Home Blog Page 7

Heineken Axes Three Popular Fruit Ciders As Sales Slump Across The UK

Fans Of Strongbow And Old Mout Variants May Need To Find A New Favourite

Cider drinkers across the UK could soon notice some familiar bottles missing from supermarket shelves and pub fridges after Heineken confirmed it has discontinued three fruit cider products.

The drinks giant has removed Old Mout Strawberry & Apple, Strongbow Cloudy Apple and Strongbow Zest from its cider portfolio following a significant decline in sales.

While product ranges change regularly in the drinks industry, the decision has surprised many cider fans, particularly those who had made Strongbow Cloudy Apple a regular choice over the past decade.

Strongbow Cloudy Apple first arrived in 2015 and quickly became a popular alternative to traditional cider, offering a naturally cloudy appearance and a slightly sweeter taste than the original Strongbow.

Meanwhile, Old Mout Strawberry & Apple was launched in 2022 as part of the growing trend for fruit-flavoured ciders, while Strongbow Zest only joined the market in 2024.

Why Has Heineken Dropped Them?

According to Heineken, the decision followed a review of its cider range after the three products experienced falling sales.

A company spokesperson said the brewer regularly reviews its portfolio to ensure it is focusing on flavours that customers are actively buying and which perform best in stores.

The move reflects a wider trend within the drinks industry where brands are increasingly concentrating on their strongest-selling products rather than maintaining large ranges of niche flavours.

What Does This Mean For Pubs?

For many pubs, the news may have little immediate impact.

The vast majority of cider sales continue to be driven by mainstream products such as Strongbow Original, Strongbow Dark Fruit, Inch’s and premium fruit ciders such as Old Mout’s leading flavours.

Strongbow Original remains the UK’s biggest-selling cider and currently holds around 29% of the UK cider market.

However, some licensees may see disappointed customers asking where their usual drink has gone, particularly those who developed a taste for Cloudy Apple over the years.

The cider was introduced in 2024 but discontinued this year

The Cider Market Continues To Grow

Interestingly, the decision comes at a time when the wider cider category remains strong.

Recent industry figures suggest cider sales in UK pubs and bars are worth around £2 billion annually, with the category continuing to grow in value.

While some individual flavours have struggled, demand for premium cider, draught cider and established brands remains robust.

For pub operators, the challenge is balancing customer demand with limited bar space and ensuring every tap, fridge slot and shelf earns its place.

Last Chance For Fans

Although production has stopped, some remaining stock may still be available in selected supermarkets while supplies last. Reports suggest Old Mout Strawberry & Apple can still be found in some stores, although availability is becoming increasingly limited.

For cider fans, it may be worth picking up a few bottles while they still can.

Because once existing stock is gone, these three flavours are unlikely to return anytime soon.

Local Pub Manager Builds What Could Be One Of The Biggest Community-Led Charity Festivals The Town Has Ever Seen

More Than 50 Performers, 12 Charities, Three Stages And Thousands Expected – All Organised From A Single Local Pub

At a time when many pubs across Britain are fighting simply to survive, one pub manager in Newport Pagnell has achieved something extraordinary.

What started as a simple idea to bring local people together has grown into what could become one of the largest community-led charity festivals ever organised in the town.

Between Friday 26th June and Sunday 28th June 2026, The Dolphin Pub in Newport Pagnell will host the Big Little Community Festival, a three-day event featuring more than 50 performers, local businesses, community groups, charities, family entertainment, live music, comedy, food vendors and fundraising activities.

The festival is expected to attract visitors from across Milton Keynes and beyond.

Yet perhaps the most remarkable thing about the event is how it came to life.

There is no major events company behind it.

There is no corporate organiser.

There is no national promoter.

Instead, the entire festival has been created by one local pub manager with a vision of bringing people together while supporting good causes.

**Megan Sim, manager of The Dolphin Pub in Newport Pagnell, whose vision has helped create the Big Little Community Festival, a three-day charity event supporting 12 local causes.**

That manager is Megan Sim.

“When people hear about the festival, they often assume there must be a large organisation behind it,” Megan explained.

“The reality is that it’s being organised from a local pub by someone who simply wanted to do something positive for the community.”

What began as a small community idea soon took on a life of its own.

Performers volunteered.

Businesses offered support.

