Pubs and bars gear up for a winning night with the Reds

May 22 2007 by Mike Hornby, Liverpool Echo

PUBS and bars are preparing for a red letter day as Liverpool take on AC Milan in the Champions League final.

Wholesalers said today that extra supplies of beer and crisps had been dispatched to nearby depots as advanced orders reached levels four times above normal.

Up to 100,000 people are expected to watch the final in the city centre tomorrow night, with many thousands more viewing the game at their local pub.

If the Reds secure an historic sixth win, the party will run into the small hours.

Pubs around Anfield stadium are certain to attract many fans from across the world, anxious to watch the game close to the Reds’ home.

Betty Marnell of The Arkles pub, Anfield Road, said: “It is going to be the biggest and busiest night we have ever seen, and everybody is welcome.

“We have hired a karaoke machine with a special Liverpool-themed playlist. Songs like Ring Of Fire and You’ll Never Walk Alone, even the Anfield Rap are on there.”

Betty added: “We have had to triple our beer and snacks order from the wholesalers and I’m still worried the fans will drink us dry.”

Brisbane-born Mark Hansen, manager of the Walkabout in Concert Square, plans to show highlights of each Liverpool game during this year’s competition as part of the build-up to the kick-off.

He said: “It is going to be like nothing else the city centre has ever seen. Christmas, New Year, the Mathew Street festival all rolled into one.”

Over at the Cavern Club, bands taking part in the International Pop Festival will take a break to let Stevie G and co take centre stage.

Cavern managing director Dave Jones said: “With live music before and after the game, tomorrow promises to be a very special night.

“We are expecting the club to be packed out.”

At The Brookhouse, Smithdown Road, Anthony Freeman said: “We expect people to start arriving at lunchtime to secure the best seats, and the place will be packed out.

“Our priority will be to make sure everyone is safe and has a brilliant time.”

Stacey Lewis, of Liverpool’s biggest off licence chain The Local, added: “We are getting the biggest deliveries we have ever seen.

“It is going to be very busy until kick off and then it will be very quiet, so at least all the staff will be able to watch the game too.”