London has a huge population of sports fans. Alongside watching the action unfold in the Premier League and being gripped by big heavyweight bouts featuring the likes of Anthony Joshua, the capital’s basketball lovers assemble in the city’s various sports bars to watch the NBA season in full flow.
Right now, the NBA playoffs are the talk of the town. Fans of the sport are discussing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive displays, a player many people are also backing when it comes to betting on the 2025 Finals MVP, while the Timberwolves have also won plenty of admirers, and the atmosphere in the various arenas hosting the action looks amazing. Overall, the feast of action taking place during the playoffs represents a top-notch viewing experience.
For London’s community of basketball fans, some of the city’s most inviting sports bars are being frequented when the big games are on. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Passyunk Avenue
A popular venue located in the heart of London, PassyunkAvenue shows all NBA games and offers a fantastic atmosphere for basketball fans to immerse themselves in. With a range of screens to follow the action and some knowledgeable fans to form bonds with over a pint of local ale, it’s a go-to spot for many NBA fans in the capital. You can also try a selection of delectable food from Philadelphia, with options like wings and cheesy nachos tending to go down a treat. Overall, PassyunkAvenue is a great location to watch the NBA’s biggest encounters.
Long Arm
Located in Shoreditch, Long Arm has shown plenty of NFL games in the past, plus a huge selection of NBA matchups. For London’s sports-loving locals, this warm and welcoming venue is the ideal place to watch the basketball. With a solid menu of food and drink to try during the end-to-end drama on the court, Long Arm is a superb option for NBA fans.
Moretown Belle
If you live in or near to St Katharine Docks and fancy walking to a nearby bar to watch the NBA games on the box, then Moretown Belle is a venue you should definitely consider. It might be worth contacting the bar before you head there to double-check thatthey’re showing the game that night, but the NBA is usually on the big screen there. It has also shown NFL games in the past. With up to 30 screens and some traditional English grub to eat, Moretown Belle is one of London’s finest venues for NBA fans to consider venturing to.
Empire Casino
Of course, Empire Casino is predominantly for people who want to play classic table games and the like, but it’s a venue that an increasing amount of Londoners are discovering if they want to watch the biggest sporting events on the calendar. To enjoy the action, you’ll need to go to the American sports bar upstairs, with many basketball fans gathering there to watch the NBA playoffs. You can sink beers and enjoy some gorgeous chicken wings, all while watching basketball’s biggest competition.
The Star In Shoreditch
Another option in Shoreditch, The Star clearly embraces its American theme by showing almost every popular sport from the country, including the NBA. You can also try some delicious cocktails, there are crowd-pleasing IPAs and lagers to savour, and a strong selection of food to munch. Overall, it’s a fantastic bar.
Other top sports bars London’s NBA fans are frequenting right now includes Westwood Sports Pub & Kitchen, Distillers, Belushi’s, Euston Flyer, The Alma Wandsworth, The Steam Passage, Bar Kick, Nordic Bar, and O’Neill’s Wardour Street.