Charities got involved.

Local residents shared ideas.

Before long, the project had expanded into a full-scale festival supporting twelve local charities and community causes.

“It’s been incredible to see the way people have embraced the idea,” Megan said.

“Businesses, performers, charities and local residents have all played a part in helping the festival grow into something much bigger than I ever imagined.”

More Than Fifty Performers Across Three Performance Areas

The entertainment programme alone would be impressive for many professionally organised festivals.

More than fifty performers will appear throughout the weekend across three dedicated performance areas.

Among the headline acts are local favourites Project Noise, who will celebrate eighteen years together while launching their third album during the festival’s opening night.

Music fans can also expect performances from Horizon Radio DJs alongside guest DJs who have played in Ibiza and at some of Britain’s best-known music venues.

Comedy will play a major part in the weekend, with a dedicated comedy showcase hosted by Jimmy James Jones and fellow comedians.

Sunday’s headline performance will come from Francis, fronted by Newport Pagnell musician Alex Wesley.

In a story that perfectly captures the local spirit of the event, Alex will be travelling back from Vietnam specifically to perform in his hometown festival.

The Twelve-Year-Old Making Her Debut

Among the dozens of performers scheduled to appear, one story stands out.

A twelve-year-old local musician will perform her first-ever public gig during the festival after gaining confidence through The Dolphin’s popular open mic nights.

For organisers, moments like this are every bit as important as the headline acts.

The festival was created not only to entertain but also to create opportunities and inspire local people to get involved.

BMX Stunts, Family Activities And Local Businesses

The festival will offer far more than music.

Visitors can enjoy BMX stunt demonstrations, family entertainment, sustainable fashion pop-ups, wellbeing experiences, local traders, food vendors, festival glitter artists, spiritual walks and community activities throughout the weekend.

The aim is to create an event where everyone can find something to enjoy.

From families with young children to music lovers and charity supporters, organisers hope the festival will bring together people from every part of the community.

Running A Marathon Every Month

Another inspiring figure taking part in the festival is local fundraiser Mark Cockburn.

Throughout 2026, Mark has committed himself to the challenge of running a marathon every month.

His June marathon will conclude at the festival, where supporters will gather to cheer him across the finish line.

His challenge has become another symbol of the determination and community spirit that sits at the heart of the event.

Official Opening By The Mayor

The festival will be officially opened by the Newport Pagnell Mayor and Mayoress.

Councillors, business leaders, sports clubs and representatives from local organisations are also expected to attend.

The event is already generating significant interest across the region and could become one of Newport Pagnell’s most talked-about community events of the year.

A Reminder Of What Great Pubs Can Still Achieve

For many people, pubs are simply places to eat, drink and socialise.

But throughout British history they have also acted as meeting places, fundraising hubs and the beating heart of local communities.

The Big Little Community Festival is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a pub becomes more than just a pub.

It shows what is possible when local people come together behind a shared goal.

Most importantly, it shows that even in challenging times, communities can still create something extraordinary.

And if the festival succeeds in raising thousands of pounds for local charities while bringing together performers, businesses and residents from across the region, it may well become one of the most inspiring pub stories of 2026.

Brighton Pub Faces Battle For 4am Pride Licence After Police Raise Concerns

0

A well-known Brighton pub is facing a fight to secure extended opening hours during this year’s Pride celebrations after Sussex Police formally objected to its application.

The Camelford Arms, a popular venue in Kemp Town, has applied for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) that would allow it to trade until as late as 4am over the Brighton Pride weekend.

However, Sussex Police have raised concerns about the application, meaning the final decision will now be made by a panel of councillors.

The pub, which has become a familiar part of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community and Pride celebrations over the years, argues it has a long history of operating responsibly during the city’s biggest annual event.

For those planning a visit, you can view the venue’s profile on The Best Pub Guide here:
https://thebestpubguide.co.uk/listing/the-camelford-arms-brighton/

Why Are Police Opposing The Application?

According to Sussex Police, the concern is not specifically about the Camelford Arms itself but about the wider planning and safety arrangements surrounding Brighton Pride 2026.

In recent years, major changes have been made to the event. What was previously known as the Pride Village Party has evolved into the Pride Street Party, with changes to locations, crowd management plans and security arrangements.

