Register to get 2 free articles
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Star Pubs, the pub arm of Heineken UK, has reported that total sales across the Six Nations opening weekend were up 42% as rugby fans flocked to their local pubs to watch live sport.
With afternoon and evening games on Saturday, the data suggested that punters chose to spend much of the day in their local area, with sales of food up by nearly a third.
In terms of drinks, sales were up 43% with pints being the drink of choice with an uplift of 14%.
It was alcohol free beer though that proved to have the biggest change versus the year before, with a
increase of 49% versus last year’s Six Nations opening weekend.
Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs, said: “There is no doubt that the local pub is the best place to watch the games, and whether you fancy a couple of pints, some food or just there to soak up the atmosphere, it’s clear that the Six Nations has given a much-needed boost to the great British pub.
“As the men’s tournament progresses, and then the women’s tournament, we expect to see even more people visiting their local to watch the games throughout February and March.”
Rocky Clark MBE, ex-England International and World Cup winner, added: “When I can’t get to the game in person, it’s my local that I head to to watch the game. The atmosphere, the tension, the drama and the feeling of togetherness from the other fans can only be felt in the pub.”
