Euros boost business for pubs in Gloucestershire after pandemic
Some venues have installed screens just for the tournament
Pubs and bars in Gloucestershire have seen a huge boost in business after navigating through tough times during the pandemic.
Many have installed screens specifically for the biggest European football tournament despite not advertising themselves as a sports venue.
It comes as the hospitality has struggled during the last 16 months with lockdowns, uncertainty and more recently staff shortages.
Richard Shakeshaft, manager of the Sandford Park Alehouse in Cheltenham, said: "We decided to show the football because I think it's a bit naïve if you try and turn your nose up at it.
"The further England have got into the tournament the more interest we've had and we're getting people in here that we normally wouldn't.
"It's a good opportunity to show the pub off to other people that may not come and it also adds a bit on entertainment into an already tough time at the moment.
The pub was packed out for the Euros semi-final between England and Denmark.
The entire downstairs of the venue is fully booked for the final between England and Italy on Sunday - with their two other rooms nearly at full capacity as well.
Richard added: "Older regulars may not be coming to the pub just yet. Having to sign in and sit down at a table and not being able to order the bar is putting them off I think.
"We are missing quite a lot of customers which we would normally expect to see in.
"So getting people in who know the rules and don't mind sitting down whilst watching the football is great to see."