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England is the very essence of a sporting nation. And with incredible venues like Twickenham Stoop, Vitality Stadium, St. Mary's Stadium and Fratton Park hosting the biggest games in the South West, there are plenty of places for sports fans to get in on the action.
Of course, stadiums and arenas aren’t the only place you can watch live sports. Perhaps you’re the type who prefers to cheer on your team from the corner of a bar or pub instead, surrounded by friends, family, and plenty of comforts. Whether you’re a football fanatic, rugby reveller or tennis enthusiast, there’s always a sports bar or pub for you.
Ready for the big match but not sure where to catch it? We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best bars to watch sports in London, categorised by location to make planning all the easier. Plus, when you buy your rail tickets online with us, our SWR Rewards scheme could help you get a round in for next to nothing.
The best places to watch the World Cup in London
Wondering where to watch the 2022 World Cup in London? Featuring all the world’s best football teams, this huge sporting event brings together fans as their countries compete for the winning title and cup.
This year, the World Cup is being held in Qatar over winter, from 20 November to 18 December. But fear not, as there’s still no shortage of bars showing the World Cup live games! Here are some of the best places to watch the big games in London:
- Tiger Tiger, West End – you can always rely on the clubs of London to pull through with their huge projectors and TV screens, and Tiger Tiger is no different. These spots can get crowded, so make sure you book in advance
- The Dugout Sports Bar, London Bridge – if you’re a fan of house parties but don’t want the hassle of hosting, The Dugout is perfect for you. All games are screened from large projectors, and if the game’s getting tense, there’s beer pong, table football and plenty more to distract you
- Soho Zebrano – located in the heart of Soho, this bustling bar takes sports screening seriously, hosting World Cup games on three giant screens within the venue
- Matchbox, Shoreditch – if you’d prefer to watch the game with a cocktail in hand over a beer, then head to this bar in Shoreditch for the World Cup. With multiple 55-inch screens throughout the venue, you won’t miss out on the action
- Bar Kick, Shoreditch – Fans of the big game in London might have already heard of Bar Kick, known as the true home of sports. There are plenty of TVs for high-quality viewing as you sip on a beer or happy hour cocktail
- Bar Italia, Soho - This iconic and much celebrated Italian café is hugely popular for it's great coffee, lively atmosphere, and Italian football fans! Here is the place to come watch any of the Italy games
- The Albion, Islington – for a ‘home away from home’ feel, head to The Albion. This pub boasts a cosy interior as well as plenty of plasma screens dotted around inside, making it the perfect spot for watching the World Cup
- Bermondsey Bierkeller, London Bridge – with plenty of world cup packages available as well as food and drinks discounts, this offer is not to be missed. Keeping read this article for more info
- The Farrier, Camden – enjoy a series of unique Burgers & Buckets menus for the England screenings from this neighbourhood pub, restaurant and wine store, with each inspired by flavours of the countries playing on the day
Best bars and pubs to watch sports in Waterloo
The Hole in the Wall
5 Mepham St, London SE1 8SQ
southbanklondon.com/attractions/hole-wall
The ideal location for a post-work activity in Waterloo, this institution of a pub is set under Waterloo’s railway arches. It’s a bustling commuter hangout offering something a little different to other sports bars. With its cheap and cheerful menu, always-on atmosphere, and a fantastic selection of beers and ales, The Hole in the Wall is a great spot for watching sports.
Beer garden? No
Price range: £
How to get there: TheHole in the Wall is a three-minute walk from Waterloo station.
Bermondsey Bierkeller, London Bridge
2, 4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY
bermondseybierkeller.co.uk
Enjoy all the excitement of the World Cup from a traditional, German-themed bar. Located in the heart of London, Bermondsey Bierkeller promises all the action, with a world cup package that includes steins of ice cold German beer and delicious German snacks. Book now to avoid missing out – you can also enjoy a 25% discount off all food orders with SWR Rewards.
Beer garden? No
Price range: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Jubilee line eastbound to London Bridge, then it’s a three-minute walk. You can also walk there in just 25 minutes.
The Windmill, Lambeth
86 The Cut, London SE1 8LW
windmillwaterloo.co.uk
An atmosphere is guaranteed at this lively Lambeth spot. The Windmill serves a great selection of food and drinks, including non-alcoholic beer on tap, a great shout for those early morning matches. If you’re feeling peckish, choose a bite to eat from the pub’s generous menu (with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options) as you enjoy the game.
Beer garden? No
Price range: ££
How to get there: It takes four minutes to walk to The Windmill from London Waterloo.
Waterloo Tap
Sutton Walk, London SE1 8RL
waterlootap.com
Chilled music, a laidback vibe and a super handy location? These are just a few reasons the Waterloo Tap is one of the best places to watch football in London. Take advantage of the vast selection of cask and keg beer as you kick back and enjoy the match from the comfort of this quirky pub. But you may prefer to make the most of the nicer weather from the covered outdoor seating area.
Beer garden? No
Price range: ££
How to get there: Waterloo Tap is just a three-minute walk from Waterloo.
Best bars and pubs to watch sports in Vauxhall
The Black Dog
112 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5ER
theblackdogvauxhall.com
Classically styled but with a distinctly modern edge, The Black Dog’s cosy interior will have you feeling right at home. But sports fans will no doubt be keeping their eye on the game, which is extra easy thanks to the supersized screens dotted about the place. With a great choice of beers and the option of a roast dinner on Sundays, this popular and charming pub can be enjoyed year-round.
