As Jeff Darey settled in on his bar stool at The Lion and Rose Pub, the Englishman felt right at home.
The cross of St. George stood in a pitcher on his table, and a pint rested in his hand. On the telly, his Three Lions battled Algeria in a surprisingly taut World Cup group match. Darey and his wife, Tish - along with a group of friends cheering each English shot - watched the match with a combination of excitement and anxiety.
"It's not England, but it's close," Darey said with a grin. "The food is good, and the atmosphere is good. It's what World Cup is about."
It's what The Lion and Rose Pub is about, especially during the World Cup. For the British-themed bar and restaurant in the Village at Westlake shopping center, the soccer tournament in distant South Africa creates a brief holiday season. The pub opens at 8:30 a.m. each day in order to show every match live, and the bar enjoys a flush of business not usually found before happy hour.
The World Cup may cause some long hours for the Lion and Rose Pub employees, but it also creates the best soccer atmosphere in Westlake.
"It's a true, British-style pub experience," said Dave Perez, one of The Lion and Rose managers. "We've had great crowds for all the matches. People are cheering, people get sad. It's been exciting."
The World Cup has also been a boon for business, with sales up "35 to 45 percent" during the tournament, said Perez.
The Lion and Rose has met the demand with a special breakfast menu and drink
specials that begin at 7 a.m., which is the earliest a bar can start serving
alcohol, according to Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission regulations. Matches
run through the afternoon, and the pub is well-stocked in food and drink to keep
its customers happy.
Friday's result - England suffered a surprising scoreless draw with lightly regarded Algeria - may not have pleased Darey, but the Austin resident said he'd return to watch another match.
"Everyone is having a good time here," he said. "I'd definitely come back. I just hope England will still be playing."
The Lion and Rose Pub is located at 701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. inside the Village at Westlake shopping center. The pub opens at either 6:30 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. for the World Cup soccer tournament, depending on the start time of the first match. Visit www.thelionandrose.com or call (512) 335-5466 for more information.
