Liverpool bars brace for 'manic' title win party

"Honestly, it's been absolutely manic," said the Danny Claeys, whose pub sits on the doorstep of Liverpool's Anfield stadium.

The Sandon is among dozens gearing up for one of the city's biggest ever parties - the Reds winning their second Premier League title.

Arne Slot's side could clinch the trophy later with just a point against Tottenham, and for many fans, including Mr Claeys, it represents a chance to celebrate properly after Covid restrictions curtailed the revelry of winning the league in 2020.

"Last time we couldn't celebrate as much due to the pandemic and Scousers love celebrating, so there isn't much more you could ask for than to win it at home," the manager said.

"I've always supported Liverpool, but the fans make it for me.

"The Sandon has been here for years now and we've never had any issues because everyone's coming with the same mentality of just coming for the love of football and Liverpool."

Just a few minutes away on Foley Street, The Phoenix Hotel is also expecting their footfall to increase "exponentially".

"Our market research says the city is expecting north of 120,000 people to be in and around the stadium on matchday," said James Winters, the hotel's director.

"We are needing to drive extra staff in and be as efficient as possible to cope with the increase and keep the crowd happy and celebrating.

"From a business perspective it'll be great to see a lot of people from different backgrounds and nationalities coming to sample what the football club has done for the city," he added.

"We've seen bookings from as far as Australia, Singapore, and the middle east, so it will be great for the city to show what its got on offer."

Conor O'Donovan, owner of the Irish sports bar Dicey Reilly's, expects it to be one of their "biggest days".

"Our venue will be decorated paying homage to our favourite Reds, with live music and a real fan zone atmosphere," he said.

"It's just another sign of the success of Liverpool FC and the city as a whole. The atmosphere and the energy events like this creates, nothing touches it anywhere."

He added that Dicey Reilly's will be trying to accommodate fans who turn out on the day.

"The venue seats just over 130 but we want to make sure people are comfortable, so we won't be cramming people in," he said.

"About 75 per cent of our seating has already been reserved, but we keep room back for on the day and our locals or regulars."

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