'A fan-park feel without the chaos': Leeds pubs prepare for World Cup fever as England hope grows

With the men’s World Cup kicking off this week, pubs across Leeds are preparing for one of the busiest - and most atmospheric - periods of the year.

From Meanwood to the city centre to Garforth, publicans say anticipation has been building for weeks, with bookings filling fast and communities already buzzing about England’s chances.

For many landlords, the tournament is about far more than football. It’s a chance to bring people together, create shared memories, and give customers a place to feel part of something bigger.

‘A fan-park feel without the chaos’

On Stainbeck Road in Meanwood, the team at the Beck and Call are expecting a full house from the moment England walk out for their opening game on June 17. Manager Nikki Grover says the atmosphere in the area is “electric” whenever the national team is involved.

“If England are doing well, the atmosphere is electric, and as we are packed, it gives proper busy pub vibes,” she told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “There’s a really good buzz, very patriotic - a fan-park feel without the chaos.”

The pub has become a go-to spot for major tournaments, with both indoor and outdoor screens drawing newcomers and regulars alike. Word of mouth and social media mean bookings “always fill up quickly”, Nikki said.

To mark the tournament, which takes place in Canada, the US and Mexico from today (June 11) to July 19, the team has put together a sports food menu for England games, alongside drinks offers including 2 for £13.95 cocktails, spritzes and gin goblets.

There will also be a customer sweepstake and a World Cup-themed quiz.

For Nikki, the real value of the tournament is what it does for the community.

“They bring communities together, creating a real sense of positivity and shared excitement,” she said. “They create memorable moments for families, friends and neighbours … and introduce new customers who may return long after the final whistle.”

As for England’s chances? She’s optimistic.

“They have the standard and quality of players to go all the way,” she said. “When England are doing well, there's a genuine feel-good factor that spreads throughout the community, and as a pub, it's brilliant to be at the heart of that.”

‘A World Cup festival in the bar’

In the city centre, The Brotherhood is preparing for what manager Josh Woodall expects to be one of its biggest tournaments yet.

“We expect to be extremely busy for every England game,” he said. “Bookings have gone through the roof over the last month.”

The bar has spent months planning a full World Cup programme, promising a festival-style experience for fans. That includes confetti cannons, live music, Mariachi bands, matchday magazines on every table and a special menu created just for the tournament.

“We've been planning for this tournament since February,” he said. “Now, with kick-off just around the corner, it's fantastic to see everything coming together.”

The bar, on New Briggate, will show every match, not just England’s, and is even offering £4 pints of Stella and Guinness during Scotland games to keep its Scottish regulars happy.

Josh believes Leeds is uniquely placed to embrace the excitement.

“Leeds is football mad, it's as simple as that,” he said. “When a major tournament is underway, the atmosphere is unlike anything else.”

And while he won’t be drawn into predictions, he admits he’s feeling positive.

“With the quality and star power we have in our squad, it's hard not to be optimistic,” he admitted. “Dare I say it's coming home?”

‘The tournament becomes the community of the world’

In Garforth, landlady Joanne “Jo” Heywood at The Gaping Goose says the World Cup transforms the pub into a meeting place for people who might not normally watch football together.

“You get to meet new and old customers joining together. Cheering together. Supporting together,” she said. “Eventually then you’ve made friends.”

Jo admits she doesn’t follow football closely during the domestic season - but international tournaments are different.

“Football is the sport of the world,” she said. “The tournament becomes the community of the world, not just a place.”

The pub isn’t planning special events or themed nights, preferring to let the football take centre stage. But Jo is confident England can go all the way.

“Absolutely we will win it this year. You have to have hope in life,” she said confidently. “When we win, it will bring joy to everyone around!”

Whether it’s the festival atmosphere of the city centre, the family-friendly buzz in Meanwood, or the community spirit in Garforth, Leeds pubs are united in one thing: the belief that a successful England run can lift the whole city.

As Nikki at the Beck and Call puts it: “There’s nothing better than a pub full of people all getting behind the same team … that’s what the World Cup is all about for us.”