The Best Places to Eat, Drink, and Watch The World Cup
Struck by World Cup fever? Us too. We can’t wait to celebrate the highs and lows of every match, so we’ve made a list of the best places across London to eat, drink and watch the glorious World Cup unfold. From football-themed pubs to quirky bars and outdoor experiences, we’ve got something for every fan of The Beautiful Game.
Best places to eat during the World Cup
Greenwood Pub: Based in Victoria, this sports lounge is the place to be for all things football. With five screens – and two mega screens – showing every fixture, as well as dedicated events spaces available for rent, there are options galore for watching the World Cup in style. Offering plenty of delicious, artisanal, sports-friendly food (we’re talking pizza strips, burgers, croquettes, chicken wings, sharing platters and more), the Greenwood also has a drinks menu sure to keep you satisfied throughout the full 90 minutes.
Fest at Camden’s Stables Market: It can’t get more footy than Fest at Stables Market in Camden. Their World Cup Football Fest features football-themed food and drink, competitions and sweepstakes, and even confetti canons to mark those unforgettable moments. Head up to the Fest’s covered roof terrace to watch every single match throughout the World Cup via their multi-screens and giant projector. There’s also live music between the matches, and a DJ to keep the celebratory spirit alive well into the early hours.
Flat Iron Square: A new foodie hub taking up residence in the picturesque Bankside, Flat Iron Square is also a great place to watch the World Cup, with 100-inch HD TVs and a massive outdoor screen in their garden. Plus, with all the different cuisines on offer – from pancakes to tarts and tacos to ramen – you’ll want to arrive long before kick-off and stay back long after the final whistle to give yourself enough time to sample it all.
BONUS: Box Park, Croydon or Shoreditch: Rounding off our list of best World Cup eats, the Box Park pop-up malls in Croydon and Shoreditch are taking the World Cup seriously. The various food stalls will be offering themed cuisines, including ‘Hurri-Kane’ pies, and a ‘Paletta Pizza’ for Argentina matches. A must-try.
Best places to drink during the World Cup
Famous Three Kings: Wholly unironically-named, Famous Three Kings in Hammersmith is known for its generous space, multiple screens and plentiful bar. With 18 TVs, three projectors and six sound zones, this sports bar is a favourite with those keen to enjoy a drink with their game. Once you’ve selected your tipple from their choice of cocktails, craft beers, fizz, and a decent selection of spirits and wines – as well as softs and smoothies for the teetotal – just find yourself a seat and settle in.
Belushi’s and the Dugout: Committed to excellence in sports entertainment, Belushi’s and the Dugout in London Bridge has thought of everything for the ultimate sports experience. We’re talking multi-screens and projectors, gaming machines and beer pong to pass the time between matches and table service serving up delicious food and drink. Their drinks menu is packed with thirst-quenching options, including sharing cocktails and a selection of wines, draughts, beers, bottled cider and a touch of the harder stuff to boot.
Carlsberg Sports Bar: Ever wondered what would happen if Carlsberg did sports bars? Wonder no more, with their offering in the Empire Casino in Leicester Square. With two giant screens, 14 smaller ones and ample seating, you won’t miss a minute of the action as you cheer on your team. Carlsberg Sports Bar offers a wide selection of beers (not just Carlsberg!), as well as ciders, wines and cocktails so you can take your pick. Probably the best sports bar in the world? You decide.
BONUS: Pub on the Park: Why stay inside to enjoy the glory of the World Cup? Soak up the best the British summer can muster on the spacious outdoor terrace of the Pub on the Park in London Fields, complete with a British menu, cocktails (including Pimm’s) and seven big screen TVs.
Best places to watch the World Cup
The Clapham Grand: Watching the World Cup on a big screen TV is one thing. Watching it on a massive 24ft screen is another experience altogether. South London’s Clapham Grand offers just that with their cinema space converting into a World Cup party venue whenever England is playing. Get into the football spirit with DJs providing match soundtracks, fan anthems and interactive sing-alongs, a themed photo booth and giveaways, as well as plenty of food and drink to keep you going through the night.
Inamo Games Room: The next best thing to watching the Beautiful Game live in Russia is watching it live, with your friends, in your very own private space. Cue The Games Room in Inamo Soho, with double-wall projections spanning over 150 inches allowing you to immerse yourself in the action in the company of your favourite people. As well as watching the football, the Games Room lives up to its name, offering PS4s, Wiis and Atari, alongside buffet-style food and drink.
Skylight London: Open Thursday to Sunday, Skylight London at the Rooftop bar in Tobacco Dock is a great way to experience the British summer while watching the goings-on in Russia. Watch the matches on their indoor or outdoor screens, or test your sports skills by booking a game or two. Featuring games such as football, croquet and pétanque (you’ll get the hang of it), as well as a pop-up fruit cart, food stalls and limited-edition cocktails, there’s plenty to do up in the Skylight.
BONUS: Bar Kick: No football-themed list is complete without Bar Kick. The aptly-named basement venue in Shoreditch features Bonzini table football to help you get into the World Cup spirit. Watch the real thing on their 60-inch and 80-inch TVs, while enjoying their sports menu and daily Happy Hour.
So, there you have it: twelve of the best places to eat, drink and watch the World Cup in London this year. Whether you’re a football foodie, love a drink with your game or prefer an all-out themed affair, our picks mean you can fully enjoy the World Cup experience, however your team performs.
