Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

LONDON LEAST PATRIOTIC DURING EURO 2004

For most of us, Euro 2004 is a great excuse to fly St George’s flags and proudly wear three lions on our chest. But not for Londoners, according to a recent survey they are the least patriotic region of the UK, with only six per cent saying they'll celebrate being British during the tournament.

The research published by the Spirit Group, operators of leading sports pubs including Q’s, Mr Q’s and John Barras, reveals that people in the Yorkshire and the North-East are the most patriotic, with one in five using Euro as a great excuse to ‘fly the flag’ for the England team.

In fact, us UK citizens go to great lengths to support our team*:
 21% have either decorated their car or house
 13% have named their baby or animal after a player
 11% have face painted
 10% changed their hair to follow the fashion of a player

Twice as many Scots (12 per cent) than Londoners believe England's participation in Euro 2004 is a good reason to celebrate Great Britain’s heritage.

Of the 2,400 pubs operated by Spirited Group, 1,700 will be showing Euro 2004 and proudly flying flags and banners for the 60 per cent* of customers who will be watching the football in the pub!

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For further info please contact
Jonathan Bennett on 07980 881 682

Notes to Editor
1. Spirit Group is the UK’s fastest growing independent managed pub operator with over 2,400 outlets nationwide. With a strong portfolio of local pubs, the licensed retailer also operates market-leading concepts including Two For One, Wacky Warehouse, Chef & Brewer, Qs and Bar Room Bar.

2. The research was undertaken for Spirit Group by TNS on 1st June 2004 across 1,200 pub customers ranging from 18 to 64 years, and split equally by gender and regions.


* Research undertaken amongst John Barras customers