Scotland Fans Bring a Party Atmosphere to Boston During World Cup

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Scotland fans eagerly anticipated the start of their country’s ninth World Cup, expecting a festive atmosphere in Boston. Jason Waddleton, a Scotland native and proprietor of The Haven, a Scottish restaurant and bar in Boston’s Jamaica Plain since 2010, predicted the arrival of numerous Scotland supporters. He was correct.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey temporarily extended bar and restaurant hours for the World Cup. Thousands of Scots — with estimates reaching up to 50,000 — have gathered in Boston and Providence, R.I., which has served as a base for many. The Tartan Army, Scotland’s enthusiastic fan group, celebrated as they marched through Boston after Scotland’s opening victory over Haiti. They filled Fenway Park for “Scottish Heritage Celebration Night.” The festivities have impacted Boston’s beer supplies, as Scots are renowned for their hearty drinking culture.

The Haven, known for selling Tennent’s Lager, Scotland’s favorite beer, increased orders from four kegs a week to 50 this week. Other bars ran out of Tennent’s and multiplied their orders to meet demand. Sam Adams reported its Boston taproom depleted its famed Samuel Adams Boston Lager as Scottish fans flocked to the city. “We’ve blown through our allocation and will restock immediately,” Waddleton said.

The jubilant atmosphere grew as Scotland prepared for its second match near Boston. “They are skilled party-goers who easily make friends,” Waddleton noted of the Scots.

Scots fill Boston pubs, straining beer reserves

One popular drink among Scottish fans is Tennent’s Lager. Previously exclusive to The Haven, Tennent’s arranged deals to supply their beer to 80 bars in Boston and nearby areas. Samantha Crawford, international marketing manager for Tennent’s, explained they began preparations for U.S. distribution immediately after Scotland qualified for the World Cup in November. They also dispatched kegs to Miami bars for Scotland’s upcoming match against Brazil.

Crawford emphasized the beer’s connection to Scottish sports culture. Local bars were caught off guard by the surge. Mivan Spencer, owner of Caffe Dello Sport in Boston’s North End, shared he is accustomed to large soccer event crowds. However, the World Cup crowds surprised him. “After the initial matches, I nearly ran out of everything,” Spencer said. He borrowed supplies from other restaurants to stay afloat.

Spencer ran out of Tennent’s first, followed by Peroni. He has since tripled his usual alcohol order to avoid shortages. At High Street Place, a downtown Boston food hall, supplies meant for a week lasted only four days, according to Lauren Johnson, senior marketplace manager. Swift action by distributors helped meet the increasing demand.

Sam Adams said its taproom ran out of Boston Lager last weekend. The Tartan Army consumed four times the typical amount of Boston Lager in four days, similar to July 4th holiday levels. Over 4,000 pints were sold, resulting in 90 empty kegs, stated Devon Sage, a Sam Adams spokesperson. “We’ve made four emergency deliveries to the Taproom,” Sage shared.

Soccer Diplomacy Influences Massachusetts

Massachusetts politicians are participating in the World Cup excitement. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attended the city’s fan festival and multiple watch parties. Governor Healey declared June 18 “World Cup Fans Appreciation Day” and visited The Haven, serving drinks to patrons. Waddleton expressed amusement but suggested the governor practice her bartending.

“Maura Healey needs to learn to pour a pint before taking on the work shift she requested,” Waddleton remarked. “We’ll work on that.”