Emergency services say they are still waiting for final event plans and confirmation of the event footprint before they can fully assess the impact of extended trading hours across the city.

Police have stated that making decisions before those plans are finalised could create risks to public safety and licensing objectives.

A Strong Pride Track Record

The Camelford Arms says it has successfully operated during Pride celebrations for the past sixteen years without complaint or significant incident.

As part of its application, the pub has outlined a number of measures designed to support safety during the extended hours.

These include:

  • A minimum of three security staff on duty throughout the event.
  • All drinks being served in plastic containers.
  • Additional bar facilities to reduce congestion.
  • Measures designed to improve customer flow and minimise pressure on the main bar area.

The venue also points out that under-18s are not permitted on the premises at any time.

Licensing Policy Favouring Good Operators

Brighton & Hove City Council’s licensing policy generally supports applications from venues that have demonstrated responsible management and compliance with licensing conditions.

The Camelford Arms’ parent company, Rowbell Leisure, argues that the venue has consistently met those standards and has established itself as a reliable operator during previous Pride events.

The company disputes suggestions that proxy alcohol sales have ever been an issue at the venue and says there have been no recorded incidents linked to such activity during previous Pride celebrations.

What Hours Is The Pub Seeking?

If approved, the temporary licence would allow the Camelford Arms to trade:

Friday 31 July to Saturday 1 August
10:00am until 3:00am

Saturday 1 August to Sunday 2 August
10:00am until 4:00am

Sunday 2 August to Monday 3 August
12:00pm until 1:00am

These hours would extend beyond the pub’s normal trading times, which typically see the venue closing shortly after midnight on most weekdays.

Decision To Be Made By Councillors

The application will now be considered by a licensing panel made up of three councillors.

The panel will hear arguments from both Sussex Police and representatives of the Camelford Arms before deciding whether the temporary licence should be granted.

The decision is likely to be watched closely by other venues across Brighton, as Pride remains one of the city’s biggest weekends of the year and a significant source of trade for the local hospitality industry.

With thousands of visitors expected to descend on Brighton once again, the outcome could have wider implications for how future Pride licensing applications are assessed.

Do you think trusted pubs with a strong track record should be allowed later opening hours during major events like Brighton Pride?

Lidl Is Opening Its First Ever Pub — And It Says A Lot About The Future Of The Local

0

Lidl is about to open its first ever pub, and yes, you read that correctly.

The new venue, called The Middle Ale, is set to open in Dundonald, east Belfast, next to Lidl’s store. It will hold around 60 customers and has already become one of the most talked-about pub stories of the year.

But this is not just a quirky supermarket stunt.

Behind the headlines is a much bigger story about Northern Ireland’s strict alcohol licensing laws, the pressure on traditional pubs, and the question of who should be allowed to open new venues.

In Northern Ireland, opening a new pub or off-licence is not as simple as applying for permission. Businesses usually have to buy an existing alcohol licence from another venue that has closed. This system, known as the surrender principle, has helped keep the number of licences limited for decades.

That means licences can cost huge sums of money, making it extremely difficult for new pubs, bars, and nightlife venues to open.

Lidl originally wanted to sell alcohol from its Dundonald store, but after facing licensing issues, the supermarket changed direction. Instead of opening another off-licence, it moved towards opening a pub.

Lidl’s new pub in Dundonald, east Belfast, will accommodate up to 60 customers

That is how The Middle Ale was born.

For pub lovers, it raises an interesting question.

Is this a clever new idea that brings fresh life to the pub scene, or is it a warning sign that big brands could start moving into territory traditionally owned by independent publicans?

Some people will see it as fun. A pint after shopping the middle aisle sounds like classic British humour.

Others may see it as a serious challenge to local pubs that have spent years building their trade and paying heavily for licences.

Either way, Lidl’s pub has put Northern Ireland’s licensing system back in the spotlight.

Supporters of reform argue that the current rules make it too hard for fresh ideas, independent venues, and nightlife businesses to get started. Critics argue that changing the system too quickly could damage existing pubs, many of which have invested heavily in their licences.

What makes this story so interesting is that Lidl has not just opened a pub for novelty value. It has exposed a much bigger debate about the future of hospitality, competition, and who gets the chance to pour a pint.

So, would you drink in a Lidl pub?

Or should pubs be left to publicans?

