Worldpay’s analysis of UK consumer spending during major football tournaments found that Britain’s pubs are on average 127% busier when England are playing – with takings exceeding £3.5m during each individual game.
Pint-pulling peaks four minutes before the start of the second half, according to WorldPay, at which point pubs across the country collectively serve 2,000 customers every minute.
According to data, pubs in Nottingham saw no increase in half-time orders, while Sheffield sites only saw a 10% spike in sales.
Pubs in Bournemouth were the busiest during half time - with operators seeing a 500% sales spike. Hammersmith & Fulham was the busiest area of London, with a 281.8% spike.
Executive vice president of Worldpay, UK and Europe, Steve Newton, commented: “Pub operators and fans alike will be praying that the Three Lions avoid a repeat of their last World Cup campaign.
“It’s been a mixed start to the year for the pub industry according to the latest BBPA Beer Barometer, but the World Cup, along with an exciting summer of sport, could help landlords to boost the coffers.
“Operators will need to get their strategy right to take advantage of the football frenzy, particularly during the half time rush in the busiest parts of the country like Bournemouth.
“Updating your till technology is one way to speed up service. Arming staff with mobile point-of-sale is an efficient and flexible way to ease pressure around the bar and serve customers directly at the table.
“Enabling customers to order ahead for half time and offering a safe and secure tab option are also important for creating that seamless service to keep punters happy. But the innovation doesn’t need to stop there – we’ve seen one pub even introduce two-pint glasses to help cut queues at peak times!”