London doesn’t sleep when the final whistle blows. If you’re a sports fan in the city, you already know the real magic happens after the game ends - not in front of your TV, but surrounded by a roaring crowd, pint in hand, chanting until your voice gives out. This isn’t just about watching a match. It’s about being part of something bigger. And London, with its mix of historic pubs, modern sports lounges, and fan-driven venues, delivers that energy like nowhere else.
Where the Real Fans Gather
Forget the chain pubs with flat-screen TVs and generic menus. The best spots for sports fans in London are the places where the walls are covered in team scarves, the bar staff know your usual, and the crowd sings the same anthem every week. In North London, The Arsenal Pub on Holloway Road isn’t just a bar - it’s a temple for Gunners fans. On match days, the place fills up by 3 p.m., and by kickoff, you’re elbow-to-elbow with 200 others, all wearing red and white. The TVs aren’t just on - they’re the center of attention. No one talks during the game. Everyone stands when the team scores.
Down in South London, The Clink near Clapham Junction is the go-to for Crystal Palace fans. It’s a no-frills, loud, sweaty, perfect place. They play the club’s anthem on a loop before the match. They have a wall of signed shirts from past players. And if you show up in a rival team’s jersey? You’ll be politely asked to leave - and no one will argue with you.
For football fans who want more than one team covered, The 1871 in Camden is the answer. It’s a massive venue with 12 screens, a dedicated Premier League viewing schedule, and a menu built for match-day hunger: loaded fries, beef burgers, and proper fish and chips. They even have a live DJ after 10 p.m. if the game ends in a draw.
Rugby, Cricket, and the Underdogs
Football isn’t the only game that gets London buzzing. If you’re into rugby, The Railway in Richmond is your home. It’s got a cult following for Saracens and England matches. The crowd here doesn’t just watch - they sing, they drum, they do the wave. The bar serves proper cask ales and has a dedicated rugby memorabilia corner with vintage jerseys from the 1990s.
Cricket fans have their own spot: The Cricket Inn in Southwark. It’s a quiet pub during the week, but when England plays a Test match, it turns into a packed, sunhat-wearing, tea-drinking shrine. They show every ball on a giant screen, play crowd noise on speakers, and even have a scoreboard on the wall updated by hand. You’ll find retirees, students, and expats from Australia and the West Indies all cheering together.
And don’t ignore the underdogs. The White Hart in Tottenham is the only pub in London that shows the NFL every Sunday. They’ve got American-style food, beer on tap from Brooklyn and Oregon, and even a Super Bowl party that draws over 300 people. No one expects it - but if you’re a football fan who also loves the NFL, this is your secret.
What to Order - Beyond the Pint
It’s not just about the drink. It’s about the experience. In most sports bars, you’ll find the same old options: lager, cider, maybe a gin and tonic. But the best places have thought about what fans actually want to eat and drink while the game’s on.
At The 1871, they serve a “Match Day Platter” - a giant board of pork scratchings, pickled eggs, cheese cubes, and mini sausage rolls. It’s messy, it’s cheap, and it’s perfect for sharing while you’re yelling at the referee.
The Railway has a “Rugby Brew” - a dark ale brewed in collaboration with a local brewery, with notes of toffee and a hint of smoke. They only make 200 liters for each international match. If you want one, you’ve got to get there early.
And if you’re watching a big European match, like Manchester United vs. Real Madrid, head to La Cervecería in Soho. They serve Spanish tapas, sangria, and even paella during big games. The staff speak Spanish, English, and a little bit of Portuguese. It’s not just a bar - it’s a cultural hub.
When to Show Up - Timing Matters
Arriving late to a sports bar in London is a mistake. Not because you’ll miss the kick-off - you’ll miss the atmosphere. The real energy builds hours before the match.
For Premier League games on Saturday afternoons, show up by 2 p.m. The best seats - the ones right in front of the main screen - go fast. At The Arsenal Pub, they start handing out free scarves at 2:30 p.m. if you’ve got a ticket to the match that day.
