England's World Cup victory provided a rare moment of uncomplicated national joy, highlighting the importance of a shared national story for good government. The diverse England football team offers a modern vision of national identity, distinct from immigration policy, that can foster belonging.
England fans celebrated their team's dramatic 3-2 World Cup quarter-final victory over Mexico, despite a 02:00 BST kick-off. Pubs stayed open late, schools hosted 'as-live' viewings, and many employers offered flexible working hours, leading to widespread jubilation and exhaustion across the country.
En un ambiente cargado de rivalidad entre México e Inglaterra, el partido del Mundial 2026 se convirtió en un escenario de confrontación entre el rock y la afición. Liam Gallagher y Fher de Maná protagonizaron un cruce de declaraciones que encendió a los seguidores, quienes abuchearon a Oasis y otras bandas británicas en el estadio.
Pubs in England and Wales can now stay open until 5 AM on Monday to allow fans to watch the World Cup match between England and Mexico. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the U-turn on licensing laws, which was welcomed by industry leaders.
Pubs across England and Wales can now stay open until 5 AM for the England vs. Mexico World Cup match on Monday, following a government U-turn. Initially, pubs that hadn't applied for extended hours in advance would miss out.
The Junction Hotel in Broken Hill, a pub operating for over 130 years, has closed permanently. Its closure reflects a broader decline in the city's pubs, linked to population decrease and modernization of mining operations. Owners are unlikely to reopen it as a pub, marking a significant cultural loss for the community.
A survey reveals nearly a quarter of UK pubs, bars, and restaurants are losing money, prompting celebrity chefs and business owners, led by Tom Kerridge, to launch a campaign for a VAT cut from 20% to 10% to alleviate financial pressure.
Australia erupted in celebration as the Socceroos drew against Paraguay, ensuring their progression to the World Cup knockout phase for the second consecutive time. Pubs and public spaces were filled with enthusiastic fans, uniting communities across the country.
Canned cocktails have seen a massive boom in the UK, with sales tripling since 2020, driven by convenience, affordability, and an aspirational image. Once seen as uncouth, they are now a popular choice, particularly among middle-class women, despite public health concerns and past moral panics over similar drinks.
A power outage affecting Worldpay, a major payment processing platform, caused widespread disruption to card payments in UK supermarkets and pubs on Tuesday. Customers reported issues with contactless payments and long queues at ATMs, with some venues only accepting cash.
London councils impose strict 11pm/midnight curfews on new bars and restaurants, "killing off nightlife" according to experts. Cities like Manchester and Birmingham thrive with more lenient licensing, allowing venues to open until 5am.
Thomas Tuchel praised England's second-half performance against Croatia, urging them to maintain an aggressive, front-foot style after their 4-2 World Cup opener win. He envisioned fans enjoying the team's attacking display, which ignited a sense of possibility for the tournament.
Der deutsche Discounter Lidl hat in Nordirland ein Pub namens "Middle Ale" eröffnet, das in einen Supermarkt integriert ist. Die Idee entstand aufgrund strenger nordirischer Alkoholgesetze, die Lidl die Eröffnung eines Pubs erleichterten. Acht Arbeitsplätze wurden geschaffen.
UK pubs and restaurants are criticizing a temporary VAT cut on children's meals, calling it "laughable" and a "token gesture." One venue launched an expensive "kids" menu with snail salad to highlight the scheme's perceived inadequacy.
UK ministers are exploring a major reform of the tax system, potentially devolving billions of pounds in business rates to regional mayors. The move aims to give local leaders more control over tax revenue, reward economic growth, and address regional inequality, with proposals expected in the upcoming budget.
In Platt Bridge, a community facing economic hardship and safety concerns, residents express a deep desire for change, with some drawn to Reform's message while others support Andy Burnham, highlighting a stark moral and political divide.
Eight people were arrested during an anti-immigration march in Liverpool, with businesses shuttering doors due to fears of violence. Police maintained a heavy presence, separating protesters from counter-demonstrators. The march proceeded with minor disorder, and arrests were for public order offences and assaulting an officer.
Fuller's CEO Simon Emeny anticipates a significant boost to summer trade from the World Cup's evening kick-off times, which he believes will not cannibalize normal trading hours. The pub and hotel chain is also benefiting from a rise in domestic tourism and strong advance bookings for the tournament.
Japan's izakaya restaurant-bars are experiencing record closures due to rising costs and changing consumer habits. While some traditional establishments struggle, chains like HUB are expanding by adapting marketing strategies and catering to tourists.
The Henry Nowak stabbing case, involving a white victim and Asian assailant, has been distorted to claim 'two-tier policing' where white people are allegedly discriminated against by UK police, despite the case's complexities and police mistakes.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to use new powers to overrule the Soho Society's decision to challenge all new pub and bar license applications, aiming to boost the city's late-night economy and combat venue closures.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan plans to use new government powers to overrule the Soho Society's mandate to challenge all new pub and restaurant license applications. Khan argues the group's stance is "bad for London" and will hinder the city's nightlife and alfresco dining.
Thousands in Kent faced water outages for a week during the hottest period of the year, with vulnerable residents struggling to access bottled water. Businesses lost thousands, and criticism is aimed at South East Water for failing infrastructure and executive pay, despite high customer bills.
Bengaluru residents turned homes, pubs, and theatres into mini-stadia to celebrate RCB's title defence, as police restrictions prevented large public gatherings. Fans expressed deep emotional connection to the team, celebrating sustained success.
