New World Cup pop-up bar

Last night I went to the launch of the new Fever Pitch pop-up bar in Fulham Broadway. Apparently, this is “the UK’s only dedicated World Cup pop-up bar” with 13 screens set up in preparation for England’s winning days. As the festivities haven’t started in South Africa yet, the venue had wisely opted to show reruns of the 1966 glory match instead, which went down a treat with a pint of John Smith’s and the fresh copy of Shortlist magazine I’d picked up on my way from the tube.

The food was basic, to say the least - Breville toasties and hot dogs - and the crowd was hardly match fit (difficult considering it’s 400 capacity size), but I did spot TV Sports presenter Jim Rosenthal enjoying a mojito or two. I’m sure the crowds will come on match day.

Perhaps the most interesting development of the night came when I met the owner, Brenhan Magee (of Jerusalem and Salvador & Amanda fame). It has been alleged that Brenhan had spent £200,000 creating this pop-up bar but when I chatted to him he told me that the money has actually been spent on a new bar/restaurant/members club complex called the Broadway Bar & Grill which will take over the same space once Fever Pitch moves out after the World Cup. One to watch out for!