Article: How to escape the World Cup; Thirty two football teams from five continents have embarked on a marat hon tournament of 64 matches at ten venues around France in 33 days. If that th ought plunges you into despair, how can you escape it? ALISON HANDLEY reports.

LANDLORD MARK Shepherd was well prepared for the World Cup at his pub in Kings Heath.

But he hasn't hired a wide screen TV, he hasn't hoisted the England flag and he isn't preparing for the next influx of noisy, beer-fuelled supporters of Hoddle's boys.

For The Pavillion, the pub in Alcester Road which Mark has run since it opened in 1995, is an official World Cup Free Zone.

OUT go football shirts, live TV coverage and heated bar stool discussions about England's chances.

IN comes specially-organised entertainment - many events aimed ...

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