Scotland's Tartan Army Finds a Home in Dover
As thousands of Scottish soccer fans descend on New England for the FIFA World Cup, one Dover pub is finding itself at the center of the action.
The June Cork Pub, located in downtown Dover, has become a destination for supporters looking to watch matches surrounded by fellow soccer fans. According to owner John Bushnell, the crowds have been unlike anything he's seen before.
"We have people coming off the train, people driving from Maine, people from Mass. It's a destination point," Bushnell said. "If you want to watch soccer and be around like-minded people, then there's no other place to be."
For Bushnell, the recent surge in visitors isn't a surprise. In many ways, it's exactly why he opened The June Cork.
An avid soccer player and lifelong fan of the game, Bushnell created the pub after spending years traveling long distances just to find a place showing live matches. What started as a personal frustration eventually became a vision: creating a dedicated soccer pub where fans could gather, celebrate, and share the experience together.
That vision has turned into reality.
The June Cork can accommodate about 108 guests at a time, but recent World Cup crowds have pushed the pub to its limits. Last Friday, Bushnell says the pub ran out of six draft lines due to demand. Staff replenished inventory and are preparing for another busy weekend.
"We have every table, every seat filled for the matches, even our outdoor seating," Bushnell said. "I'll be turning about 200 people away if they don't get here early enough."
Among those filling the pub are members of Scotland's famous traveling supporter group, known as the Tartan Army.
"We had a ton of people in here from Scotland," Bushnell said. "We expect a ton more this Friday night. We have a lot of people coming back."
The Scottish supporters have earned an international reputation for their passion, loyalty, and ability to create an unforgettable atmosphere wherever they travel.
"They're typical die-hard soccer fans," Bushnell said. "When fans come in here, they are pretty passionate."
The excitement has extended well beyond match day. Bushnell says the phones have been "ringing off the hook" with fans attempting to reserve seats or find out if space is available.
While visitors are discovering Dover through soccer, many are also exploring downtown before and after matches, benefiting other nearby local restaurants, shops, and businesses.
Bushnell is quick to point out that he's proud of what the pub has become—not because of a temporary tournament, but because it reflects years of building a community around the sport.
"This is what we do every day, 365 days a year," he said. "It's a unique niche of people we cater to."
And for at least one summer, that niche has turned a corner of downtown Dover into one of New England's most unexpected World Cup destinations.
Can't Find a Seat at The June Cork? Try These Spots
While The June Cork is the area's dedicated soccer pub, several other local establishments told us they are happy to put matches on their TVs upon request.
The June Cork Pub - 48 Third Street, Dover, NH 03820
Thirsty Moose Taphouse - 83 Washington Street, Dover, NH 03820
The Farm Bar & Grille - 887 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820
The Loft at Strafford Farms - 58 New Rochester Road, Dover, NH 03820
Cara Irish Pub & Restaurant - 11 4th Street, Dover, NH 03820
Wing-Itz Dover - 256 Central Avenue, Dover, NH 03820
As always, it's a good idea to call ahead—especially on match days—as seating may fill quickly.
