs and clubs across East Lancashire too, being particularly welcome by our local wet-led establishments boasting large screen TVs, a comfy, friendly, spacious environment and copious amounts of fine beer.

One such establishment taking advantage of the competition and fitting the above criteria, was the Free Gardener’s Arms, Padiham. Me and my beery amigo, Bob Fletcher, were there for the England versus Sweden game.

The pub was ideal for the game - a friendly and welcoming hostelry with affable staff and three large screens to view the quarter-final joust. There was a choice of four cask conditioned ales to slake your thirst during the footy encounter.

It was so heartening to see a pub full to the rafters with everyone enjoying a fine social and sporting occasion and also giving our much loved boozers a welcome financial boost.

Both me, Bob and many friends very much enjoyed a real pub experience with beers in first-class condition.

Licensee of the Free Gardeners, Steve Hindley, said: “The World Cup was a real success at both my venues, the Free Gardeners, Padiham and the Old Bridge Inn, Barrowford. It was a great viewing experience with our large screens and excellent sound systems. Also, all the football banter played a big part in the success, with our staff rising to the occasion.”

Of course there were many local pubs that did not have the large screen facility; and possibly lost out on some World Cup trade.

Emma Harrison, joint owner at the popular Bridge Bier Huis in Burnley town centre said: “We had a really good atmosphere for all the England games. The semi-final was very busy.

However, Emma added: “The day after we probably had one of our worst business Thursday’s ever. Friday and over the weekend was relatively quiet too but, we didn’t have the big screens to attract a large audience for the games. So, after a good start to the week, it felt like a normal week’s business by the close on Sunday.”

Over in Rawtenstall, the Casked Micropub has no television facility.

This popular establishment is where good beer and conversation is paramount. So, not surprisingly, owners Mike and Amanda Jones, have experienced a reduction in footfall during the World Cup.

Mike said: “There was definitely a negative impact on business. Many of our regulars went to watch the England matches at sports bars or simply stayed at home, enjoying the good weather along with the footy..”

But, he added: “Trade picked up though, as if by magic, over the weekend!”

So, a mixed response by some of our local licensees in relation to trading conditions during World Cup month.

However, I suspect the majority of the locality’s drink-led pubs, clubs and bars will have enjoyed a good to strong boost in their takings and number of customers through their doors.

Let’s hope all those customers return more regularly to experience the joys of our fine social drinking establishments.