Pub Social People’s Pub Of The Month – June 2026

The Woodman enters June as the reigning champion, but with nominations now open, the search is on for Britain’s next great local pub.

Last month, pub lovers from across the United Kingdom came together to celebrate the venues that make Britain’s pub culture so special.

Hundreds of nominations were submitted.

Communities rallied behind their favourite locals.

Customers campaigned for the pubs they love.

And thousands of readers followed the competition as the votes came flooding in.

When the voting finally closed, one pub stood above them all.

The Reigning Champion

The Woodman, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent was crowned Pub Social People’s Pub Of The Month for May 2026 after receiving overwhelming support from customers and the local community.

The pub impressed voters with its welcoming atmosphere, strong community spirit, live entertainment and commitment to bringing people together.

The Woodman now enters June as the reigning champion and the pub every other venue in Britain will be trying to beat.

May’s Top Three

🥇 The Woodman, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

🥈 Help Me Thro, Bury

🥉 The Golden Lion, Fareham

Together, these three pubs demonstrated exactly why Britain’s pubs remain at the heart of communities across the country.

They are more than places to enjoy a drink.

They are where friends meet after work.

Where birthdays are celebrated.

Where football matches are watched.

Where live music is enjoyed.

Where neighbours become friends.

And where communities come together.

But that was May.

This is June.

And the race for the crown starts again today.


Can Your Local Be Britain’s Favourite Pub?

Across Britain there are thousands of pubs.

Historic coaching inns.

Traditional ale houses.

Village locals.

Family-friendly pubs.

Riverside taverns.

Sports bars.

Modern gastropubs.

Every single one has loyal customers who believe their pub deserves recognition.

Now is your chance to prove it.

Whether your favourite pub is famous across the county or a hidden gem known only to locals, every venue has an opportunity to compete for the title.

This competition is not decided by judges.

It is not decided by industry experts.

It is decided by the people who know their local pubs best.

The customers.

The communities.

The people who walk through the doors every week.


How To Nominate

To nominate a pub, simply leave a comment in the comments section below this article with:

Pub Name

Town / Location

Why It Deserves To Win

That’s it.

Every nomination counts.

Every comment matters.

Every vote helps shine a spotlight on a pub that means something to its community.

Important

Only nominations and votes left in the comments section below THIS article will count.

Votes left on Facebook or any other social media platform will not be included in the final total.

The aim is simple – to create one place where pub lovers from across the United Kingdom can support the venues they genuinely care about most.


Supporting Britain’s Pubs

The People’s Pub Of The Month competition was created to celebrate the pubs that continue to play a vital role in communities across the country.

Whether your favourite pub is known for:

• Its atmosphere

• Its beer garden

• Its food

• Its staff

• Its live entertainment

• Its real ale selection

• Its charity work

• Its community events

• Or simply the feeling you get every time you walk through the door

Every pub deserves the opportunity to be recognised.

Pub Social is encouraging readers from every corner of the United Kingdom to get involved and support the pubs that matter most to them.


What’s At Stake?

The winning pub will receive:

The Pub Social People’s Pub Of The Month Award

Featured coverage on Pub Social

Promotion across Pub Social’s social media channels

A place in the Pub Social Hall Of Champions

Recognition from thousands of pub lovers across the United Kingdom

And perhaps most importantly of all…

Bragging rights.

One lucky voter who comments below the story will also receive a £50 bar tab at the winning pub.

Win A £50 Bar Tab

As well as helping your favourite pub compete for the title, every person who leaves a valid nomination or vote on this article will be entered into a prize draw.

One lucky supporter will win a £50 bar tab at the pub that is ultimately crowned Pub Social People’s Pub Of The Month for June 2026.

The winner will be selected at random from all eligible comments left on this article during the competition period.

Whether your favourite pub wins or not, every nomination gives you a chance to walk away with the prize.

The winning voter will be announced after the competition closes and contacted directly using the details provided with their comment.

So if you haven’t already nominated your favourite pub, now is the perfect time.

Support your local and you could be enjoying a £50 bar tab on us.


Pub Social Hall Of Champions

The Woodman in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent announced as Pub Social's People's Pub of the Month winner for May 2026
The Woodman in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent was voted Pub Social’s People’s Pub of the Month for May 2026.

