THE delayed EURO 2020 is well underway but Oswestry is yet-to-be gripped with football fever following England’s opening win over Croatia.
With Raheem Sterling taking the plaudits for his winning goal, The Advertizer ventured into Oswestry to see how the action was playing out in the town’s pubs.
But with the extremely hot weather taking many away from pubs and bars to enjoy the sun, there was a surprisingly small numbers across the boozers with many opting to stay away.
Helen Nightingale, who has been operator of the Boars Head, in Willow Street, since pubs reopened in April, said she drafted in extra staff to cover any rush but admitted her surprise at the lack of busyness.
She added: “I was expecting a lot more customers, but the weather has obviously got them out doing other things or staying at home to watch.
“But I am extremely grateful to the people that have come to the pub to watch the game.
“I do think that whether England or Wales go far in the tournament, it will get busier and more will come.
“A lot of people might still have the June 21 announcement in their minds as well.
“I am surprised that town is so quiet in general though, but it’ll get busier next week when England play Scotland next Friday.”
Despite pubs still restricted by the rule of six, the inside of the Boars Head was much busier than its beer garden, but some customers say they over-estimated how busy it would be, ensuring they made an early start to claim a table.
Darren Jones, who bears a more-than-passing resemblance to England skipper Harry Kane – according to his mates – said: “We’re surprised it’s this quiet.
“We came down down at 11am to claim a table thinking it would be busy but at 1pm, there were still plenty left.
“I don’t think it’ll be the same for next week though.”
For a number of pubs, it remained a normal hot sunny afternoon on a Sunday, with a smattering of customers dining with the game on in the background.
However, The Tankard – in Festival Square – was able to rely on people who booked ahead for prime seats to watch the match.
Joint-owner Adele Owens said: “I’m really lucky that people have booked to come and watch the game here, so that I’ve been able to staff it.
“And it will be the same for next week, so people will need to book as always.”