Yesterday saw the launch of an update to Footy Pubs 2010. The Free mobile app available on iPhone and Nokia handsets.

Users can now find pubs showing the World Cup by searching for venue name, street, town, city and postcode as well as all the usual nice stuff such as hitting matches nearby to find a list of pubs near to your location.

The second big improvement to the app, is a new feature called Offers. This brings up all pubs nearby with offers and special World Cup promotions, helping you not only pick the best spot to watch the footy this summer but also save money – nice! Unfortunately we can’t promise that Capello’s boy’s sparkle on the pitch, but here’s hoping the next match blows us all away…at least you’ll have a nice pint in your hand

Download Footy Pubs 2010 today for your iPhone or Nokia here

Popularity: 7% [?]

What on earth have you been smoking? Ohh your Dutch...

You can almost taste the World Cup in the air, you can feel the excitement building in the nations bones, you can hear ill informed idiots suddenly thinking they know it all just because they read a story in a Sunday paper.

As we all know football is a game of two halves and a pint is made up of two halves – coincidence? Well we don’t think so and as a result here are another 16 fine drinks* relating to this year’s World Cup nations (the first 16 can be found here).

So get pouring, get cheering and get ready to make a fortune in tips if England make it all the way!!

*BarLifeUK cannot be held responsible if these drinks turn out to be shit – BarLifeUK Legal Team

GROUP E

Netherlands
Ahhh the Dutch, surely most supporters favourite ‘second’ team! The men in orange invented Total Football and still play with a joy and freedom that is better to watch than an Amsterdam shop window. They also have a history of mighty fine booze and the Heineken Brewery is one of the must see tourist attractions (providing you still can see of course), so it has to be:

Drink: Heineken

Denmark
The great Danes aren’t expected to do a whole lot this year and will do well to qualify from this tough group. It is also a close fight for best beer in this group and Denmark’s trademark brew is none less than Carlsberg.
Drink: Carlsberg

Japan
You have to have a bit of a soft spot for the Japanese, such enthusiasm should be rewarded and they do properly love their footy. They also love good drinks and more and more excellent bars are popping up across the country. When it comes to beer they wade in with the lovely Kirin and for the ladies look no further than some Midori

Drink: Kirin and Midori

Cameroon
Remember Roger Milla? The oldest bloke to score in a World Cup Finals? Well this drink has nothing to do with him at all. I know the Mojito is Cuban but bear with me! A lot of historians say it was invented by African slaves working the sugar cane fields of Cuba and Cameroon makes a killer Sugar Cane Wine so this, to me, makes perfect sense! The Cameroon Mojito
Mojito
30ml Rum
3 wedges fresh lime
12 fresh mint leaves
2 bar spoons sugar cane juice or sugar syrup
Soda water
Muddle together the mint and lime briefly in a Collins Glass, chuck in the rum and sugar syrup and give it another quick muddle. Half-fill glass with crushed ice. Give it a damn good stirring, top up with more crushed ice and add soda to fill. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.

GROUP F

Italy
The Italians care more about their hair than their football, which makes it even more depressing that they are still better than us. When it comes to booze they have given us some classics and if the sun is shining then break out a bottle of Tuaca and offer shots or even jugs of Tuscan Mules (Tuaca, Ginger Ale and fresh Lime juice)

Drink: Tuaca or Peroni

New Zealand
No this isn’t a late April fool’s joke, New Zealand really are in the World Cup. They are a crazy bunch with their bridge jumping and white water jet boating but probably the oddest thing they have given the world is Feijoa. Tried it? Tastes like Peter Stringfellow’s posing pouch. They did however give us 42 Below vodka and if you can find them some awesome beers

Drink: 42 Below & beer (try tracking down Monteiths or Speights)

Paraguay
Before I started this mission I didn’t know much about Paraguay…. I still don’t but I do know that their national drinks is a brewed beverage using dried leaves from the yerba tea plant called Mate (it does have more authentic sounding names but Mate works too and I can spell it!). You can’t get that here and quite frankly who wants a cup of tea when watching the football? Luckily for us they also make a rather nice beer.
Drink: Pilsen

Slovakia
Slovakia has always struck me as one of those words that is actually easier to say after a few beers – the slur helps the pronunciation. It appears they agree and have gone a step further in giving their nations favourite beer a name which follows the same rule.

