Carlisle pubs preparing for the wave of winter World Cup fever

The global football tournament kicks off on Sunday, November 20 with the hosts Qatar facing Ecuador at 4pm UK time.

4,500 miles away from the action, pubs in Carlisle are preparing for the influx of football-mad local fans who will be watching the tournament unfold.

Gareth Southgate's England play their first match of the World Cup on Monday, November 21 at the Khalifa International Stadium at 1pm UK time, and many Cumbrians will be heading to their local pubs to catch the action.

The Wheatsheaf in Wetheral is one such pub that is hoping to attract those craving World Cup action.

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The Wheatsheaf is one local pub that will be looking to benefit from the arrival of winter World Cup fever (Image: Google Street View)

The pub is equipped with two TVs and owner Graham Watt believes that the tournament will give the pub a much needed boost at this time of year.

He said: "It's different to normal for this time of year because it's traditionally quiet.

"The World Cup always gives the pubs a boost but especially with all that is going on in the run up to Christmas."

Mr Watt also explained that the Wheatsheaf will be making an exception to its regular hours to accomodate for the World Cup - but accepts that the UK kick-off times for the matches in Qatar is not ideal.

He said: "We will be open for the [England] game on Monday. We usually open at 3pm but we will be open and it will be interesting to see how many people come down."

Although the start of the winter months can be a slow period for local pubs, Mr Watt explained that he has one eye on the potential clash of the World Cup and Christmas parties that are booked at the pub in December.

He said: "It will be interesting to see how far England get in the tournament and how this works over Christmas with our Christmas parties."

In the centre of Carlisle, Botchergate is known for its pubs and clubs and was the scene of wild celebrations when England reached the semi-final of the 2018 Russia World Cup.

On Botchergate, the Woodrow Wilson and William Rufus Wetherspoons are fan-favourites that are ready to welcome football fans throughout the World Cup.

A Wetherspoons spokesperson said: "Our pubs in Carlisle will be showing the World Cup matches.

"It will give people the opportunity to watch the games and enjoy something to drink and eat at the same time."

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