Expats make up for rugby fan carnage

All Bar One. Photo / Supplied

Kiwi expats are apologising to a London pub after drunken All Blacks fans went on an ugly rampage following last weekend's rugby loss to England.

New Zealanders in London were horrified to hear supporters wearing All Blacks jerseys caused damage brawling at All Bar One in Moorgate after the test.

It is alleged the thugs broke glasses, threw tables and chairs and upset bar workers.

To make up, some expats - who had nothing to do with last weekend's trouble - last night staged a making-amends event dubbed Redemption Saturday at the bar.

Clint Heine, an organiser of Redemption Saturday, said he felt compelled to act even though he hadn't seen the previous weekend's incident.

"The All Blacks losing meant it wasn't a good day for us but when I heard some supporters had terrified the bar workers it just made things worse," he told the Herald on Sunday. "We wanted to show not all Kiwis behave like idiots and we mobilised people to turn up at the pub and show the staff we can behave ourselves properly."

Kiwis attending the event were asked to take home baking and Kiwiana items for All Bar One staff.

The New Zealand Shop in Covent Garden pledged goods, as did the 750-strong New Zealand Businesswomen's Network.

London-based Kiwi artist Mandii Pope donated paintings.

A spokesman for All Bar One said although staff were frightened by the drunken fighting, police were not called. "It was a really nice gesture for so many New Zealanders to want to make up for the antics of a few idiots. The staff really appreciate it," a spokesman said.

russell.blackstock@hos.co.nz