4 min read
Published On07 Jul 2025
London is one of the best sports cities in Europe. The city’s sports bar scene is legendary, and for good reason – this is where the passion for football, rugby, cricket, American sports like the NFLand more runs deepest. Every weekend during the Premier League season, the entire metropolis transforms into one massive sporting celebration. From historic pubs that have been serving pints since before most fans were born to modern sports bars near iconic stadiums, London’s bar scene offers the most authentic match day experience you’ll find anywhere.
I’ve been watching games with London sports fans for years, and what strikes me most is how each neighborhood has its own distinct character when it comes to match day. In central London, traditional pubs bring a more tourist energy. East London offers a more modern vibe while keeping those sporting traditions alive. And when you get close to the stadiums like Emirates or Stamford Bridge, the energy is absolutely electric on match days.
We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations and ensure we’re covering all the spots where true London sports fans belong!
Central London
1. The Faltering Fullback
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: This quirky Finsbury Park institution is a rugby fan's paradise, hidden behind an unassuming facade with a sprawling, multi-level garden that feels like a treehouse for adults. The interior is a shrine to rugby memorabilia, with signed jerseys and vintage photographs covering nearly every inch of wall space. The Thai kitchen adds an unexpected but welcome twist to the traditional pub experience.
- Sports Setup: Multiple screens strategically placed throughout the maze-like interior ensure you won't miss a moment of action, whether you're seated in the main bar, one of the cozy nooks, or the covered garden area. During Six Nations matches, the atmosphere is unmatched anywhere in London.
- Food & Drink: The Thai kitchen serves up authentic curries and noodle dishes that pair surprisingly well with the excellent selection of real ales and lagers. The kitchen stays open late for post-match meals.
- Atmosphere: A perfect blend of serious sports fans and casual viewers creates an environment that's passionate without being intimidating. The multi-level garden becomes particularly magical during evening matches when the fairy lights come on, creating an almost festival-like atmosphere among the wooden structures.
2. Greenwood
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Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: This upscale sports bar in Victoria breaks the mold with its sophisticated interior design and premium viewing experience. Split across two floors with six sports zones, it's the perfect place to watch multiple matches simultaneously without missing any action.
- Sports Setup: Over 19 HD screens and projectors are positioned throughout the venue, with dedicated zones for different sporting events. Premium seating areas can be reserved for major events.
- Food & Drink: Elevated pub classics dominate the menu, with their famous Wagyu beef burgers and truffle mac & cheese drawing crowds even on non-match days. The extensive craft beer selection features local London breweries alongside international favorites, and their sports-themed cocktail menu changes seasonally.
- Atmosphere: Business casual meets sports casual in this stylish venue that attracts a mix of after-work professionals and dedicated sports fans. The upstairs area offers a slightly more refined experience, while the ground floor captures more of that traditional sports bar energy during big matches.
3. The Porterhouse
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Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: Spanning an incredible twelve levels in Covent Garden, this Irish-owned establishment is one of London's largest pubs and a paradise for sports fans seeking both atmosphere and viewing options. The labyrinthine interior features countless nooks, crannies and hidden corners, with different sports playing throughout the venue.
- Sports Setup: Screens of varying sizes are strategically placed throughout all levels, with the basement area featuring a massive projector screen for major events.
- Food & Drink: The Porterhouse brews its own craft beers in Dublin, offering varieties you won't find elsewhere in London. Their stout rivals the famous Irish brands, and their beer flights are perfect for sampling during halftime. The food menu focuses on hearty Irish classics and elevated pub fare designed to complement their brews.
- Atmosphere: The multi-level design creates diverse viewing environments within a single venue - from raucous celebration in the main bar areas to more intimate viewing in the upper mezzanines. The copper brewing equipment and dark wood throughout add character that modern sports bars simply can't replicate.
4. Sports Bar & Grill Marylebone
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: Located right inside Marylebone Station, this sports bar combines convenience with quality, making it the perfect pre-match meeting point before heading to Wembley or Lords. The bar has been designed with the serious sports fan in mind, with viewing angles calculated to ensure optimal sightlines from every seat.
- Sports Setup: Over 20 HD screens cover every wall, with dedicated zones for different sporting events. The sound system allows them to broadcast multiple games simultaneously in different sections. Their sports schedule is meticulously maintained online, so you always know what's playing and where within the venue.
