We found out how Sheffield is gearing up for the arrival of the World Snooker Championships
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 Well, we're into April and as you see behind me it's nearly time for the snooker to come to Sheffield.
00:08 I'm just standing in the Winter Garden at the moment and you can see behind me that preparations are already well underway for the snooker to start here.
00:17 The stage has been put in place and the tournament is due to start this weekend.
00:25 As you can see behind me there's also plenty of work going on at Tudor Square.
00:30 The big screen which will show live action once the snooker tournament starts is already up there as you can see behind me and work's still being done to get the fan zone ready.
00:44 And you can see people, workmen, carrying out work behind the boards just under the large TV screen.
00:54 [Sounds of people working]
01:02 Local businesses are already getting very busy ahead of the tournament and we've been speaking to some to find out what they're having to do this week.
01:13 Just talking to Jake Johnson from Zoobies Sandwich and Coffee Bar at the Winter Garden. Could you tell me please what you're having to do this week to get ready for the World Snooker?
01:25 So we're having to order in loads of extra stuff like bacon, water, sausages because we're going to be getting a lot of extra customers.
01:32 We're having to get some extra staff in because obviously it's going to be quite busy.
01:42 And has the work started already?
01:44 Yeah, we've been prepping a lot. We're constantly reminded of how busy it's going to be so we've started prepping already.
01:54 What tends to be the biggest seller once the snooker starts up?
01:57 I'd probably say your bacon and sausage sandwiches, your breakfast food.
02:03 And is it something that you all enjoy?
02:06 Yeah, it makes the day pass. We like to be busy.
02:10 Do you get many of the players turn up?
02:13 We have the odd player turn up, yeah.
02:16 I'm just talking to Tracy Ellington who's supervisor at Mamma's and Leonies on Norfolk Street. Tracy, could you tell me please what you have to do to get ready for the World Snooker?
02:30 It's a very exciting and busy week so we have to do a lot of stock control, make sure we've got a lot of stock in.
02:37 Our takeaway boxes and foils, we double up on them because we get a lot of the camera crew in.
02:44 And basically just get everything clean and up and running.
02:49 How busy does the snooker week tend to be?
02:52 Extremely busy. First week, more busy because obviously then it drops down to one table.
02:58 But absolutely packed. As soon as that snooker finishes, we get absolutely rammed.
03:06 Quick turnaround so they can get back in for the afternoon.
03:09 Is it an exciting time for you all?
03:11 Brilliant. I've worked the snooker here at Mamma's, I bet you I've done 25 years of it.
03:17 So it's just fantastic and we've seen the younger snooker players become the older snooker players and now the younger ones are coming in.
03:25 So yeah, it's been brilliant.
03:27 Do you get many of the players coming in?
03:28 Yes, a hell of a lot. The older ones are the ones that we see the most.
03:35 I think the younger ones now take it deadly serious and don't come for a beer or a drink.