The World Cup helps local business flourish

Eastern Daily Press: England's Harry Kane (hidden) is mobbed by team-mates as he scores his side's first goal of the game during the World Cup Group G match against Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena. Picture: Owen Humphreys / PA WireEngland's Harry Kane (hidden) is mobbed by team-mates as he scores his side's first goal of the game during the World Cup Group G match against Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena. Picture: Owen Humphreys / PA Wire (Image: PA Wire)

It has kept football fans glued to their screens - and, so it seems, ordering their pints.

And as the World Cup enters a crucial stage, Norwich publicans are hoping the tournament's early boost for city trade will continue to help them scoring some business success.

Venues across the fine city say the 2018 tournament in Russia has brought in a surge of people to watch matches at their local.

The Murderers in Timber Hill even has a life-size cut out of Harry Kane at the front door - but owner Philip Cutter said it is the supporters who create the atmosphere at his pub.

Mr Cutter said: 'With free to air, we have to rely on the fact people will come watch the game in the pub instead of their home,

'We build up the atmosphere by playing football anthems but it is really the supporters who make it what it is.'

The Murderers already has 60 football fans pre-booked for breakfast on Sunday morning at 10am ahead of England's game against Panama.

Mr Cutter said the international event is 'absolutely fantastic' for business.

He said: 'It's the anticipation of four years, even after the first game you feel like we might have a chance.'

Jonathon Childs, manager of the Boundary Pub in Aylsham Road, said there had been fans of all nationalities.

Mr Childs said: 'The football has been a tale of two halves. The England game on Monday, we were at our capacity of 260 and all very well-natured,

'On the Tuesday we had a very large crowd of people from Poland, over 100, again all very well natured but some of the other games such as Croatia versus Argentina we were very quiet.

'It's important to note it's the World Cup, not just an English-based game. The customers we have love sports and we strive to make the sporting events great fun.'

From 11am on Sunday, bacon rolls will be served and football-themed songs will be played throughout the pub.

Across two rooms, the pub will have six screens televising the England game. There will also be a barbecue set up in the beer garden as well as a five aside football field.

Open Youth trust is also hosting a free live screening of England's second match at the World Cup.