In London, game night isn’t just about watching a match-it’s a full-blown ritual. Whether you’re cheering on Arsenal at the Emirates, singing along to the Premier League anthem at a packed pub in Camden, or nervously sipping a pint during a last-minute penalty shootout, the city’s sports bars are where the real magic happens. Unlike other cities where sports are an afterthought, London treats every kickoff like a public holiday. The air thickens with anticipation, the smell of fish and chips mingles with spilled lager, and strangers become teammates by the final whistle.
The Crown and Anchor: Where Tradition Meets Tension
Just off the Strand, The Crown and Anchor has been a fixture since 1872. It’s not flashy, but it’s authentic. The walls are lined with vintage match posters-from the 1966 World Cup final to England’s 2003 Six Nations triumph. The TVs? Seven of them, all tuned to different games, none ever off. On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll find bankers in suits next to students in replica shirts, all holding their breath as the score ticks to 2-1. They serve a proper pint of Guinness for £5.80, and the bar staff don’t flinch when you yell ‘COME ON ENGLAND!’ at the top of your lungs. This is where locals go when they want the real deal-no neon logos, no corporate sponsorships, just raw football passion.
Wagamama’s Big Screen: The Unexpected Contender
Don’t sleep on Wagamama. Yes, the Japanese noodle chain. But in London, they’ve quietly turned a handful of locations-especially the one near Covent Garden-into the go-to spot for rugby and cricket fans. Why? Because they’ve got the best sound system in the West End, and the staff know when to turn the volume up. On a Saturday during the Six Nations, you’ll see entire tables of Japanese food lovers, all glued to the screen as Wales scores a last-minute try. They even run a ‘Score & Sip’ deal: buy a ramen, get a free cider if your team wins. It’s not a traditional pub, but it’s become a cultural oddity that works. If you’re after a quieter vibe with great food and crystal-clear audio, this is your spot.
The Red Lion, Islington: The Premier League Powerhouse
Walk into The Red Lion on a matchday and you’ll swear you’ve stepped into a terraced stand at Old Trafford. The walls are covered in scarves from every Premier League club. The bar has a dedicated section for away fans-yes, they actually separate the rival supporters to keep the peace. They’ve got a 12-foot screen, a beer garden with heaters, and a menu that includes Scotch eggs, pork pies, and a £6.50 ‘Matchday Burger’ with onion rings and a side of pickled red cabbage. On a Tuesday night when Liverpool are playing, the queue starts at 5 p.m. The staff hand out free team flags at 7 p.m. sharp. No reservations. No VIP tables. Just pure, unfiltered fan energy. If you’ve ever wanted to feel what it’s like to be in a real English football pub, this is it.
Boots & Pints: For the Rugby Crowd
Not every game in London is football. If you’re here for rugby-especially the Six Nations or Premiership finals-Boots & Pints in Clapham is your sanctuary. It’s a converted 19th-century bootmaker’s shop, and the name says it all: sturdy boots, strong pints. The bar has 15 screens, each tuned to a different match, and they’ve got a special ‘Rugby Roar’ system: when a team scores, the lights dim and a foghorn blares through the speakers. It’s ridiculous. It’s brilliant. They serve proper English bitter, local ciders from Herefordshire, and a massive platter of sausage rolls that’s practically a meal. The crowd? Mostly expats from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, but locals show up too-especially after a win. You’ll hear ‘Wales! Wales!’ echoing down the street at 11 p.m. on a Saturday night.
The Coach and Horses, Brixton: The Underdog’s Haven
If you’re a fan of the underdog, this is your church. The Coach and Horses in Brixton is where the minority clubs find their voice. Crystal Palace, Fulham, Charlton Athletic-they all have loyal followings here. The owner, a retired Palace fan, keeps a scrapbook of match tickets from every home game since 1985. On match days, he puts up a chalkboard with the starting XI and the odds. The food? Homemade pies and mashed potato with gravy. The drinks? £4.20 for a pint of Young’s London Original. It’s not the biggest, but it’s the most heartfelt. You’ll find families here, older fans who remember the 1990 FA Cup run, and younger ones who just love the vibe. It’s the kind of place where, if your team loses, someone buys you a drink anyway. That’s London.
