There used to be a joke in the UK’s American expat community, that NFL stood for ‘Not made For London’.
How times have changed. Though the American expat community may still not understand how abbreviations work, there is now a whole host of great spots in the Big Smoke to watch the Big Game, and a real appetite for a sport that some in the capital still refuse to call ‘football’.
With that in mind, if you’re wondering where to watch the NFL in London, then here are 5 of the best places.
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 big screens. But it’s in their dedicated Dugout in London Bridge that the finest NFL 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 NFL 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 from across the pond.
Kings Sports Bar at The Empire Casino, Leicester Square
Considering the slightly awkward times that the majority of NFL matches are shown live here in the UK, the Kings Sports Bar at Empire Casino is probably your best bet in the whole of London for some truly late night action.
At Leicester Square’s premier sports bar, the screens are on 24/7, the beers are brought to your table ice cold, and there’s even the chance to have a flutter, if the mood takes you that way, as as NFL odds for every game are updated live throughout the night.
Afterwards, if you’re after something a little more upmarket, you can sip cocktails on the Icon Balcony bar in the same building. They have a grand balcony overlooking Leicester Square. Here, the cocktail menu has a strong set of classics using only the finest liquors (Ketel One vodka, Don Julio Blanco tequila…you know the drill) and some inventive signatures, too. We challenge you to resist their Mon Cherry, made with spiced rum, Cherry Heering and cinnamon liqueur.
The Steam Passage, Islington
Cask ales, all day Full Englishes, fish’n’chip platters, and every broadcast Premier League on the TV… It doesn’t sound like the kind of place to get your American Football fix.
But it’s on Sundays that The Steam Passage on Angel’s Upper Street comes alive, with the NFL 6pm Sunday kick-off shown live each and every week, as well as the round-the-clock previews, analysis and gossip of the NFL RedZone channel.
Leadbelly’s Bar & Kitchen, Canada Water
Leadbelly’s Bar & Kitchen in Canada Water is open every day for brunch through dinner and beyond, making it the perfect weekend spot to start the festivities early in anticipation of the big game.
In Leadbelly’s ‘Sports in the Rear’ (their name, not ours) area, there are six screens showing Sky and BT Sport(s), with tables available to be reserved in advance. Here, Sundays see one or two screens devoted to the NFL action, though be warned; you may be competing with football (soccer) fans for the remote!
The Maple Leaf, Covent Garden
From Canada Water to the best Canadian pub 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.
Read: 5 travel tips for Canada first timers
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!
If you’d rather have a few mates round and watch the NFL at home, then make sure you’re providing a proper All American party for your guests with these 5 tips for celebrating the Super Bowl Sunday at home. We can’t wait to get an invite from you next February!