May 2026

The Woodman
Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent


Will The Champion Retain The Crown?

Can The Woodman successfully defend its title?

Could Help Me Thro or The Golden Lion go one step further?

Or will a completely new challenger emerge from somewhere else in Britain to claim the crown?

That decision now belongs to the public.

Nominations for June 2026 are officially open.

Leave your nomination in the comments below and let the battle for Britain’s favourite pub begin.

Real Pubs. Real People. Real Stories.

The Oddfellows has revealed a colourful new outdoor space designed for live sport, music events and summer gatherings.

0

A popular Watford pub has unveiled a newly refurbished beer garden as it prepares for what promises to be a busy summer of sport, live entertainment and outdoor social events.

The Oddfellows, located on Fearnley Street just a short walk from Vicarage Road, has spent recent weeks transforming its outdoor space ahead of the warmer months. The project has introduced refreshed seating areas, colourful décor and upgraded facilities designed to create a welcoming environment for customers throughout the summer season.

Pub management say the improvements have been made with both sports fans and families in mind, creating a space that can be enjoyed during major sporting events as well as everyday visits with friends and relatives.

The new-look beer garden made its public debut over the weekend when customers gathered to watch the UEFA Champions League Final. Three large outdoor television screens were installed for the occasion, allowing visitors to enjoy the match from the comfort of the garden. The venue also hosted live music, giving guests an early taste of the events planned for the months ahead.

Speaking about the refurbishment, representatives from The Oddfellows described the project as an opportunity to create a vibrant outdoor destination for the local community.

The team say the refreshed garden is intended to become a focal point for outdoor dining, social gatherings and major sporting occasions, including this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

With England’s group-stage matches scheduled for evening kick-off times, pubs across the country are expected to see strong demand from football supporters. The Oddfellows hopes its upgraded facilities will provide an ideal setting for fans looking to enjoy the tournament in a lively atmosphere.

Landlord Tim Halpin and his team have continued to invest in the venue since taking over management of the pub. The latest refurbishment forms part of wider efforts to strengthen The Oddfellows’ position as a community-focused venue serving residents and visitors alike.

As pubs continue to evolve and invest in their outdoor spaces, beer gardens remain one of the most popular attractions during the summer months. Venues that combine live entertainment, quality food and drink, and major sporting events often become important social hubs within their local communities.

For customers in Watford, The Oddfellows is hoping its new outdoor space will become exactly that—a place where friends, families and football fans can come together and enjoy the summer months.

The pub’s management say they are looking forward to welcoming both regular customers and first-time visitors as the busy summer season gets underway.

The People’s Pub of the Month – May 2026 Results Are In!

0

After an incredible month of voting, nominations and support from pub lovers across the UK, Pub Social can officially reveal the results of The People’s Pub of the Month – May 2026.

Hundreds of comments were submitted, with communities rallying behind their favourite locals and sharing the stories that make Britain’s pubs so special. From community fundraising and live music to friendly staff and welcoming atmospheres, the competition showcased exactly why the British pub remains at the heart of local life.

🥇 1st Place – The Woodman, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

The Woodman pub in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, winner of Pub Social's People's Pub of the Month for May 2026
The Woodman in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent has been crowned Pub Social’s People’s Pub of the Month for May 2026 following overwhelming support from customers and the local community.

Taking the top spot is The Woodman in Hanley.

Supporters described the pub as welcoming, friendly, inclusive and packed with community spirit. Voters repeatedly praised landlady Katie and her team for creating a venue where everyone feels at home. The pub received dozens of nominations highlighting its live music, quiz nights, poker evenings, social groups, real ale selection and warm atmosphere.

Many voters commented that The Woodman has become a genuine community hub and one of the standout pubs in Stoke-on-Trent.

🥈 2nd Place – Help Me Thro, Bury

Help Me Thro pub in Bury, Greater Manchester, runner-up in Pub Social's People's Pub of the Month May 2026
The front entrance of Help Me Thro pub in Bury, Greater Manchester.

Finishing in second place is Help Me Thro in Bury.

The pub received huge support from customers who praised landlords Stephen and Tom for transforming the venue into a thriving local destination. Comments highlighted the pub’s community spirit, homemade food, Sunday roasts, live entertainment, quizzes, bingo nights and welcoming atmosphere.

