Where to watch the World Cup knockout matches in and around London?
While most people will turn to watching the World Cup in the local pub or from the comfort of their own home, there are spots around that can make the tournament a spectacular watch.
London will naturally have some of the biggest and most interesting venues to tune in, and Flat Iron Square in London Bridge will be one of a few locations showing the game outdoors.
Flat Iron Square promises impressive viewing, with a giant screen regularly used for sporting events like Wimbledon set behind the pub.
The Enchanted Garden at the Last Days of Shoreditch, Camden Market, Fest Camden and Merchant Square will also show the games on gigantic screens in the outdoors.
So where should we go to watch the knock out stages of the World Cup in Russia? Football and food – what a great combination.
Where to watch the World Cup in central London
TROPICANA BEACH CLUB, COVENT GARDEN: Tropicana Beach Club is showing the matches on giant screens, with a special food menu available for the tournament, and private areas available to hire.
BIG EASY, COVENT GARDEN AND SOHO: All games will be screened on 55-inch TVs at Big Easy restaurants, and a World Cup menu has been specially created including hot dogs, chilli dogs, fries and Big Easy brews.
WAXY O’CONNORS, SOHO: Irish pub Waxy O’Connor’s on Rupert Street has screens in every room of the six floor, four bar, venue. You can make a reservation for drinks or for food — think pies, burgers, fish & chips.
JERUSALEM, FITZROVIA: Jerusalem Bar & Kitchen says it will be showing all matches, but you’ll have to book ahead for one of the special deals — burger and beer for £10, or eight bottles of beer for £20.
DE HEMS, SOHO: Despite the Netherlands failing to qualify this year, Dutch Cafe Bar De Hems is screening a variety of matches — booking recommended.
PIANO WORKS, FARRINGDON: Usually a music venue, Piano Works pauses the microphone to screen these matches, with offers going on during play, including cocktail hour, and special deals when a yellow or red card is given out — hopefully there’s another Battle of Nuremberg to take advantage of. Booking recommended.
THE WARWICK, PICCADILLY CIRCUS: It doesn’t get much more central than Piccadilly Circus. This pub just around the corner will be screening a selection of matches — check whether they’re showing your team.
BUD BOAT, THE THAMES: Get a knot in your stomach watching England? Well now you can blame it on seasickness, if you opt to watch the games on Budweiser’s Bud Boat. Tickets cost a tenner and come with a beer, and you’ll stay on the cruise for five hours in total (don’t worry there’s stuff to do on there, pre and post-match).
SWINGERS: Fed up with the rowdy crowds? Watch the footy from the comfort of your own private room at Swingers West End. It’ll cost you, mind — £80 per person, although that includes food from Made of Dough, Hackney Gelato and others — plus buckets of beers on arrival. Maybe one for if when England are in the final.
Where to watch the World Cup in north London
BELUSHI’S CAMDEN: Several Belushi’s venues have special events and offers going on. In the Camden branch, The Striker package is available, offering two drink tokens and a burger for £25, plus dedicated waiting staff so you don’t have to leave your seat mid-match. Booking recommended.
FIVE MILES, TOTTENHAM: Trendy Tottenham nightclub and bar Five Miles has a big projector for the England games and every match in the knockout stages. It’ll feel so right cheering on a Harry Kane goal for England in Tottenham — especially if you’ve sampled their excellent craft beer selection first.
LUCKY VOICE, ANGEL: If you hate watching the World Cup in noisy pubs, and just want some peace and quiet, then try karaoke mainstay Lucky Voice. It’s going to cost you though, booking a soundproof booth costs £30 per head, though that comes with beers, pizza and some football themed karaoke thrown in.
THE FALTERING FULLBACK, FINSBURY PARK: One of north London’s most beloved pubs is sure to have a raucous atmosphere for all the big games. No booking allowed.
THE EDINBORO CASTLE, CAMDEN: Book early to make sure you get a space to watch the game outside on the big screen at the popular Camden boozer, The Edinboro Castle. Be warned, this is the rare case of sun making an outdoor experience worse, as viewing can get strained.
THE GRAFTON, KENTISH TOWN: Traditional Kentish Town boozer promises match day munchies, striker shots and international flavours. Ignore their strained copy and book a table to get a good view.
