Pubs and bars in Hammersmith & Fulham were crowned the busiest watering holes in London during England games.

Football fans spend a whopping 282 per cent more during the half-time break of England matches at international tournaments according to the latest figures from Worldpay.

Pubs in the City of London (232 per cent) and Southwark (204 per cent) are the closest pint-pulling rivals in the capital.

Croatia clash

Drinks venues in H&F are set to enjoy another bumper day of trading for the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final clash with Croatia on Wednesday night (11 July).

The business boom coincides with H&F Council’s support for the thriving night-time economy in the borough, which is a central part to the local economy as outlined in its Industrial Strategy (pdf).

“We hope England can go all the way to the final at this year’s World Cup,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for the Economy and the Arts.

“Our pubs and bars are thriving and England’s progression in the tournament will help further boost the night-time economy. We want England to be crowned the best team in the world and we also want to make H&F the best place to live, work and play in Europe.”

Statistics from Worldpay revealed that the busiest time during England international football matches is four minutes before the start of the second half.

H&F is the third busiest place in the UK after Bournemouth and Bristol with the country’s pubs pulling in £3.5 million during the 90 minutes of a match alone.

Night-time economy

With pubs and bars in such rude health in H&F, a number of new establishments are pouring out across the borough to further boost the night-time economy.

Hammersmith & Fulham’s vibrant nightlife scene was recognised at the Time Out Love London Awards 2018 where The Kings Head Cocktail Bar and Courtyard in Fulham High Street was voted the best place in London to kick back in the sun with a cold drink.

“H&F has such a buzz about it,” said Kings Head co-founder Nenad Petrovic. “There is so much new development in the area and we are so excited to be a part of the growth. H&F truly has that 'it' factor.”

And the after work options have just got bigger with the all-vegan Tell Your Friends in New Kings Road, The Prince in Lillie Road and The Little Blue Door in Fulham Road becoming the latest watering holes to open shop.

But one of the beauties of the borough is that it is so filled with great places to socialise, new and old, that everyone will have their own favourite spot to watch the World Cup.

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