‘There’s nothing better than walking into your pub and seeing your bar staff in your home shirt’

According to the Globe’s owner and licensee, Paul Hamblin, the Fuller’s pub usually looks after around 1,000 supporters on matchdays but has cut back to in the region of 120 people due to Covid-19 restrictions and games being played behind closed doors.

This is made all the more significant by the fact that the ongoing pandemic coincides with a historic period in Brentford’s history. 

Not only did the west London club come within 90 minutes of making its Premier League bow via the EFL Championship playoffs last season, but on 29 July 2020, Brentford FC played their last ever home game at Griffin Park – their home for 116 years. 

With fans unable to attend the game against Swansea in the Championship Play-off semi-final, they headed to their local instead as their beloved Bees sought to move one step closer to securing Premier League football for the first time in their history. 

“The Globe is a fan’s favourite,” Hamblin told Sky Business as part of new video series, The Pub: Football’s Home​. “It’s got a lovely welcome. 

“It’s a home for all the best things about Brentford and let’s hope it continues forever and ever as Brentford is a very special gem in the football world.

“It’s not just turning up at 8pm for kick-off, it’s turning up at 5pm, arranging to meet your mates, having something to eat and it just usually is a happy atmosphere. 

“Even when they lose it’s a happy atmosphere of ‘do you know, it’ll be better next week’, and that’s the kind of atmosphere we’re looking for.”

While last season will go down as one of the most significant in Brentford’s history, Hamblin believes manager Thomas Frank’s side weren’t the only winning team in town.   

“My staff are amazing, absolutely amazing,” he explained. “The smile, the willingness to help everyone they possibly can all the time. They feel that from us, and the fact everyone else feels comfortable here. 

“There’s nothing better than walking into your pub and seeing your bar staff in your home shirt, wearing your colours and serving you a pint, with a big smile on their face.”

Unique and unrivalled way of bringing people together 

Hamblin spoke to Sky Business in the fourth episode of the broadcaster’s new video series, The Pub: Football’s Home,​ which focuses on pub licensees’ preparations for the new football season.

The collection of short films shines a light on the people that make live sport in pubs and bars an unmissable, communal experience.

The Pub: Football’s Home​, was filmed post-lockdown and looks at the key role the licensed trade plays in bringing together local communities and how live sport gives customers the perfect reason to meet up safely and responsibly with friends and family.  

The films profile licensees, front of house staff and customers who come together every match day to enjoy sport. Episode one, filmed at the Wellington in Hale, Liverpool​ – a Marston’s tenanted pub – is available now with more episodes released weekly throughout September.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and our partnership with them is very important to us,” Simon Raggett, managing director of Sky Business said. “The Pub: Football’s Home​ really highlights the role that pubs and clubs play and how sport has a unique and unrivalled way of bringing people together.

“At a time when stadiums are closed, sports fans are looking for the atmosphere and sense of togetherness which is where pubs and clubs come to the fore.  

“With Sky Business, venues can bring their customers the experience we’ve all been missing, including the biggest games from the Premier League, the EFL and so much more.”