Colchester's pubs are competing to provide the best setting for footy fans ahead of England's Euro 2004 opener.

An explosion of red and white, state-of-the-art televisions, promotions and music will aim to entice those hoping to capture the drama of the competition in Portugal on Sunday night.

And win, lose or draw against opponents France, pub bosses in the town will ensure supporters will be nursing sore heads on Monday morning.

Special offers on beer and food will aid tense nerves and the atmosphere on the night.

Quilters Bar, in Middleborough, area manager Matthew Sterry said: "The atmosphere is going to be electric. If you can't be over there you might as well go somewhere where it's going to be exciting. We pride ourselves on being a sports bar."

Footy music and some of England's finest moments in modern times will be shown on the 17 screens to get fans in the mood.

Manager of the Wig and Pen in the High Street, Ray Martin, said: "For coverage it's between me and Quilters. Coverage-wise, sound-wise and atmosphere-wise I would put this pub top of the list."

The pub has nine screens, will serve jugs of beer and will have a hotdog and pie stand and lots of prizes and promotions.

Published Friday June 11, 2004

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