Hindustan Times (Lucknow) - Hindustan Times (Lucknow) - Live

FOOD JOINTS SET TO SCORE WITH FIFA FRENZY

- Deep Saxena deep.saxena@htlive.com

The FIFA World Cup 2022 kickstarte­d at Qatar (on Sunday) and craze around it is growing fast in the state capital as well.

Restaurant­s, lounges, breweries are looking forward to encash this mega sports extravagan­za to the fullest. During the month-long affair, food joints are set to witness soccer decor, screening, activation­s, spot discounts and quirky dishes in the name of countries and star players.

“The WC has matches scheduled at 3.30pm, 9.30 pm and 12.30 am. So, the night matches are perfect for a night out with friends at a lounge over food-drinks and viewing of important matches. Now that we have 24-hour restaurant­s where as hangout joints are open till 2 am so now options are aplenty plus the discounts,” says Siddharth Shukla, a former footballer and sports buff.

FIFA over T20 WC

Joints are looking at the soccer world cup as a better opportunit­y than the recently concluded cricket tourney.

“We are hoping that during this FIFA WC we will do better in terms of business than the recently concluded ICC T20 Cricket World Cup due to the long schedules, night matches, craze amongst youth,” shares Amitesh Singh of Ramada Hotel.

With selfie booths, food menu and promotiona­l activities in place. Many locations have come up with a special corner, decor and a fun food menu.

“Our executive chef Avinash Kumar has curated a menu on the theme. Dishes like Qatar Kathi Roll, Portugal Chichen 65 and Angenita Dim Sum are being offered,” he tells.

Night viewing

“Since we are open till 2 am and last match starts at 12.30 am it’s a perfect propositio­n to have promotiona­l activity and draw late soccer fans. During the match timing we will be using four big screens as well as a giant projector screen to bring the real feel of viewing in the stadium. We have come up with an offer of unlimited beer and two pizzas at the price of 1299 plus taxes during

the match hours,” tells Himanshu Dhanuk of Black Brewhouse.

Roshan Mendonsa, general manager Hyatt Regency, tells, “At our open air bar The Penthouse we for first time placed screen for football fans. At our UP’s, lounge sports buffs can view late night matches on multiple LED screens. In coming days, we are planning a special menu.”

Warming up!

Lalit Dutta of Hotel Clarks Awadh says that they will also be jumping on the football bandwagon after the group stage rounds. “Since we are in the marriage season so there is too much on our plate. Still, we can’t disappoint our soccer fans so we will start a special food promotion as we enter the group of 16 round.”

24-hour restaurant at The Centrum is also prepped for a food promotion. “We will do an activation in which people will win coupons which they can avail during the matches in out restaurant­s,” tells hotel’s general manager BP Pant.

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 ?? ?? PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK (FOR REPRESENTA­TIONAL PURPOSE ONLY)
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK (FOR REPRESENTA­TIONAL PURPOSE ONLY)
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A selfie-point at a hotel
▼ A selfie-point at a hotel
 ?? ?? A FIFA menu at a restaurant
A FIFA menu at a restaurant

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