Drink: Zlaty Bazant

GROUP G

Brazil
As a friend once exclaimed ‘Is there anything hotter than a girl in a tight Brazil footy top?’ Well no, in the same way there is nothing sadder than a 35 yo man dribbling at a 19 yo girl in a tight Brazilian footy top!! They also manage to liven up all world cups and any beach they come in contact with. They haven’t forgotten about booze either – this is an oldie but a goodie.

Drink: Caipirinha
60ml Cachaca (Sagatiba for example)
Half lime (wedged)
2 bar spoons white sugar
Muddle up the lime and sugar in the bottom of a shaker glass, add ice, shake like you’re doing the samba then chuck the whole lot into a rocks glass.

Ivory Coast
Whilst scratching my head about a drink for these folk I found myself humming Ebony & Ivory, then it hit me (I really shouldn’t call my wife ‘it’ that’s why she keeps hitting me!), a black a white shot. Mini Guinness. Excellent!
Drink: Mini Guinness
Grab a shot glass, fill it with 2/3rds Kaluha and then top up with Bailey’s!

North Korea
I’ll be honest all my Korea knowledge was used up in my South Korea drink so I thought I would just put in a favourite cocktail of mine, at random, picked out of a hat, any relation the name has to racial stereotypes about eating habits is purely coincidental…… The Salty Dog like the martini creates arguments about ratios that can go on forever. Personally I use one part gin (gin NOT vodka) and 2 parts grapefruit juice – ohh and a martini glass!!

Drink: Salty Dog
30ml Gin
60ml Grapefruit Juice
Lime wedge
Salt
Rim the glass edge using the lime and salt. Shake the gin and grapefruit with ice and fine strain into the chilled and rimmed martini glass. Perhaps offer a discount for anyone who can Cane Nine!!!

Portugal
Let’s face it, 11 bow legged toddlers on a bouncy castle covered in baby oil have got more chance of staying upright for 90 minutes than the Portuguese football team. Chief of the jelly legs is The Winker Christiano Ronaldo. As for beer well it has to be their best selling brew Sagres.
Drink: Sagres

GROUP H

Chile
The good people of Chile have become one of the major exporters of wine across the world when no-one was looking. As a result why not celebrate Chile’s games by offer a bottle of lovely Chilean white wine and 4 glasses to groups. Remembering to serve it Chilled!!!!
Drink: Chilean White Wine

Honduras
Honduras in the WC reminds me of Jamaica in the bobsleigh, unfortunately I can’t remember the end of Cool Runnings so I have no idea if this bodes well for them or not. I did however learn that the fantastic Rum which is Flor de Cana is made in Honduras as well as Nicaragua! So grab a shot and enjoy.
Drink: Flor de Cana

Spain

Spain always remind me of England, a fantastic league with fantastic teams full of foreigners! Just like England they will probably flatter to deceive. As for booze nothing says Spain like Sangria and there is very few drinks in the world easier to bulk pre-prepare. So make the Sangria mix the night before ideally (minus the club soda) and store in fridge. Serve it in jugs to groups. Alternatively grab a few palates of Estrella beer and relax.

Drink: Sangria or Estrella

Switzerland
I have never understood Switzerland – everyone hides their money there yet their army defends itself with a Scouts prized possession, although I guess their horses would never go lame! Anyway ignoring this security issue Switzerland is very bling and in the world of spirits surely the most bling thing has to be Goldschlager. Also it turns out that despite Goldschlager being produced in Italy these days has its roots in Switzerland!
Drink: Goldschlager

So there we are at the end of the list and I must say I learnt a lot about the worlds drinking habits researching this one. It seems that booze like football can bring the world together, then bad jokes in search of a cheap laugh can ruin it for everyone!!

I hope that this inspires you to make the most out of this years World Cup and I’ll have a Union Jack!

If you missed the first half of this extravaganza check them out here.

Popularity: 9% [?]

With just 2 weeks to go until the biggest sporting event of the season. Drinksin are gearing up to bring you two killer Free applications to ensure you don’t get stuck trying to convince unfriendly landlords that they really should turn over for the big games.

Our teams have searched the length and breadth of the country to bring you pubs showing all the World Cup action in time for kick off. We’re adding pub data every day to make sure that you have the info you need at your fingertips in time for the big games and a summer of great football down the pub with friends.

