The football World Cup is set to be a boon for UK pubs, new research shows.

With Scotland getting off to a winning start over the weekend and following England’s first game last night, Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said pubs are already seeing the benefit.

She said: “Thanks to the World Cup and Scotland’s fantastic performance, early indications suggest an extra 300,000 pints were poured in Scotland over the weekend.

“We’re expecting England’s first match to draw fans to the pub and anticipate an extra five million pints will be pulled as we all cheer on the team, which will be a massive boost for the sector.

“The best way to enjoy the match is, and always has been, down the pub with friends and fellow fans, and I’d encourage everyone to head to their local to cheer on England.”