World Cup flop to boost cinemas and restaurants
ENGLAND’S failure to get past the second round of the World Cup will give a welcome boost to cinemas and restaurants, analysts said yesterday.
Traditional boozers are set to lose the most income, as fans tend to watch non-England games at home, according to Hugh-Guy Lorriman at Seymour Pierce.
He said food-led pubs would be best insulated from the losses, and restated a “buy” recommendation on Greene King.
Betting chain William Hill has enjoyed a “bookmaker friendly” World Cup so far, according to Numis Securities, though the analyst noted that a number of high-profile upsets and draw games in the tournament have led to higher margins.
High Street retailer Curry’s said yesterday it will recognise Lampard’s disallowed goal as part of its “cash for goals” offer, buoyed by Friday’s announcement that underlying profits jumped by 61 per cent last year.
Marketing director Niall O’Keeffe said: “Like every other England fan, and pretty much every person around the world who watched the match, we believe that Frank Lampard scored a legitimate goal.”