If you want your local to get listed, be sure to tell them they can be on the app for Free in as little as  5 straight forward minutes by registering at www.drinksin.com/worldcup

The iPhone app is now live on the app store and can be downloaded here, the Nokia app for map enabled smartphones is also now available from the Ovi Store

So what does it do?

Footy Pubs 2010, available on iPhone’s and Nokia’s new map optimised smart phones gives you directions to all the pubs and bars showing this summer’s big games.

Get fixtures and kick-off times in venues round the corner or anywhere you’re going. Pick a match then pick your spot.

Let Footy Pubs 2010 do all the work for you and let your mobile take you there with turn-by-turn directions straight to the bar – and the crucial games. Wherever you are, whoever you’re with, never miss a goal, never miss the best seats – never be without Footy Pubs 2010 for a great summer of football!

Registered pubs are also showcasing some amazing footy offers within the apps, for a sample of some of the amazing stuff on offer, take a look at our London Best World Cup pubs article here

Popularity: 8% [?]

To celebrate the launch of Ovi maps and to help get customers in the mood this footbal season,   Drinksin has partnered with Nokia to bring the ‘Footy Pubs 2010’ application to Nokia’s new navigation optimised phones.

Popularity: 10% [?]

In less than 3 weeks the greatest sporting competition in the world kicks off and I’m not talking about the Rotterham Working Men’s Club annual Badger Baiting extravaganza. No I’m talking about the FIFA World Cup.

Whether you are a big footy pub or just an avid pub visitor, you can guarantee that conversations in your local pub will quickly change from Clegg and Cameron to Rooney and Ronaldo.

A strange thing happens during the World Cup (besides Croydon becoming more dangerous than Bagdad), peoples nationalism suddenly comes to the fore. You quickly find out that your favourite brummy accented barmaid was born in Italy or your regular Man Utd supporting friend’s mum was born in Holland and is low and behold a crazed fan of the men in orange.

As a result it can be time to capitalise on these nationalistic leanings, and on the occasion of the World Cup in general, so BarLifeUK has come up with a World Cup of Drinks (if Walkers Crisps can do it then so can we!) – no country is left untouched. So watch the specials board get dusted off and during each game see specials from the countries playing, people love to get into the spirit (or beer) of things.

GROUP A

South Africa

The host nation will be looking to feed off the home advantage to cause an upset or two, failing that they can always sit back with Castle Lager and Biltong. As for a national drink? Well it doesn’t get more South African than Amarula Cream and it is going to keep the ladies happy (it’s a bit like Bailey’s).

Drink: Amarula Cream

Mexico
Whilst their football team may not be the team they once were their Tequila just keeps getting better. So when the men in green are on your screen head for a bottle of….. Tequila! Whether it is the classic shot with lime and salt or your feeling more adventurous with a Margarita go crazy.

Drink: Tequila

Uruguay
This one is a bit tougher but Uruguay has two preferences when it comes to booze. The first is a local drink known as medio y medio which is a mix of White wine and champagne, they also love cider based punches so feel free to go down either of those routes. We would however suggest that you stick with either White wine or normal cider!

Drink: White wine or cider

France
Well let’s face it besides maybe Germany there is no-one we would rather beat in the final than France. Everyone is gonna think champagne so why disappoint but you can always give Absinthe a go! Or of course chuck a frog, garlic and onions in a blender and whizz away!!

Drink: Champagne or Absinthe

GROUP B

Argentina
So they cheat right? And they have long girly hair! On the plus side they do great steaks and have hugely successful beer called Quilmes which comes in a bottle to match their footy kit and is easily orderable on-line.

Drink: Quilmes

Nigeria
Right? Nigeria? It’s a mainly Muslim country you see so they aren’t too keen on alcohol. They do however have a soft spot for Ginger Beer and with a couple of excellent Alcoholic Ginger Beers on the market these days give them a go.

Drink: Alcoholic Ginger Beer

South Korea
It is becoming tradition in the World Cup nowadays that an Asian country does well, is this Koreas turn? As for drinking you might think they strain the juice from dogs but in fact they do a very nice local brew called Soju. The chances are you won’t be able to get that easily but it is basically a potato vodka so get your hands on that instead.