Where to watch the World Cup in south London
ZLATANS, CLAPHAM: Legendary Clapham nightclub Infernos has launched Zlatans, a World Cup pop-up named after the talismanic Swedish striker. There’s a massive screen, arena-style seating, trumpets and football singalongs. From £8, booking required.
THE DEVONSHIRE, BALHAM: This pub has a list of the matches it’s screening here, but if you fancy doing it in style, hire one of the beach-style cabanas for your own private screening party.
CLAPHAM GRAND, CLAPHAM: This grand pub is screening a selection of matches. Details are yet to be confirmed but sign up to be notified when more details are available.
LE POT LYONNAIS, BATTERSEA: Stylish French bar and restaurant Le Pot Lyonnais is screening each of the 64 matches — we recommend booking a table.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH, BRIXTON: Big screen, huge beer garden, outdoor bar, food, plenty of seats, what more can you ask for?
BOXPARK CROYDON: No doubt you’ve already seen the viral video of fans in Boxpark Croydon celebrating England’s last minute winner against Tunisia. Next time, take part in the madness. Booking priority tickets is advised.
Where to watch the World Cup in east London
Skylight London will be screening certain matches.
BAVARIAN BEERHOUSE, TOWER HILL AND OLD STREET: Both branches of this German beer house are screening England and Germany matches — and possibly other teams on request. You’ll have to book to guarantee a seat, and table service is provided. Various food and drink packages are available too, and live DJs provide entertainment after some of the matches.
BOUNCE, FARRINGDON AND OLD STREET: Both branches will be showing England matches, but other than this, Farringdon will focus on France, Australia and Germany, while Old Street will be screening Spain, Poland and Brazil. Other games will be shown too, but these are the ones that are expected to be busy and therefore booking is recommended. Alongside the screening, expect brass bands, full commentary and a half time show.
LAST DAYS OF SHOREDITCH: This east London stalwart has what it claims is one of the biggest screens in London, showing all the England games and selected other games.
SKYLIGHT TOBACCO DOCK: Skylight, on the roof of Tobacco Dock, has both indoor and outdoor screens, showing certain matches, along with plenty of food and drink options — you could even squeeze in a half time game on petanque. Booking a table is recommended.
THE TEN BELLS, SPITALFIELDS: This east end pub says it’ll be showing all matches in the downstairs bar and will have a big screen in the upstairs bar for the major matches. We’d recommend booking.
BIERSHENKE, LIVERPOOL STREET: Bierschenke will operate as normal during the group stages but from 2 July, entry is by ticket only. Tickets will be available from 18 June and will cost £20 per person for the early knock-out stages, £30 for the semi-finals and final. Tickets will be redeemable against food or drink bought that day.
THE WATER POET, SPITALFIELDS: Never ones to miss out on a party, this legendary Spitalfields warren has nine large screens across the pub and garden, including a cinema screen in the cellar bar. Tables and private areas are available to book.
HOTEL MUNDIAL, SHOREDITCH: One of the best sources of independent football journalism, Mundial, have their own pop-up screening every match. Watch the games alongside some people who know their trequartistas from their registrars. There’s also a great range of World Cup themed garms on sale. Some games — the more popular ones — are guest-list only, so keep an eye out on their social media for where to sign up.
BOXPARK, SHOREDITCH: Like its Croydon counterpart, this crate-based hub is screening select games. Find out which on their website.
Where to watch the World Cup in west London
MERCHANT SQUARE, PADDINGTON: One of the rare sizeable outdoor screens to look out for is in Merchant Square, where you can watch select games from the comfort of a deck chair.
BELUSHI’S HAMMERSMITH/SHEPHERD’S BUSH: Both of these Belushi’s locations have special deals going on, including food and drink deal with waiting staff at the table so you don’t have to miss the action while ordering. Booking required.
EALING PARK TAVERN: Another pub that’s screening the games outdoors, so deserves an extra special mention.
SIR COLIN CAMPBELL, KILBURN: Lying on that awkward boundary between north and west London, we’ve decided to place Sir Colin Campbell in the latter. Similarly, awkward is the pub’s shape, essentially two elongated rooms, though that makes the place ideal for World Cup viewing when they get the projectors out (as they are all tournament).
THE WATERWAY, MAIDA VALE: Highly rated gastropub The Waterway is another that’s got a screen in their beer garden. If that’s not for you, there’s always the private room that can be booked out with a screen too.
