WINCHESTER pubs scored in the economic battle to benefit from the football World Cup.

City hostelries were the main victors over the month-long tournament, which saw England drop out disappointingly early.

But Winchester’s Business Improvement District (BID) said the football extravaganza had little impact on other trade, and that business had dropped off during the afternoon fixtures.

But Colin Clark, who runs three Winchester pubs including The Exchange, said he had made “silly money” when England were still competing.

Mr Clark, also in charge of Alfies and The William Walker, said: “The World Cup definitely boosted trade.

“England not doing very well did not help, but we still made decent money even when they were not playing.

“It affected things massively when England went out — I was making silly money when they were playing.”

Keith Wilson, of Winchester BID, said: “The general feedback we seem to be getting is that the World Cup either had little impact on retail sales, or in some cases, during matches, a detrimental impact.

“Of course, the licensed trade did see a sizable uplift in trade, but I think there were a few who expected to be a little busier, and probably hoped for a few more England matches.”

The High Street situation in Winchester does not reflect the national picture, however.

The Office for National Statistics said retail sales volumes rose 0.7 per cent in June, with household goods and department stores reporting strong growth.

Financial commentators linked this hike to the impact of the World Cup.