Drinking for England! ‘I don’t always go around hugging total strangers in the pub’
Kent Online 2026-07-10 04:00:00
Context: The Rising Sun pub in Beltinge, just outside Herne Bay, was the scene of a lively gathering of locals and England football fans on the night of a World Cup match against Mexico. The pub, known for its community-led atmosphere, was filled with patrons clad in England shirts, all eager to watch the game and cheer on their team. As the night wore on and England secured a victory, the pub erupted in joy, with patrons and staff alike celebrating the win.
Key Facts
- The Rising Sun pub, located at 103 Reculver Rd, Beltinge, Herne Bay CT6 6ND, features extensive tongue-and-groove wood paneling and an abundance of fairy lights, giving it a unique atmosphere.
- On the night of the World Cup match, the pub's bar was filled with locals, all of whom knew each other, and the author, who opted for a Camden Pale Ale for £6.75, despite the prevalence of lager among the England-shirted supporters.
- The pub's main bar had a reserved sign on every table, prompting the author to move to a less populated side bar with a slightly smaller screen, where he ordered a Cruzcampo lager after being unimpressed with the Camden Hells lager.
- The pub's amenities include a modern fruit machine, a dartboard with an electronic scoreboard, and two barmaids who were smart, smiley, and attentive to both locals and visitors.
- The author spent £1.50 on a packet of crisps, as he had already eaten and did not partake in the pub's food offerings, which included two available options on the night of the match.