Beer garden? Yes
Price range: ££
How to get there: Vauxhall station to The Black Dog takes just six minutes on foot.
The Beehive
51 Durham St, London SE11 5JA
thebeehivepub.co.uk
There are plenty of sports pubs in central London, but The Beehive is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Set in a striking mock Tudor building, The Beehive offers delicious English pub grub, beer options aplenty, and all-day sporting action on the big screens.
Beer garden? Yes
Price range: ££
How to get there: The Beehive is a short and handy six minutes’ walk from Vauxhall.
Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden
6A S Lambeth Pl, London SW8 1SP
vauxhallfoodbeergarden.com
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to catch the game, head to the market at Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden. Here, you’ll take your pick from delicious worldwide cuisines, including American, Greek, Asian, and Italian, then settle down at a spot in the market’s vast beer garden. Every sport gets its turn on the big screens, so you don’t have to worry about missing out.
Beer garden? Yes
Price range: ££
How to get there: Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden is directly outside Vauxhall station, so it takes less than a minute to walk there.
Best bars and pubs to watch sports in Clapham
The Alexandra
14 Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 7AA
alexandraclapham.com
There’s nothing worse than a blocked view leaving you to lean side-to-side to get a glimpse of the screen. But at The Alexandra, this simply isn’t an issue. Boasting five TVs and even a projector screen showing live sports, you can guarantee a front seat view every time. And with a regular DJ and a darts club, the fun doesn’t have to end when the whistle blows.
Beer garden? No
Price range: ££
How to get there: The Alexandra is 30 minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction, or you can catch the Overground towards Dalston Junction, getting off at Clapham High Street.
Sports Bar and Grill Clapham Junction
4 St John's Hill, London SW11 1RU
sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/clapham
Looking for somewhere to watch Wimbledon? Or perhaps you’re more into NFL? If you’re supporting a smaller team or following a more niche sport, it can be hard to find a watering hole televising whatever you love most. At Sports Bar and Grill, you get your own personal TV where you can choose from any sport and game currently being broadcast – so there’ll be no fighting over the TV remote!
Beer garden? No
Price range: ££
How to get there: Sports Bar and Grill Clapham Junction is conveniently located outside Clapham Junction station.
The Coach & Horses
173 Clapham Park Rd, London SW4 7EX
frontierpubs.co.uk/your-local/coach-horses-clapham-pub
With plenty of screens and a projector, The Coach & Horses is a great pub to visit to watch a big game with friends. This quaint little spot is also known for its mouth-wateringly good sourdough pizzas, so why not grab a bite to eat at halftime?
Beer garden? No
Price range: ££
How to get there: The easiest way to get to The Coach & Horses Clapham is by bus. From Clapham Junction, get on the number 37 bus towards Peckham, ride for 10 minutes and get off at Bedford Road, Stop E.
Family-friendly places to watch sports in London
The Rosendale, West Dulwich
65 Rosendale Rd, Norwood, London SE21 8EZ
therosendale.co.uk
The Rosendale is so committed to sports that it has been known to shift its opening hours to cover big international events like the Football and Rugby World Cups. What’s more, this Dulwich spot also offers a vast beer garden with adults' and kids' games, ideal for entertaining family members who may not be as interested in the match.
Beer garden? Yes
Price range: ££
How to get there: The nearest SWR station is London Waterloo. From here, head to stop D and catch the X68 bus towards West Croydon. Get off at Norwood Road stop P, before Walking for 10 minutes to reach The Rosendale.
Mommi, Clapham
44-48 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UR
wearemommi.com
Kids will love the carnival vibe and bright colours of Mommi. This vibrant Clapham venue promises an arty vibe alongside a delicious menu – and it’s one of few pubs to actively invite children along.Seating is available indoors or outdoors, including designated kids’ menus so your little ones can feel right at home. All that’s left for you to do is relax, order a beverage and enjoy the live sports.
Beer garden? Yes
Price range: ££
How to get there: Mommi is a 37-minute walk from Clapham Junction, or just 12 minutes if you use the Overground. Catch the Overground towards Dalston Junction and hop off at Clapham High Street.
The Eagle, Hammersmith
215 Askew Rd, London W12 9AZ
theeaglew12.co.uk
With Sky Sports’ complete entertainment package available, alongside an affordable kids’ menu and a laidback atmosphere, The Eagle is a favourite of families all over London. What’s more, the multicoloured beanbags and zingy outdoor seating area will surely be a hit with the kids.
Beer garden? Yes
Price range: ££
How to get there: It takes 35 minutes to walk here from Chiswick, or you can travel on the 237 White City bus via Turnham Green Church (Stop DD). You’ll be best getting off at Askew Road Stamford Brook.
Planning on continuing your night once the game is over? Take a look at the London nightlife discounts you can benefit from when travelling with South Western Railway.
A city of sporting giants, the capital is a great place to catch the next big clash. From football to rugby, tennis to athletics, catch all the action from the comfort of a London pub. And thanks to South Western Railway’s network, it’s never been easier to hop on a train to London. Plan your trip in advance and book your tickets online, where you can choose from a range of ticket types to find the best price. Looking for an even bigger saving? Check any Railcards and discounts you may be eligible for or save when travelling in a group.
