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August 7, 2026
Subject: A New Home for CSCV - The Lions Pub
Hello CFC fans,
A New Home for CSCV: The Lions Pub
I hope you have had a good summer and enjoyed the World Cup—apart, perhaps, from the many “if only” and “what if” feelings experienced by Canada and England supporters!
Chelsea’s appointment of Xabi Alonso, together with the continuing changes to the squad, is quickly creating a renewed sense of optimism. I am looking forward to the new season more than I have for several years, although we will need to be patient as Alonso introduces his style of play and assesses so many young—and not so young—recruits!
Here in Vancouver, an important change is also underway.
Listening to our members
In the spring, we surveyed our membership to understand why pub attendance had not returned to pre-Covid levels, despite CSCV membership having nearly doubled, and to identify what we could do to encourage more supporters to attend.
Some of the reasons were beyond our control: changing post-Covid habits, the closure of our much-loved former home at the New Oxford, the growth of home-streaming options and, of course, Chelsea’s disappointing performances last season.
The survey nevertheless identified a clear opportunity to improve the matchday experience.
“There is strong demand for improving the pub matchday experience.
Although 37% of respondents said they were happy with the existing experience, 63% indicated that they would like improvements such as larger or better screens, more food and drink offers, themed events, prize draws, a better atmosphere and more opportunities for social interaction.”
We subsequently discussed possible improvements at the Brass Fish with the Freehouse Group. However, the operating realities of opening specially for numerous early-morning matches—particularly those attracting smaller attendances—limited what could reasonably be achieved.
The larger matches worked well, but opening for every early fixture was not a sustainable arrangement.
As is often the case, a problem has created a new opportunity.
Introducing Chelsea at The Lions Pub
We have long admired the design and atmosphere of The Lions Pub, located nearby at 888 West Cordova Street. It is a proper British-style pub, with excellent televisions, clear sight-lines, very good food and drink, and an atmosphere that feels like a natural fit for Chelsea supporters.
Following friendly and constructive discussions with the Terminal City Club, which owns The Lions Pub, we have agreed on an initial partnership and watch-party schedule through the end of December.
CSCV will move to The Lions Pub beginning with our pre-season social gathering on:
Tuesday, August 18th
From 5:00 p.m.
A New Approach to Match Gatherings
Rather than meeting for every Chelsea fixture, we will initially concentrate on:
* an average of two major weekend matches each month; and
* all weekday matches with lunchtime kick-offs in Vancouver.
Our first two match gatherings will be:
Fulham v Chelsea
Monday, August 24 at 12:00 noon
Arsenal v Chelsea
Sunday, September 6 at 8:30 a.m.
By concentrating attendance at selected matches, we hope to create a stronger “big-game” atmosphere while ensuring that the arrangement works well for both CSCV and the pub.
For selected early morning weekend matches, The Lions Pub will open specially for CSCV approximately 30 minutes before kickoff. Plans include:
* a Chelsea breakfast menu;
* Chelsea music before the match;
* excellent views of the game throughout the pub;
* prize draws;
* Pub Points rewards for attending; and
* the opportunity to remain after the final whistle for brunch, another match or simply more time with fellow supporters.
A selected schedule will make it easier for members to mark the matches in their calendars, invite family and friends, make plans for breakfast or brunch and help us build the lively matchday atmosphere we all want.
For weekday matches, the Lions Pub is open as usual. We will have a designated area for our members, with TVs picture and sound for that designated area.
This season, reservations for all matches will be made with us and we will inform the pub of the expected attendance numbers. Please try to reserve a few days in advance.
Reservations help CSCV and The Lions Pub plan staffing, seating and food service. They do not guarantee a particular table, so please arrive before kickoff; walk-ins will be accommodated whenever space permits. Members will always receive priority.
The Lions Pub is also exceptionally convenient for public transit, with Waterfront Station, the Canada Line, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express all nearby.
If you are not familiar with the venue, you can visit the Lions Pub website for more information https://www.tcclub.com/lions-pub-home/
Join us on August 18
Please make every effort to join us at The Lions Pub on Tuesday, August 18 from 5:00 p.m. for a proper pub social gathering.
It will be an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of a new season and a new era for CSCV—and to reconnect with old friends while welcoming new supporters.
Thank you to the Freehouse Group
Finally, we offer our sincere thanks to our friends at the Freehouse Group for their support and hospitality over the past 18 years at the Cinema Public House, the New Oxford and the Brass Fish.
We have shared countless memorable Chelsea victories, dramatic matches and wonderful occasions at those venues. We are tremendously grateful for those years of friendship and support, and we wish everyone at the Freehouse Group every success in the future.
We now look forward to welcoming Chelsea fans old and new to our new home at The Lions Pub.
Reservations for the pre-season gathering and upcoming matches can be made here https://www.trueblues.ca/events
Carefree!
Gerry
