Hereford pubs to open early for England-Mexico World Cup match

Several pubs in Hereford are among those planning to open early for England's World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico, which kicks off at 01:00 BST on Monday. Eight pubs in Herefordshire, including seven in Hereford, initially applied to Herefordshire Council for Temporary Event Notices (TENs) to cover the early-hours fixture. However, the council refunded the fees after the government relaxed licensing laws, allowing pubs in England and Wales to stay open until 05:00 BST on Monday.

Pubs opening for the match

Billy Harrison, manager of The Kerry in Commercial Square, said he was looking forward to a good crowd despite the early hour. "It's the World Cup. It only happens every four years, people are up for it," he said. Daniel at Doyles Sports Bar, one of the eight that initially applied for a licence, said: "It's an England knockout game, so hopefully there will be a good few along. We've had events like boxing at odd hours before."

Other venues confirmed they will open: The Grandstand in Grandstand Road, The Yard in Aubrey Street, and the recently reopened Queens Arms in High Street, Bromyard, all announced online that they will stay open for the match.

Pubs choosing not to open

Some pubs that initially considered opening have decided against it. Staff at The Wellington in Widemarsh Street and the Rose & Crown in Ledbury Road said they do not expect to open for the game. Several other pubs in the West Midlands also said on social media they had decided not to open. The New Inn in Harborne, Birmingham, cited respect for neighbours: "We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to be considerate of those living nearby." It added it would be open for "football chat" from 16:00 BST on Monday.

National chain Wetherspoons confirmed that only five of its more than 800 pubs will open for the game. The chain, which does not typically show sports fixtures, said only the Solomon Cutler in Broad Street, Birmingham, a pub in central London, and three in the north east of England will stay open.

Customers are advised to double-check which venues are opening ahead of the match, which takes place at Mexico City Stadium. Many pubs are taking advantage of the government's easing of licensing rules, introduced by Sir Keir Starmer.