Pub landlord puts up World Cup grandstand in beer garden

Pub landlord puts up World Cup grandstand in beer garden

A pub landlord has built a World Cup grandstand in his beer garden for football fans to cheer on England.

Paul Wells-Sandford has transformed the Railway Tavern in Dereham, Norfolk, into the English Tavern for the duration of the tournament.

He said the grandstand, which is decked in St George’s flags, can seat up to 150 people.

Landlord Paul Wells-Sandford has re-named the Railway Tavern in Dereham, Norfolk as The English Tavern for the duration of the World Cup. (Sam Russell/ PA)
Landlord Paul Wells-Sandford has re-named the Railway Tavern in Dereham, Norfolk, the English Tavern for the duration of the World Cup (Sam Russell/PA)

“We had a small-scale stand for the last World Cup four years ago,” said Mr Wells-Sandford. “It proved really popular so we thought we’d go all out this time.

“We invested upwards of £5,000 so we’re hoping for an England run.”

He said the reaction had been “unbelievable”, as he waved at passing motorists who sounded their horns.

If England get to the latter stages of the tournament, he said he had permission to extend the grandstand into the grounds of a neighbouring garden tools business.

He said the seating would stay up for the whole of the tournament, adding: “It’s staying up at least until we’re in the World Cup final!”

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