Drink: Potato Vodka (or Soju if you can)

Greece
Let’s assume for the purposes of this exercise that they can afford the flight to South Africa and move on! You say Greece you think Ouzo. You say Ouzo you think first holiday with your mates and a rather embarrassing incident with an ‘off duty’ policeman (or is that just me?). Either way everyone has an Ouzo memory.

Drink: Ouzo

GROUP C

England
We’ve searched high and low and yet haven’t been able to find a drink which tastes like disappointment and crumbling dreams, if we had it would be here. It doesn’t get more English than a pint of ale or a gin and tonic but if you do want to push the boat out here is a very patriotic and easy cocktail for you to make.

Drink: Ale, Gin OR Union Jack Cocktial
Union Jack Cocktail
45ml gin
20ml sloe gin
1/2 tsp grenadine syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a martini glass. Go on garnish it with a mini union jack flag – you know you want to

USA
They are still learning how to play a game that is over in just 1.5 hours but they’re getting better. Their beers may not be the worlds best but their whiskies are up there. If you’re gonna push an American beer then Budweiser have a lot of World Cup clout and as for whiskey well you can’t go wrong with Bourbon (or Jack Daniels!).

Drink: Budweiser or Bourbon

Algeria
Not the home of great drinks or great football, but who knows what they could do to England? Being a Muslim country booze is a bit thin on the ground so being as their second language is French and they do drink beer – Kronenbourg 1664 will do for now!

Drink: Kronenbourg 1664

Slovenia
You may not know this but Slovenia have a great history of brandy making which they call žganje (they have a honey brandy called medica don’t you know!). So in a nod to some of the more refined clientele let’s give Brandy a go (maybe get some cigars in to match with it?).

Drink: Brandy

GROUP D

Germany
Ahhh the old enemy, not the team of the 80’s but they’re still German so let’s go get them. As far as a drink goes they are famed for their Herbal Liqueurs like Jagermeister and in a nod to the war you could always have Jager Bombs! If you’re not feeling that politically incorrect then take your pick from an amazing array of beer.

Drink: Jager Bomb or good german beer

Australia
Ahhh our friends from down under – hate their cricket team, love their football team. As for their booze? Everyone knows Fosters and Bundaburg Rum and there is nothing wrong with either but if you want to be a bit more adventeurous ask your Landlord to get hold of Coopers Beer.

Drink: Coopers (or Fosters) and Bundy

Serbia
Not a lot to work with here folks but they are well known for producing a wide variety of flavoured Brandies called Rajika. It might be tricky to track down the real stuff but I bet your Landlord  has a bottle of fruit brandy knocking round the pub somewhere. Ask him/her to dust it down and get it on that specials board.

Drink: Fruit Brandy

Ghana
The Ghanaian’s football team could be the ones to do a Cameroon this year but did you know they make some really good gin’s? No neither did we but it’s true so let’s celebrate with a good old Gin & Tonic.

Drink: G&T

Groups E – H next week.

Article provided to Drinksin from BarlifeUK. The homepage of the Pub and Bar Community

Popularity: 15% [?]

For those of you asking yourselves the following questions – Where should I watch the World Cup 2010? Which pubs are the best World Cup pubs ? Drinksin have been scouring London to find some World Cup Pub winners for you this summer. Here, for your delectation some of the finest pubs and bars to watch the World Cup this 2010.

To see the dates and times of the matches being shown and offers available at these outlets check out the Footy Pubs 2010 app available now on the app store and on 1st June, Nokia Ovi store.

1. The Big Chill House, Kings Cross, London

The Big Chill House will be throwing open the doors to football lovers from Friday 11th June, to Saturday 11th July, as the Fifa World Cup kicks off!

Joining the proceedings at The Big Chill House for the England matches will be the Heritage Orchestra brass section repeating their famous mariachi-hype-routines.

There’s no such thing as a boring match when the brass and drums get going, blasting out the theme tunes such as Rocky, The Great Escape, or Dam Busters! The atmosphere will be electric, possibly even better than being in South Africa.With HUGE screens indoors and out (weather permitting) and a booming sound system, a massive selection of food and drinks plus bags of space to watch the matches The Big Chill House is the ideal place for a full day of entertainment for all matches.

