Elland Road pub ready to welcome fans ahead of crucial Leeds United FA Cup semi-final at Wembley

Lorri Wood, a manager at The Old Peacock, reveals how the Beeston pub is preparing to celebrate Leeds United’s FA Cup semi-final.

For 200 years, The Old Peacock has stood proudly opposite Elland Road Stadium.

The Beeston pub is famous among Leeds United fans who travel far and wide to chat football and grab a pint.

It’s even the place that inspired the football team’s nickname The Peacocks.

Leeds United take on Chelsea in the FA Cup  semi-final on Sunday at 3pmplaceholder image
Leeds United take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday at 3pm | Gerard Binks

Now as Leeds United prepare to take on Chelsea this Sunday (April 26) in the FA Cup Final, The Old Peacock is throwing out all the stops to mark the occasion.

Manager, Lorri Wood, said: “It’s just the best place to be - it’s the best atmosphere.

“If you can’t be at Wembley then why not be as close as you can get to the stadium?”

The Old Peacock is planning a Wembley watch party starting at 11am on Sundayplaceholder image
The Old Peacock is planning a Wembley watch party starting at 11am on Sunday | Gerard Binks

The Old Peacock’s Wembley Watch Party will start at 11am and enable fans to watch the match’s action on the big screen.

The party will also feature live music from Broken Amps from 1pm-2:45pm

Lorri described the energy within The Old Peacock on a Leeds United matchday as “amazing” and said it creates an experience you don’t get at home.

Lorri said: “They get a better atmosphere. When the band’s playing, they’re all singing together when they’re watching.

“When they look across the road (at Elland Road), they call it their church.”

The Old Peacock is the closest pub to Elland Road football stadiumplaceholder image
The Old Peacock is the closest pub to Elland Road football stadium | Gerard Binks

Fans are encouraged to buy tickets to The Old Peacock’s Wembley Watch Party in advance to help with event planning, however a ticket is not required to attend the pub on Sunday.

Tickets cost £7.21 for over 18s and include a free drink.

It’s an exciting weekend for Leeds United fans as the club play in the FA Cup semi-final for the first time in almost 40 years.

For Lorri, she’s most excited for one thing: watching the Peacocks win.

Lori said: “I’m looking forward to seeing everybody’s faces when they win.

“Seeing them jump about when they score a goal, it’s just an amazing atmosphere.”

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