Dereham's Railway Tavern landlord on the impact of Euro 2024

The Railway Tavern in Dereham was packed on Sunday for the round-of-16 match that saw a last-gasp equalizer from Jude Bellingham and an extra-time winner from Harry Kane.

The pub, on Yaxham Road, boasts a giant stand where up to 200 fans can watch Euro 2024 matches.

Paul Sandford, owner, said: "It was a wave of emotions. It turned to euphoria at the end. We were preparing for the downside of football, but then England pulled it out of the bag.

Football fans at the Railway Tavern in Dereham. (Image: Alan Palmer)

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"When we scored the roof was lifted."

Mr Sandford said he is not a defeatist, but with the minutes ticking away he got up "in disgust" and sat in the DJ booth.

"As soon as I sat down, we scored.

"Being superstitious, I'm going to have to sit there now for every game," he said.

A young England fan at the Railway Tavern in Dereham. (Image: Alan Palmer)

The pub took the match as an opportunity to raise money for Dereham Cancer Care, with profits from the £5 entry fee donated to the charity.

"I've always supported them right from the beginning," Mr Sandford said.

There was a bouncy castle, a penalty shoot-out competition, a sweet stand, face-painting, tombola and raffle.

"It's nice to get the community together, from babies up to old-age pensioners," Mr Sandford said. 

He also said the impact of the Euros on turnover is not the same during previous tournaments. 

Football fans at the Railway Tavern in Dereham. (Image: Alan Palmer)

"We're getting the footfall coming in, but the profit margins are not the same as they used to be, so even though we're getting the people in, there is not a massive profit to be made," he said. 

He also thanked neighbouring business Garden Tools and Engineering which allows the pub use of their carpark during England games.

Football fans at the Railway Tavern in Dereham. (Image: Alan Palmer)