Many voters described Help Me Thro as the beating heart of the local community and credited the management team with bringing the pub back to life.

🥉 3rd Place – The Golden Lion, Fareham

The Golden Lion pub on Fareham High Street in Fareham, Hampshire
The front of The Golden Lion pub in Fareham, Hampshire.

Claiming third place is The Golden Lion in Fareham.

The Golden Lion attracted strong support from customers who praised its friendly owners, welcoming staff, live music programme, quiz nights, bingo events and community atmosphere. Several nominations highlighted the effort made by the team to create a pub that welcomes everyone and provides entertainment throughout the week.

The pub has clearly become a favourite among many local residents and earned its place among this month’s finalists.

A Huge Thank You

Pub Social would like to thank every pub that took part and every person who voted. The response to our first People’s Pub of the Month competition has been incredible and demonstrates just how passionate people remain about their local pubs.

Congratulations to:

🥇 The Woodman – Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent
🥈 Help Me Thro – Bury
🥉 The Golden Lion – Fareham

The competition returns this month, so keep an eye on Pub Social for the launch of The People’s Pub of the Month – June 2026.

Real Pubs. Real People. Real Stories. 🍻

The UK’s Biggest Pub Events Guide Is Coming To Pub Social – And We Need Your Help

From quiz nights and tribute acts to beer festivals and live bands, Pub Social wants to shine a spotlight on the events keeping Britain’s pubs alive.

Britain’s pubs have always been more than just places to grab a pint.

They’re where communities come together. Where local bands get discovered. Where quiz teams battle every Thursday night. Where football fans gather. Where birthdays are celebrated, charity events are hosted, and unforgettable nights happen.

Now, Pub Social wants to help bring those events into the spotlight.

We’re building what we hope will become one of the UK’s biggest pub event guides — covering everything from live music and beer festivals to open mic nights, karaoke, pub quizzes, tribute acts, food festivals, and big match screenings.

But to make it work properly, we need the help of pubs, bands, breweries, landlords, event organisers, and pub-goers across the country.

We Want To Hear About Your Events

Do you run:

  • A weekly pub quiz?
  • Live music nights?
  • Karaoke?
  • Open mic sessions?
  • DJ nights?
  • Comedy evenings?
  • Charity fundraisers?
  • Beer festivals?
  • Bike nights?
  • Folk sessions?
  • Pool or darts competitions?
  • Big football screenings?
  • Summer garden parties?

If so, we want to hear about them.

The aim is simple — help people discover what’s happening in pubs across the UK and help pubs get more people through the door.

Across the country, thousands of brilliant pub events happen every week, but many never get seen beyond a Facebook post or a poster behind the bar.

Pub Social wants to change that.

Supporting British Pub Culture

The UK pub scene is full of incredible venues doing amazing things to keep local communities entertained.

From tiny village pubs putting on acoustic nights to city venues hosting packed tribute weekends, pub culture is still thriving — and we believe those events deserve far more attention online.

Too often, national media only talks about pubs when they’re closing.

We want to talk about the pubs that are fighting back.

The pubs creating atmosphere.
The pubs supporting live music.
The pubs building communities.
The pubs giving people somewhere to go.

That’s what Pub Social is all about.

Comment Your Events Below

We’re now asking pubs, bands, venues, breweries, and customers to drop upcoming events into the comments section below this story.

Include:

  • Pub name
  • Town or city
  • Date
  • Event type
  • Ticket link (if applicable)
  • Facebook page or website

Whether it’s a small local open mic night or a massive beer festival, we want to hear about it.

We’ll also be selecting some of the best events to feature across:

  • Pub Social stories
  • Facebook posts
  • Instagram
  • Event roundups
  • Weekend guides

So if your pub has something exciting coming up, now’s the time to shout about it.

Britain’s pub scene deserves a bigger spotlight — and this is just the beginning.

Leeds Pub Forced To Cut Late-Night World Cup Screenings After Noise Complaints

0

A popular Leeds pub has agreed to reduce its late-night opening plans for England World Cup screenings after concerns were raised about noise from football supporters.

Kirkstall Bridge Inn had originally hoped to keep outdoor screenings running until 3am during several England matches this summer. However, following objections from council environmental officers, the plans were revised to include much earlier finishing times.

