Matilda’s mania to continue across Sydney pubs as Merivale’s Justin Hemmes offers 49 per cent off drinks for September

The Matildas’ World Cup success didn’t just blitz television ratings, it broke records at Sydney pubs. Merivale boss Justin Hemmes doesn’t want the party to end.

The Women’s World Cup is over, but Merivale boss Justin Hemmes doesn’t want the Matilda’s fan mania that spread through Sydney’s pubs and clubs to end.

The Sydney hospitality group had record attendance at their venues during the Australian team’s World Cup campaign.

More than 40,000 turned out at the 21 Merivale venues screening the Matildas’ quarterfinal match against France.

Another 20,0000 turned up on Wednesday evening to watch the team’s loss to England, with venues like Vic on the Park, The Alex, The Royal Bondi and The Beresford at capacity.

“The last time I witnessed that kind of excitement was probably the Olympics in 2000. And wasn’t it lovely to see all Australians aligned on something,” Hemmes said.

Pictured at the J & M Bar at the Angel Hotel in the Sydney CBD is Merivale owner Justin Hemmes relaxing with a group of friends. Merivale is offering its famed 49 per cent off drinks for the first hour of group bookings across September. Picture: Richard Dobson

Hemmes said the turnout was a “huge boost” for the hospitality industry. He believes it highlights the importance of social connection.

“Times like now, where people are stretched with spending, bringing people together and having that release is like our solstice,” he said.

To continue the momentum, like he did during the tournament, Hemmes has reactivated his famous 49 per cent off drinks during September.

Groups of eight or more at Merivale pubs and select bars, including Ivy Pool Club, will receive 49 per cent off drinks for the first hour of their booking.

Hemmes hopes the deal will help address the tough economic situation many people are facing but still allow people to connect.

“We want to encourage larger groups to come together because as we’ve seen, it creates the best vibe. This is something that helps the bottom line but still maintains social connection,” he said.

Matildas fans packed out The Alex in Eveleigh to watch the team beat France and advance to the semi-final. Photo: Supplied

“We can survive anything when we are still connecting with each together and that’s what the Matildas highlighted.”

The Woollahra Hotel General Manager Simon Barbato had a 50 per cent increase in patrons for the game on Saturday night and was fully booked for Wednesday night.

AFL pub Forrester’s in Surry Hills was booked out on Tuesday in anticipation for Saturday night’s game. Events Manager Sarah Cheney said they ordered an extra two kegs of beer, which is approximately 100 litres to accommodate.

“We were at licensed capacity [410 people] from 5pm Saturday until the match finished at 8pm and the energy was absolutely electric. We’re already nearly booked out for Wednesday, so we’re expecting another packed pub and a Tillies win,” said Cheney.

“As we’re a Swans and AFL pub, the grand final was a huge day for us, and the Matildas crowd was right on par with this.”

The Matildas success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup has broken capacity records at Sydney pubs, as well as television records. Picture Lachie Millard

Major hospitality group Solotel also had record attendance on Saturday night across their venues The Paddo Inn, Surry Hill’s The Clock, Newtown’s The Bank and The Marlborough and Double Bay’s The Golden Sheaf.