1pm on a cold Monday afternoon where all around the country people are spotted dressed in white heading to their local. The question on all the same how will England do and more importantly where is the best place to view the game.
York has a rich history and many of the bars are no different with bars such as Ye Olde Starre Inne constructed at some point in the mid-16th century. Pubs like that though are predicted to be ignored by English fans in favour of the more modern pubs.
One such pub that has adapted to the modern times is The Keystones located on Monkgate where screens have been installed and a modern, homely feel has been adapted. Local resident Robbie Nicholson had this to say, “Keystones has a great atmosphere and I reckon in the future will be a great place for me and my mates to watch the game after work.”
In the Keystones pub screens showing live sport sit above the bar giving great visibility to all seated towards the entrance side of the bar.
In terms of pints and their prices the average pint will set you back around £5 a bit steeper than you may pay in some areas but for a friendly, homely atmosphere £5 per pint seems like a reasonable sum to pay.
Alternatively, if you are a student residing and studying within the city of York why not watch the game at your local student union? Cheaper drinks, more screens and as a projection many more people will be at these games due to the ease of access.
Students at York St John’s University, located on Lord Mayor’s Walk, have the opportunity to drinks ranging between £3 and £4.60.
With five screens set up in the Student Union on campus many more viewers will be able to watch the football in there as opposed to jam packed pubs such as Keystones.
The one downside to Student Unions is they are anticipating a lot of reservation in particular for the upcoming match against Iran so it’s best to get it booked now before it’s too late.
Student Joe Sunter had this to say, “I think me and my friends will be watching in the SU I just think it’s easy to get to and yeah makes sense for us”.
Spark:York in Piccadilly were a big venue in previous years and have announced that this year the complex will once again be showing all games on the big screen. They will be opening specially for the games against Iran on Monday just for those football fans who want an electric atmosphere.
One bar to avoid however is The Red Lion in Merchantgate who will not be showing this years World Cup matches. A member of staff told the York Press; “We’re giving it a miss because of the weather,” she said, adding: “We haven’t got the facilities to to show them indoors.”
Wherever you end up watching the World Cup let’s hope we can see the Three Lions bring it home and finally end the 56 years of hurt.
Originally Written: December 2022
Articles by Horn 
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