Football fans in their thousands defied the rain to pour into venues across Westside to watch England’s 6-2 victory in their first World Cup match versus Iran this afternoon.
A regular stream of fans were reported at every venue screening the match, which on Broad Street alone included Velvet Music Rooms, the Brasshouse, Coyote Ugly and Wetherspoon’s two venues, The Soloman Cutler and Figure of Eight.
Other Westside pubs showing the match included Walkabout on Regency Walk, Tap and Spile on Gas Street, Prince of Wales on Cambridge Street, The Malthouse on King Edwards Road, and The Canal House on Bridge Street.
The match was also screened by Westside’s various hotels, including the Hyatt, the Hampton by Hilton and Jury’s Inn.
At Velvet Music Rooms, there are EIGHTEEN screens displaying constant action from EVERY match at the World Cup in Qatar.
And crowds of customers were today particularly drawn by Velvet’s giant, ultra HD 4K screen, measuring a huge 4×2 metres, which is claimed to be the biggest TV screen inside any Midlands bar.
Dani Hadley, co-owner of Velvet, speaking just after England’s victory, said: “We were delighted to host a good, steady flow of customers from the minute we opened.
“Many told us they had taken the day off work to watch the match, and so we’re looking forward to welcoming them back to watch England’s next matches against the USA and Wales.”
The England v USA match will be screened at Westside venues at 7pm on Friday 25 November, with the big England v Wales fixture live at 7pm on Tuesday 29 November.
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “Here on Westside we are so proud of our venues who have successfully drawn thousands of extra customers through their marketing of the live World Cup matches.
“On a Monday afternoon – traditionally a quiet period for any bar – we’ve seen thousands of customers visiting our area to watch and celebrate England’s victory.
“I know there are a few pubs in Birmingham supposedly banning the World Cup for all sort of daft reasons, but here on Westside we will always make sure that sport, with all the goodwill and understanding it brings, is available for all to enjoy.”
Find out more about where to watch the World Cup on Westside by visiting: Velvet Music Rooms, the Brasshouse, The Soloman Cutler, Figure of Eight, Walkabout, Coyote Ugly, Tap and Spile, Prince of Wales, The Malthouse, and The Canal House.
Pictures: scenes at Velvet Music Rooms today as England fans cheer on the victory versus Iran.
