Waveney pubs welcome fans as England beat Iran in World Cup

England won the opening group stage clash with Iran 6-2, and landlords and landladys in Waveney were delighted by how busy their pubs were. 

Alex Sims, manager of the Ingate Freehouse in Beccles, said: “We have had an absolutely fantastic afternoon. 

“To have a pub full of punters on a Monday afternoon was amazing. 

“Our policy throughout the tournament is that every time England scores, we ring a bell and reduce pint prices to £3, the bell was constantly sounding today, and the atmosphere was incredible. 

“We have a good atmosphere on a Friday anyway, so to have the England versus USA match on can only make it better. 

“We are so happy with the support of the people of the town. 

“What a day for English football.” 

Chinny’s bartender Thea Bareham said: “It was great to have so many people in, cheering on the Three Lions in their opening game. 

“England’s next game is on Friday evening.  

“We’re ready for a big turnout and would like to continue hosting a good atmosphere throughout the tournament.

"For a Monday afternoon, we are incredibly pleased to see so many faces turn up to support the boys.” 

James Pickard, owner and manager of the Green Dragon in Bungay, said: “We are really excited to be able to show the football, it is always a fun time at the pub. 

“We hope to offer bar snacks for later matches and forthcoming matches, even should it be outside of usual service hours.” 

The back bar at the Green Dragon in Bungay (Image: Berry Williams)

Punters packed into the back bar at the green Dragon in Bungay (Image: Berry Williams)

The Ingate in Beccles was packed with fans in all three bars (Image: Michelle Payne)

People gathered in the back bar at the Green Dragon in Bungay to cheer on the Three Lion's (Image: Berry Williams)

Spectators gather in Chinny's in Halesworth to cheer on England (Image: Thea Bareham)