Regularly named as the ‘sporting capital of the world’, London boasts 13 professional football teams, 22 football stadiums, as well as the UK’s biggest rugby stadium (Twickenham) and cricket ground (Lords). Wembley Stadium also hosts some of the world’s biggest fight nights. What we’re trying to say is that, if you’re looking to watch live sport in the capital, your needs are well and truly served.
Indeed, Londoners are well known for their immense passion for a whole host of sports. For the city’s resident, watching a game is not just a pastime – for many, it’s a lifestyle. And this lifestyle isn’t only housed in the city’s stadiums; you’ll also find passion spilling out onto the streets and into the pubs and bars of London.
Here, beers, banter and betting all rub shoulders, with friends made and rivalries cemented. When it’s good, there’s no better feeling in the world than watching sports in a London boozer.
If you’re keen to soak up this unique, one-of-a-kind atmosphere (responsibly, of course), then here’s where to do it; the best bars to watch sport in London.
The Dugout at Belushi’s London Bridge
The continental-wide sports bar chain Belushi’s has six venues across London, all devoted to selling affordable beer and projecting sports onto its big screens. But it’s in their dedicated Dugout in London Bridge that the finest sports viewing experience can be found.
Here, you get your own private booth, complete with a TV showing the game. The best thing about this? You don’t have to spend the whole evening tediously trying to explain the rules to novices. The venue’s superb Tex Mex drinking food makes for the perfect accompaniment to the action.
Alternatively, Belushi’s in Camden Town is another great venue for watching sports in London. Though perhaps more famous for its regular rotating roster of live music offering, the venue also has private booths and its boisterous, always buzzing ‘Cavern’ area, with a huge projector and the latest games broadcast pretty much every moment the doors are open and the pints being poured.
The Dugout at Belushi’s, 161-165, Borough High St, London SE1 1HR
The Lyric, Soho
The Lyric is a decently-sized, homely pub that offers a great atmosphere for watching sports. With a couple of well-positioned TV screens, this lovely little pub is a haven for fans who enjoy watching the games, but also don’t mind indulging in some private chit-chats during the breaks.
This is also a great place to meet on a first date for a quick drink before heading onto a restaurant reservation – especially if both of you are really into sports. And, of course, aside from a plethora of drinks offered, The Lyric offers some of the best craft beers you can try.
The Lyric, 37 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LT
Greenwood, Victoria
No matter which sport you’re into, Greenwood will most likely have you covered. With numerous screens spread across two stories of this amazing sports pub and kitchen – and with a dedicated timetable for various sports, games and matches, you’ll surely be able to find your crowd. And the best part is that if you happen to get peckish, you can try some of their finger-liking delicious meals, designed to be shared over sport.
When it comes to watching sports with friends, one thing’s for definite; wings are the thing to enjoy. As such, we particularly love Greenwood’s ‘The Wingback’ sharing platter which includes 12 BBQ wings and 23 classic buffalo wings. Oh, and if you’re watching the NFL Playoffs, their ‘The Quarterback’ sharing platter, which features four single patty classic Long Arm cheeseburgers, fries, and smoked cheese, will have your tastebuds screaming ‘touchdown’.
A word of warning; since Greenwood is such a popular destination for sports lovers, you will need to book a table ahead of time, or arrive early if you wish to snatch some of the best viewing spots.
Greenwood, 170 Victoria Street, Victoria, SW1E 5LB
De Hems, Chinatown
De Hems is London’s only authentic Dutch pub, with a rich Dutch heritage to match. So, if you are looking for an authentic ‘total football’ experience and you don’t have the energy to head for Amsterdam and the iconic Johan Cruijff ArenA, then book a table here instead.
Aside from being able to experience all of this firsthand while watching your favourite sport and rooting your favorite team on, you will also have the opportunity to win drinks and meals worth up to £25 if you leave feedback about your visit. Pretty cool, right?
De Hems, 11 Macclesfield Street, W1D 5BW
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
If you’re looking for a sports bar in London that has screens all around you with a seemingly endless list of sports being shown, then the Porterhouse is the right place for you. Live music, craft beer (the Porterhouse Red is excellent), great food including capable Sunday Roasts, and even better people are just some of the things you can expect to find here.
The Porterhouse, 21-22 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA
The Maple Leaf, Covent Garden
A second entry from the same road? IDEAL, you’re truly spoiling us with this Canadian pub, the best this side of the Cape Spear. The Maple Leaf in Covent Garden is a sports bar which displays its heritage for everyone to see. From the flags waving outside the venue to the poutine served within, this pub is loudly and proudly Canadian.
In terms of sports, this means that the country’s beloved ice hockey is broadcast live with enthusiasm, but the pub still makes room for plenty of CFL (the Canadian Football League) and the NFL action, too. In fact, the latter is as well represented as the former at the Maple Tree, with live games shown weekly. Time to get stuck in!
The Maple Leaf, 41 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7LJ
If you’d like to travel to the country, either virtually or if you’re planning a proper trip across the pond, then check out these 5 travel tips for Canada first timers.