The pub had submitted Temporary Event Notices allowing the sale of alcohol, entertainment and late-night refreshments during key England fixtures being shown in the venue’s outdoor car park area.

But concerns were raised due to the pub’s close proximity to nearby residential homes, with officials warning that large crowds, loud celebrations and outdoor entertainment could create disturbance late into the night.

Following discussions with Leeds City Council’s Environmental Health team, revised finishing times were agreed for the affected matches.

The updated closing times now include:

  • Wednesday 17 June – 11:20pm
  • Tuesday 23 June – 11:20pm
  • Saturday 27 June – 11:59pm

The agreement meant the issue no longer needed to go before councillors at a scheduled licensing meeting at Leeds Civic Hall.

According to reports submitted during the licensing process, as many as 450 people, including staff, had been expected to attend the outdoor screenings.

Officials reportedly raised concerns about potential public nuisance caused by loud football celebrations, music and late-night activity surrounding the events.

The pub, which is operated by Kirkstall Brewery, already holds permission to show indoor sporting events until 2am, although use of outdoor areas is normally restricted after 11pm.

England’s World Cup fixtures are expected to draw huge crowds across Britain this summer, with pubs once again preparing for packed beer gardens, large-screen events and extended opening hours during major matches.

Football tournaments have long provided an important boost for the hospitality trade, particularly for community pubs and sports venues that rely heavily on major sporting events to increase trade.

However, late-night screenings often create tension between pubs and nearby residents, especially in built-up residential areas where outdoor events can generate significant noise.

Industry groups including CAMRA have repeatedly highlighted the importance of supporting pubs during major sporting events while also balancing the concerns of local communities.

For many pubs across Britain, this summer’s World Cup could provide a valuable opportunity to attract customers during a challenging period for the hospitality industry.

Jeremy Clarkson Finally Starts Selling Wine At His Cotswolds Pub After Huge Demand

Jeremy Clarkson has finally relaxed one of the strict rules at his Oxfordshire pub after months of customer demand — by introducing wine to the menu at The Farmer’s Dog.

When the former Top Gear presenter opened the countryside pub in 2024, he made headlines by insisting the venue would serve only British-produced food and drink. The policy became one of the biggest talking points surrounding the launch of the pub, which is linked to Clarkson’s hugely successful TV series Clarkson’s Farm.

At the time, Clarkson explained that every ingredient possible would be sourced from British farms, with the venue refusing to stock products such as Coca-Cola, imported coffee and foreign wine.

But after growing demand from customers, the pub has now introduced its own English wine range called “Knollbury Fort”.

In a statement announcing the launch, the pub praised the growing quality of British wine production and the improvements made by English vineyards in recent years.

The move marks a significant shift for the pub, which had previously become known for its strict “British only” approach to food and drink.

The Farmer’s Dog has already gained a reputation for championing British farming through its menu and suppliers. In 2025, the pub also introduced a fully British-made ketchup after Clarkson highlighted the difficulty of sourcing one made entirely from UK ingredients.

The condiment was eventually developed using British-grown produce including tomatoes from the Isle of Wight, British onions, locally sourced vinegar and Essex salt.

Jeremy Clarkson in Prime Video hit ‘Clarkson’s Farm’

Clarkson’s dedication to supporting British farming has become a central theme of both the pub and Diddly Squat Farm, which sits at the centre of the hit Amazon series following his experiences running a 1,000-acre farm in the Cotswolds.

The pub itself, located in the Oxfordshire village of Asthall, quickly became a major attraction after opening, drawing visitors from across Britain as fans of Clarkson’s Farm travelled to experience the venue for themselves.

However, the launch was not without controversy. Some visitors criticised the absence of visible prices on menus, while others joked online that drinks at the pub would be unaffordable.

Clarkson later responded directly to one social media user, revealing that a pint at the pub cost £5.50.

Despite the criticism, The Farmer’s Dog continues to attract significant attention and has become one of Britain’s most talked-about modern pubs — combining celebrity appeal, British farming and traditional pub culture in a way few venues have managed in recent years.

Campaigners including CAMRA have repeatedly highlighted the importance of supporting British pubs and local producers as venues continue to face rising costs across the hospitality sector.

Would you visit Jeremy Clarkson’s pub — and would you try English wine over imported bottles? Let us know on the Pub Social Facebook page.