Thousands of England fans descend on Benidorm as 50,000 litres of beer await

By now most bars in Benidorm will be filled to the brim with England fans eager to show their support as England plays their debut match against Croatia. The usual rhythm of the resort shifts quickly on nights like this, with terraces packed early, screens switched on across every corner and the sound of anticipation building long before kick-off.

Although Im currently writing this in my 2018 Croatian World Cup football shirt that’s sporting the name of Mandžukić across the back (It’s a long story), I can’t help but think about two things: the 50,000 litres of beer expected to be poured across the resort as Benidorm transforms into an unofficial England fan zone, and whether we are still singing “It’s coming home” this year or if that now counts as a jinx.

50,000 litres waiting to be poured

The figure of 50,000 litres may sound extraordinary, but for Benidorm’s bars it is the reality of a major match. From beachfront bars and sports pubs to restaurants showing the game on large screens, businesses across the resort are preparing for what will be one of their busiest days of the tournament.

For staff, the challenge is less about the football itself and more about keeping drinks flowing. Extra beer deliveries are brought in, cellar stocks are checked repeatedly and additional staff are scheduled to cope with demand. On busy tournament nights, pulling pints can become a non-stop task from late afternoon until long after the final whistle.

Match time and packed bars

England matches are among the busiest nights of the World Cup. Tables are reserved hours in advance, terraces fill early and finding a seat close to a screen can become a challenge long before kick-off. Bars increase beer stocks, bring in extra staff and prepare for a relentless flow of orders that can continue well past the final whistle.

As kick-off approaches, the atmosphere will change completely. England shirts dominate the crowds, chants break out across terraces and every tackle, shot and refereeing decision is met with a reaction. By the time the teams walk onto the pitch, many venues are standing room only, with queues several people deep at the bar.

For bar staff, England match nights can feel like controlled chaos. Orders arrive faster than they can be poured, empty glasses pile up almost as quickly as they are collected and moving through packed terraces becomes an obstacle course.

Even the most experienced venues can struggle to keep pace once the match gets underway. A goal can send beer flying into the air, while a controversial decision can have hundreds of fans shouting at the screen at the same time. It is exhausting for staff, but nights like these are exactly what many have been preparing for mentally since the tournament began.

50,000 litres later or maybe more

While England fans will be focused entirely on the match, bars across Benidorm will be hoping for a smooth evening of celebrations and plenty of full glasses. The combination of football, warm weather and thousands of supporters creates an atmosphere few places outside England can compare to during a major match.

If local estimates are accurate and up to 50,000 litres of beer are served across Benidorm, several things remain certain: by the final whistle, bars will be left with empty glasses, staff will be exhausted and whether England win, lose or draw, plenty of beer will have been consumed along the way. Bottoms up and may the best team win!