CITYnews halifax : Pubs in Halifax seeing a surge of business due to World Cup

CITYnews halifax / By Steve Gow.

The FIFA World Cup is proving to be a big score for Halifax-area pubs as fans gather to cheer on Canada’s run in the international soccer tournament.

Troy Harnish, owner of the Bedford Neighbourhood Pub, says his bar has been packed during World Cup games, especially when Canada plays.

“From day one, we were ready for this,” says Harnish, who notes what has surprised him more has been the amount of people popping in to support other countries’ teams. “The Netherlands has been well represented, England has been well represented, even Germany (so) it’s my favourite event every four years – the Olympics is one thing, but this really brings people together.”

With 35 screens, the pub has been a popular place to watch the tournament in Bedford, with Harnish increasing staff and ordering more food.

“It’s been good for the whole industry,” he said. “It gives a little bump to all the bars and restaurants and gives a little excitement to the city.”

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In downtown Halifax, Oasis Pub and Eatery on Spring Garden Road has also seen a growing interest in the sport with the World Cup.

“Just in general, the sport has been picking up,” says manager Brian Atkinson, who notes being close in proximity to the Wanderers Grounds brings many soccer fans through the doors.

He says he expects at least 100 people to walk in the door when Canada plays Switzerland on Wednesday, adding he’s had to make adjustments.

“We’ll be bringing in a food server, which we wouldn’t normally have on a Wednesday (and) we’ll have extra bar staff as well,” says Atkinson, adding he was a little surprised by the amount of fans that came to the Canada match versus Qatar. “Now that we got that first win under our belt and will probably go through to the next stage, a lot of support should be coming down here.”

Atkinson says he anticipates with Canada expected to advance past the group stage, the bar should continue to see an uptick well into July, adding current crowd numbers have been similar to what he sees during big hockey games.