England footballers came home for Chelmsford pub, says landlady

Football might not be coming home (again), but the Three Lions will at least return home as heroes in the eyes of one Essex pub.

Landlady Ruby Andrews said her team spent about a year preparing the pub for the World Cup games, by installing extra screens and employing more staff and security.

According to the British Beer and Pub Association, two pubs closed per day in the first quarter of 2026.

"They save the economy and I'm sure a lot of pubs have used the World Cup to save their restaurants, pubs, bars," she said.

"For us, this has been our best summer ever and that is to do with the World Cup and everyone who comes out and celebrates and enjoys with their friends. It makes a world of difference.

"I won't lie. Seeing everyone up, cheering, pints in the air, it is fantastic. There is no atmosphere like it."

Since April, pubs and music venues in England have had a 15% discount on business rates, and the government says there will not be increases for two years.

Meanwhile, the Anchor in South Benfleet ensured its doors opened for the game, despite a car crashing into the side of the building on Tuesday evening.

Landlady Haley Sewell said: "It's a pub, it's what we do, we just carry on."

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