Fans ready to raise their glasses as pubs turn on the gas again

PUB chain Wetherspoon says it will be business as usual today ahead of England's crucial World Cup clash after a carbon dioxide shortage threatened beer and cider supplies.

Wetherspoon, which had been unable to serve some drinks on draught, said supplies were getting back to normal and the problem should be resolved before England's showdown with Colombia.

A spokesman for JD Wetherspoon said yesterday: “A high number of our pubs had been unable to serve three products on draught – John Smith's, Strongbow and Strongbow Dark Fruits.

“Supplies of these products across all of the company's pubs is almost back to normal and the issue is set to be resolved by Tuesday morning.” The spokesman said pubs that were not able to serve the unavailable drinks still had 14 other draught choices, pointing out that they were “a long, long way from running out of drink”.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said brewers across the country are “working their socks off around the clock” to ensure there is still plenty of beer to go around.

“Our message to beer drinkers and England fans is clear: Keep calm and carry on going to the pub.

“If your usual beer of choice isn't available, then why not use it as an opportunity to try something new?”