2. The Walkabout, Covent Garden, London

Walkabout is proud to present its new 3D television packages for live football. For the rest of the season the Walkabout has confirmed up to 5 premiership games being shown in 3D and the play off finals.THE ONLY PUB IN COVENT GARDEN TO HAVE THIS NEW TOP CLASS FACILITY!

For more details and schedules of Walkabout’s  3D World Cup games contact – 02073795555 or alternativley drop them an email to coventgarden@walkabout.eu.com (be sure to tell them where you heard it from, of course

3. The Pembroke, Earls Court, London

The Pembroke, formerly known as The Coleherne, was for many years a landmark gay pub. In December 2008, The Pembroke had a major refurbishment and now welcomes you as a stylish pub and dining room.

If you fancy watching the World Cup this year in luxurious comfort whilst soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying some fine pub grub, The Pembroke is your place. Get a free jug of ale or beer of your choice when you come in using the Footy Pubs 2010 app

4. Jewel, Covent Garden, London

If you fancy your footy a little fancy then head to Jewel. Jewel Covent Garden has fast become one of the areas most popular destination venues, hidden away in the cobbled back streets of old Covent Garden, located just behind the Piazza. Once you’ve discovered it’s location you’ll wonder if you’ll be able to keep the secret to yourself.

Throughought the FIFA World Cup games, Jewel will be offering Happy Hour from 5 to 8 with beers for £2.50, cocktails for for £3.95 and  50% off bottles of wine. Food platters for groups of hungry footy fans only £7.95.

5. The Loop Bar,just off Oxford Street, London

The famous Loop club, restaurant and bar is situated in central London, just off Oxford Street, closest tube station Oxford circus. The venue spans across three floors, offering a variety of spaces to enjoy. With wide screens positioned around the bar, you are guaranteed a great view wherever you’re standing. There are also a range of packages available to allow you to watch the matches in style from your very own booth with refreshments and snacks brought right to your table. Contact the sales team on 020 7493 0483 for further details.

6. The Underdog Bar,Clapham, London

The Underdog is the place to watch the big sporting fixtures in South London. Watch in the comfort of a venue that knows what it’s doing.

Cool soft furnishings, great drinks and table-service with a smile makes The Underdog a cut above the rest.

Giant plasma screenswill be showing all the World Cup games in full High Definition. Great food and drink specials throughout the the World Cup and a complimentary World Cup cocktail trophy to share for group bookings of 20 people.

7. Adam & Eve, just off Oxford Street, London

The Adam and Eve is a perfect example of the atmosphere, fine food and general bonhomie you can expect to find at a Geronimo pub.  With influences from the cosmopolitan surrounding of Soho and the delights of Oxford street, the design team have created a stunning pub with the emphasis on both style and comfort, whilst also giving the nod to some great British icons.

All World Cup matches will be shown at the Adam & Eve, as well as Geronimo Inn’s 27 other Pubs including The Bull at Westfield. Private function rooms are available at a selection of Geronimo Inns this World Cup, for more info and to book visit here

8. Meza, Soho, London

At Meza World Cup footy fans can book exclusive private areas – with no hire fee and no minimum spends!* Each of the areas have an amazing 61 inch plasma screen for a perfect view of the game and a team of waiters standing by to take your orders (So no need to queue at the bar!). Entertain clients, celebrate with colleagues or cheer with your friends! All drinks packages are accompanied by complimentary half time food. For more information please visit; www.mezaworldcup.com or call 020 7314 4002

9. Cityhouse, Bishopsgate, London

Cityhouse will be offering full table service to all its guests so you won’t have to miss a minute of the game by waiting at the bar! Food will be available all day. There will be a full range of bar meals and a great selection of platters for you to share with your friends and wash it down with a pitcher of cold draught lager! BOOK NOW to guarantee your table! Call Cityhouse on 0207 6283371 for more details or to discuss your individual requirements. Exclusive venue hire also available at weekends.

10. The Star of Bethnal Green, Bethnal Green, London

The Star of Bethnal Green offers great food and entertainment for a friendly and creative clientele.

For the FIFA World Cup games, private screening room is available to hire for up to 10 people. £100/game includes 10 bottles of beer and 3 half time pizzas. Private function room available for larger groups. Email info@starofbethnalgreen.com for prices.

Popularity: 100% [?]