What Makes a Great Sports Bar in London?
Not all pubs with TVs are created equal. In London, the best sports bars have three things: atmosphere, authenticity, and a no-nonsense approach to beer. Forget places with branded screens and DJs playing pop hits during halftime. The real ones have:
- Multiple screens, all tuned to live games-no replays unless the match is over
- Real ale on tap, not just lager from a keg
- Staff who know the rules, the players, and when to shut up
- A crowd that sings, chants, and groans together
- No cover charges, no minimum spends, no VIP sections
And here’s the unspoken rule: if you’re wearing a rival team’s jersey, you better be ready to buy a round. Londoners don’t mind rival fans-they just want you to respect the ritual.
Pro Tips for Game Night in London
- Get there early. On big match days, even the biggest pubs fill up by 5 p.m. for a 7:30 kick-off.
- Check the fixture list. Some pubs only show Premier League games-others show the Championship, FA Cup, or even the Euros.
- Bring cash. Many of the best spots still don’t take cards for drinks.
- Know your local. A pub in Hackney might show a League One game; one in Richmond might focus on rugby union.
- Don’t be shy. If you’re new, ask the barman: ‘Which team are you supporting tonight?’ You’ll get a story, a pint, and maybe a new friend.
When the Match Ends
In London, the night doesn’t stop when the final whistle blows. If your team wins, you’ll find half the pub singing the anthem while the other half stares into their empty glasses. If they lose? You’ll still be there at 1 a.m., debating the referee’s decision with someone who’s been coming here since 1998. That’s the beauty of it. It’s not about the score. It’s about being part of something bigger. A shared history. A collective heartbeat.
So next time you’re in London and you hear a roar from a pub on a side street-don’t walk past. Go in. Order a pint. Say hello. You might just find your new home.
What’s the best time to arrive at a sports bar in London for a match?
For Premier League or major international matches, aim to arrive at least two hours before kickoff. Popular spots like The Red Lion or The Crown and Anchor fill up by 5 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. game. Arriving later means you might be standing at the back or watching from a corner table. Weekday games are easier, but weekend fixtures-especially derbies-are full by 4 p.m.
Do London sports bars show matches from other countries?
Yes, but it depends on the pub. Most places prioritize Premier League, FA Cup, and England internationals. Larger venues like The Coach and Horses or Boots & Pints often show Champions League games, Serie A, or Bundesliga matches, especially if there’s a big rivalry or local fanbase. Rugby fans can expect Six Nations and Premiership games. For NFL or NBA, you’ll need to head to specific spots like The Irish Pub in Soho or The Sportsman in Chelsea.
Are there sports bars in London that cater to women or LGBTQ+ fans?
Absolutely. Places like The Rainbow in Brixton and The Gay’s the Word in Camden are known for inclusive, welcoming atmospheres during major games. Even traditionally male-dominated pubs like The Red Lion have become more diverse-many now have women’s football nights and LGBTQ+ fan groups that gather for the World Cup or Euros. The vibe is less about who you are and more about who you support.
Can I watch the FA Cup Final at a sports bar in London?
Yes, and it’s one of the biggest nights of the year. Nearly every major sports bar in London screens the FA Cup Final. Some, like The Crown and Anchor, even host pre-match live music and post-match celebrations. If you want a guaranteed seat, book a table weeks in advance. Otherwise, show up by 4 p.m.-and be ready to share a table with strangers who’ll become friends by the final whistle.
What’s the difference between a sports bar and a regular pub in London?
A regular pub might have one TV, usually showing the news or a rerun. A true sports bar has multiple screens, all tuned to live games, and staff who know the scores, lineups, and even the last time a player scored against their rival. The atmosphere is louder, the drinks are cheaper, and the loyalty runs deeper. In London, it’s not just about watching the game-it’s about being part of the crowd.
What to Do After the Final Whistle
When the match ends and the crowd starts to thin, the real London night begins. If you’re celebrating, head to a nearby kebab shop-most are open until 4 a.m. and serve the best chicken shawarma in the city. If you’re mourning, find a quiet pub with a fireplace and a good whiskey. Many locals swear by The Eagle in Farringdon or The Dove in Hammersmith. The night doesn’t end because the game did. It ends when you’re ready to go home.
