Joe Cole visits Margate pub that won Samsung tech upgrade ahead of England's win over New Zealand

Former England midfielder Joe Cole made a surprise visit to The Lord Byron pub in Margate, Kent, on Saturday, joining supporters for the pre-match build-up ahead of England’s 1-0 friendly victory over New Zealand.

The ex-Chelsea star’s appearance was part of a wider campaign celebrating local pubs, through which The Lord Byron was named the top winner of a nationwide public vote that drew more than 11,000 entries. As the recipient, the venue received thousands of pounds worth of new televisions and audio equipment ahead of what promises to be a busy summer of international football.

Cole, who has been fronting the initiative, watched the pre-match coverage alongside regulars as the newly installed screens were put to use for the first time on a matchday. The pub’s landlord, Tony Palmer — a full-time firefighter — has built The Lord Byron into a community hub that serves nearly 2,000 regulars and hosts darts teams, live music nights, and local groups. The venue was saved from closure during the Covid-19 pandemic after locals rallied together to keep it open.

“There’s something truly special about pubs like The Lord Byron,” Cole said. “It’s not just about watching football — it’s about the camaraderie, the energy and the shared passion that brings people together. Being here with Tony and the locals this weekend reminded me why these places mean so much to fans.”

Palmer reflected on the significance of the recognition at a difficult time for the hospitality industry. “The past few years have been incredibly challenging for pubs like ours,” he said. “With costs rising across the board, keeping the doors open has taken real determination. To receive this support and recognition genuinely means the world to us. Having Joe Cole here to mark the occasion has been the icing on the cake.”

Research cited alongside the campaign found that 87 per cent of pub operators consider events such as the World Cup critical to their revenue, with earnings rising by an average of £10,985 per month during major tournaments — figures that underline how much the summer schedule matters to venues already operating on tight margins.