Football fever: Huge number of Harrogate bars are screening England’s biggest match since 1966
While the Three Lions attempt to tame Argentina in a World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15, in Harrogate the town’s pubs and bars will be competing to offer the best place to watch the game.
At stake in the USA is football glory for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Back home, it’s an opportunity for Harrogate’s hospitality sector to make it a financially successful summer.
Pubs across the UK have been cashing in on England’s World Cup journey throughout the tournament with figures released by the British Beer & Pub Association showing that fans consumed almost six million pints during the England’s clash with Mexico at the weekend.
That’s around 1.25 million more pints than a typical Sunday, as extended opening hours helped pubs make the most of the huge World Cup crowd
Hundreds of extra customers are expect to flock to Harrogate’s bars tonight to watch messrs Kane and Bellingham kick off at 8pm against messrs Messi and Martinez.
Scores of establishments in the town are planning to screen the crucial semi-final tie.
But where you choose to go depends on how you like to watch your football.
One thing is certain about tonight’s match – you had better get there early to grab the best seats.
Harrogate bars showing England v Argentina
Biggest screen
The Bilton Club, 154 Skipton Rd, Harrogate.
This historic and large former working men’s club offers a massive screen plus members get £1 off alcoholic drinks throughout England’s match.
Also try: Wetherspoon’s at Winter Gardens, Royal Baths, Parliament Street, Harrogate.
Also try: Monteys, 3 The Ginnel, Harrogate.
Most screens
The Alexandra, Prospect Crescent, Harrogate.
This Nicholson’s Pub in Harrogate has vast number of TV screens in every direction.
Also try: Christies at 20 King’s Road which has plenty of screens.
Also try: The Oatlands at 1 Coronation Grove, Harrogate which has a big screen in the concert room and TVs in the bar and lounge area.
Also try: The Barologist, 11 Parliament St, Harrogate, but you will need to book a spot as tables are nearly sold out.
Best views
The Den, Nidderdale House, Cambridge Road, Harrogate.
The town’s most popular sports bar is accustomed to presenting the biggest matches on the biggest occasions downstairs.
Party atmosphere
The Pitcher & Piano, 5-6 John Street, Harrogate
Known for its ice cold drinks and cocktails, the Pitcher & Piano is also promising DJs before the game, during half time and after the final whistle to keep the celebrations going.
Also try: Three’s a Crowd,11 West Park, Harrogate.
Also try: The Knox, Knox Lane, Harrogate.
Also try: Tap on Tower Street, 31 Tower Street, Harrogate has moved its usual quiz night to Thursday to show the England match uninterrupted.
Best for pizza
Major Tom’s Social, 3 The Ginnel, Harrogate.
The popular indie craft bar is offering football fans a pizza and Peroni deal.
Also try: Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen is not showing the England v Argentina match but is partnering with Montey’s to deliver their pizzas to your table.
Also try: North Bar, 2D, Oxford Buildings, Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate which has been showing World Cup matches before midnight and offers pizza delivered from Pizza Social next door.
Best tap room experience
Harrogate Brewing Co, Unit 7, Hookstone Centre, Hookstone Chase, Harrogate.
This popular indie brewery is opening its Taproom especially for the England vs Argentina match.
It is also showing the fixture at its pub at 6 Royal Parade, Harrogate.
Also try: Rooster’s Brewing Co Taproom, Fifth Avenue, Hornbeam Park Avenue, Harrogate which is open from 3pm today with no need to book.
Relaxed and cosy
The Last Post, 30 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate
Popular for being cosy, quiet and grown up, The Last Post has two screens.
Best for nicely priced beer
The Londesborough Club, 10-12 Bower Road, Harrogate
Non members welcome.
Best for meals
The Curious Cow, Killinghall, Harrogate
This gastropub offers great food, a sunny beer garden and TVs.