Luton Town prepares for Premier League debut
As Luton Town gears up for its first-ever Premier League season, it faces a unique situation – Kenilworth Road is the only stadium in the league without any pubs nearby. While having a pre-match drink is a common tradition for football fans, Luton supporters will need to venture over a mile to find the closest pub. This anomaly has nothing to do with the fans, but rather the location of the stadium itself.
Location in a largely Muslim neighborhood
Luton's Kenilworth Road is situated in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood, which partly explains the absence of pubs nearby. Repubblica journalist Antonello Guerrera, who recently visited the stadium, described it as "the first stadium I’ve seen in England that doesn’t have any pubs nearby." The influence of the Muslim community is evident not only in the absence of pubs but also in the names of the local shops.
Population growth and religious diversity in Luton
Data from the latest Census shows that Luton's population has grown by 11% in the past decade, with a significant increase in the number of people identifying as Muslim. The Muslim population rose by 48.4%, reaching a total of 74,191 individuals. The town now has a non-white majority of 54.8%. While the presence of the Muslim community is a contributing factor to the lack of pubs near Kenilworth Road, Luton Town historian Roger Walsh suggests that the absence of pubs predates their arrival, citing the influence of Quakers.
The influence of Quakers
The Quakers, a Christian movement known as the Religious Society of Friends, played a role in the absence of pubs around Kenilworth Road. Before Luton's largely Asian population, the area had a significant Quaker presence. Quakers, who believe in "equality, peace, truth, justice, and simplicity," often practice abstinence from alcohol. This history of teetotalism among the Quakers may have influenced the lack of pubs in the area even before the Muslim community established itself.
Ground improvements and unique features
Luton Town has invested approximately £10 million in ground improvements to comply with Premier League regulations. However, despite the upgrades, the 188-year-old Kenilworth Road does not have any pubs nearby. The closest recommended pub for away supporters is The Bricklayers' Arms, located over a mile from the stadium. The unique entrance to the away end is another notable feature of the stadium – it sits among terraced houses, with fans walking up stairs overlooking residents' gardens.
Despite the absence of pubs nearby, Luton Town fans are eagerly anticipating their team's Premier League debut, which has been delayed due to ground preparations. The club's first home match of the season is now scheduled for Friday, September 1, against West Ham. While Luton residents previously enjoyed complimentary passes to games, the pandemic has put an end to this perk. Nevertheless, fans and residents alike are excited to witness top-flight football at Kenilworth Road.
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