Fans of Team England experienced a slice of home yesterday before their match against Croatia at the newly opened Londoner pub in Arlington. This Dallas establishment, known for its authentic British ambiance, welcomed a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters for a soft launch just in time for the game.
Manager Oscar Chapa emphasized the venue’s authenticity, noting that the owner hails from England and has ensured that every detail, from the furnishings to the selection of beers, reflects a true British pub experience. “Over 90% of the people here are from England. It’s incredible,” he remarked.
The pub was alive with the sounds of singing soccer fans, with Chapa estimating that around 300 people packed the space on game day. “We didn’t even promote our opening. This was just a soft launch, and the fans found us. It’s been fantastic support from the England fans,” he added.
Amidst a limited menu and a bustling crowd, the Londoner provided classic British dishes such as fish and chips and bangers and mash. However, the demand was overwhelming, as patrons consumed drinks faster than the staff could serve them. Doorman Murtadha Hatem expressed his surprise at the crowd’s enthusiasm, saying, “I thought it would be crowded, but this is different. Most people are standing because there are no tables left.”
With approximately 15,000 English nationals in North Texas for the FIFA World Cup, fans quickly embraced the local scene, bringing along their vibrant football culture. The original Londoner in Dallas had to close early on June 16 after police intervened to manage the throngs of fans who had spent over $40,000 on drinks that night.
The following evening, the Dallas Fire Marshal shut down the main location until morning due to overcrowding and damage to the property, highlighting the challenges of managing such an enthusiastic crowd.
After England’s 4-2 victory, the Arlington location soon reached its capacity, prompting Chapa and security staff to take measures to prevent further influx. “We’re being very cautious right now. It’s a hard lesson learned, but safety is our priority,” he stated.
In the aftermath of the match, Chapa played “Sweet Caroline” multiple times to keep spirits high among the jubilant fans. “Hearing 200 people sing the same song is an amazing experience. We’ll be celebrating all week, and we don’t know when the festivities will end,” he shared.
Outside the pub, the atmosphere was electric, with heavy traffic and throngs of pedestrians creating an exciting yet chaotic scene. Some fans even playfully chased after cars that cut them off, further illustrating the passionate energy of the event.
Among the fans was Adrian Sims from Redding, England, who described his time in Arlington as a whirlwind of revelry. “We’ve just been drinking and singing. I haven’t even tried Texas barbecue yet!” he exclaimed, expressing his enjoyment despite the challenges of the local climate. “Texas is amazing, though the traffic is a bit rough.”
Stephen Allen, a London native, arrived at the Londoner shortly after landing in Texas, while Ian Gill from Bristol has been exploring the area since June 11. He shared his delight at discovering local cuisine, including a memorable visit to Golden Corral. “We were blown away by the buffet experience,” he said, emphasizing the vastness of everything in Texas.
Gill and his friends plan to continue their journey to Boston for the next game, making it a road trip with stops along the way. However, he admitted that understanding the local dialect has been a challenge. “I heard ‘honkytonk’ today, and I have no idea what that means!”
In contrast to the original Londoner’s tumultuous experience, the Arlington venue managed to maintain order, allowing fans to engage in friendly banter and enjoy the festivities well into the night. Local security personnel credited their efforts for creating a more manageable environment.
