Pubs across the region have seen a busy two-week period following the European Championships getting under way.

With Covid restrictions still in force, bars and pubs have continued to follow the guidelines imposed by the government. However that hasn’t stopped fans from coming out and cheering on England during the group stages of the tournament.

“Friday night was brilliant,” said Carla Rowley, manager at the Grapes in Hexham.

“It was a really nice atmosphere, and we had a mix of young and old. Everyone was in a great mood, and the weather was cooler, so people were calmer.

“The Euros have given us a lift, they’re cheering everyone up a bit and the weather is helping. We’re getting some sense of normality back.”

The football was also proving popular at the Working Man’s Club in Haltwhistle, with a number of fans taking advantage of the large projector screen at the venue to watch as England returned to winning ways on Tuesday night.

“The first game (last Sunday) was quite good and Friday was mental and absolutely crazy,” said Club Steward Stuart Smith.

“Tuesday has just been quite steady.

“We weren’t expecting it to get busy until the knockout stages so its better than we ever thought it was going to be. Hopefully it will just pick up from there.

“The longer we stay in, the better its going to get so I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s been good for us, really good, but its always been a place where people come to watch football finals whether its the Euro’s or a World Cup.

“Everyone comes here and the younger generation now come to watch it so its going to carry on.”

England beat both Croatia and the Czech Republic and they also drew 0-0 with Scotland to win Group D.

England’s round of 16 match is set be played on Tuesday (June 29) at 5pm.