For Sunday NFL games, The White Hart opens its doors at 10 a.m. and fills by 11. They serve bacon sandwiches and coffee until kickoff. If you show up after 12:30 p.m., you’re standing in the back, craning your neck.
Midweek Champions League games? Go early. The 1871 starts serving free nachos at 6:30 p.m. for games kicking off at 8 p.m. It’s not a gimmick - it’s a tradition. People come just for the food, then stay for the match.
What Not to Do
There are rules. Unwritten, but absolute.
- Don’t wear a rival team’s jersey unless you want to be asked to leave. Seriously. It’s not a joke.
- Don’t use your phone during the last 10 minutes of a close game. The whole bar will glare at you. No one cares about your text message.
- Don’t order a cocktail during a football match. It’s not the time for fancy drinks. Stick to beer, cider, or a simple gin and tonic.
- Don’t complain about the price. A pint in a top sports bar in London costs £6.50. In a tourist trap, it’s £12. You’re paying for the atmosphere, not just the drink.
And if you’re a visitor? Don’t be the person who asks, “Where’s the nearest Starbucks?” If you’re here for the game, you’re here for the culture. Embrace it.
Special Events You Can’t Miss
London’s sports bars don’t just show games - they throw events.
Every January, The Railway hosts the “Rugby Winter Festival” - a three-day party with live bands, guest ex-players, and a raffle for signed gear. Last year, someone won a trip to Twickenham for the Six Nations final.
In May, The 1871 does “Premier League Awards Night.” Fans vote for Player of the Season, and the winner gets a custom trophy and a free round for life. The bar even prints matchday-style tickets for the event.
And if you’re in London during the World Cup or Euros? La Cervecería turns into a 24-hour fan zone. They open at 7 a.m. for early games, close at 2 a.m. after late ones, and serve free coffee and hot chocolate to fans waiting for the next match.
How to Find Your Spot
Not every fan fits the same mold. If you’re a quiet watcher, try The Cricket Inn - it’s calm, respectful, and full of people who love the game but don’t need to scream to prove it.
If you want to be loud, rowdy, and part of a sea of colors, go to The Arsenal Pub or The 1871.
If you’re into international matches and want to meet people from other countries, La Cervecería is your place. You’ll find Argentinians, Brazilians, Germans, and Italians all cheering for their teams together.
Use apps like PubHunter or SportsBarFinder to see which bars are packed on match days. But don’t just rely on them. Talk to the locals. Ask the barman. They’ll tell you where the real fans are.
Final Tip: Bring Your Own Scarf
London’s sports bars are welcoming - but they’re also proud. If you’re a fan of a team, wear your colors. Bring your scarf. Even if it’s old, even if it’s faded. It tells the room you belong here. And that’s the whole point.
What’s the best sports bar in London for Premier League matches?
The 1871 in Camden is the top pick for Premier League fans. It has 12 screens, a dedicated match-day menu, and a crowd that knows every player’s name. It’s loud, it’s packed, and it’s the closest thing to being in the stadium without a ticket.
Can I watch NFL games in London?
Yes. The White Hart in Tottenham is the only pub in London that shows every NFL game live on Sunday. They serve American food, have NFL-themed trivia nights, and even host a Super Bowl party with a live DJ and free nachos.
Are sports bars in London expensive?
A pint costs between £6 and £8 in most sports bars - a bit more than a regular pub, but far less than tourist spots. You’re paying for the atmosphere, the screens, and the crowd. If you want a £12 drink, go to a hotel bar. For real sports fans, the value is in the experience.
Do I need to book a table for match days?
For big games - Premier League, Champions League, or international rugby - yes. Most top venues take reservations for groups of 4 or more. Walk-ins are welcome, but you’ll likely be standing. Book early if you want a seat near the screen.
What’s the best time to arrive at a sports bar before a match?
Arrive at least two hours before kickoff for major matches. That’s when the atmosphere starts building. You’ll get the best seat, join the chants early, and avoid the rush. For Sunday NFL games, show up by 10 a.m. - the crowd fills up fast.
Write a comment