- Food & Drink: Their legendary burger menu features options named after famous London sporting venues, with the "Wembley" (topped with pulled pork and melted cheese) being a particular crowd-pleaser. The bar stocks a comprehensive range of beers from around the world, with rotating taps featuring seasonal and match-specific selections.
- Atmosphere: The proximity to transport creates a dynamic environment where fans often gather before heading to live events, resulting in a genuine pre-match atmosphere that's electric during big games. The diverse clientele includes everyone from suits to die-hard supporters in full team colors.
East London
1. The Bat & Ball
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Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: Combining sports viewing with competitive play, this massive venue in Westfield Stratford features 12 ping pong tables alongside its extensive sports screening setup. The proximity to London Stadium and the Olympic Park makes it a natural gathering point for West Ham supporters and sports enthusiasts exploring Olympic legacy venues.
- Sports Setup: The centerpiece is a massive 4K projector screen surrounded by stadium-style seating, complemented by numerous smaller screens throughout the venue ensuring visibility from every angle. Creating an immersive match day experience that rivals being at the stadium.
- Food & Drink: Their menu focuses on shareable plates designed for groups, with their "Fan's Feast" platters being particularly popular during big matches. The bar specializes in craft beers and has an exclusive arrangement with several local East London breweries to offer limited-edition match day specials.
- Atmosphere: The combination of active entertainment (ping pong) and sports viewing creates a uniquely energetic environment where fans can channel their pre-match excitement or post-match emotions into friendly competition. The spacious layout prevents the overcrowding issues common at many sports bars.
2. The Leyton Star
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: This revitalized Victorian pub has become the beating heart of Leyton's sports scene, with a particular focus on supporting local teams. The beautiful original architecture contrasts with modern sports viewing technology, creating a space that honors East London's sporting heritage while embracing contemporary fan culture.
- Sports Setup: The main bar features a large projector screen flanked by HD TVs, while the covered beer garden includes outdoor screens for summer viewing. They show NFL games for US sports fans.
- Food & Drink: The rotating kitchen residencies feature some of East London's most exciting street food vendors, ensuring the menu stays fresh and innovative throughout the sporting calendar. The bar emphasizes London craft beers, with special relationships with Leyton-based microbreweries providing exclusive pours you won't find elsewhere.
- Atmosphere: Fiercely local and community-focused, the Star attracts genuine fans who create an atmosphere of authentic passion rather than casual viewing. The mix of old-school supporters and younger fans.
North London
1. The Twelve Pins
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: This iconic Irish pub sits at the crossroads of Arsenal, Tottenham and Irish sporting loyalties, creating one of London's most passionately divided yet friendly sports-viewing atmospheres. The traditional Victorian exterior gives way to a surprisingly spacious interior that's been optimized for match day viewing without sacrificing its historic character.
- Sports Setup: Multiple screens are strategically placed throughout the various sections of the pub, allowing different fan groups to cluster around their preferred matches. Could be risky on North London Derby days…. During Six Nations rugby or major football tournaments, they open their covered outdoor area with additional screens to accommodate overflow crowds.
- Food & Drink: The bar serves one of North London's best pints of Guinness, alongside a comprehensive selection of Irish whiskeys and local craft beers. Their kitchen specializes in hearty pre-match meals, with their Irish breakfast being the perfect foundation for a day of sports viewing.
- Atmosphere: On derby days, the “good”-natured rivalry between Arsenal and Spurs supporters creates an electric atmosphere that embodies the best of London football culture. The Irish ownership ensures that GAA matches and rugby internationals receive equal billing alongside Premier League fixtures.
2. The Tollington
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: Located just a stone's throw from Emirates Stadium, this is Arsenal territory through and through. Match days see the pub transform into a sea of red and white, with the walls already adorned with historic Arsenal memorabilia and signed photographs. The proximity to the stadium makes this an authentic pre-match experience rather than just a viewing venue.
- Sports Setup: Recently renovated with sports viewing as the priority, The Tollington features HD screens visible from every corner of the pub. Their sound system has been designed to handle the considerable volume of passionate Arsenal chants without distortion, creating a mini-stadium atmosphere.
- Food & Drink: The kitchen serves elevated matchday classics, with their "Gunners Burger" achieving local fame for its generous proportions and quality ingredients. The bar focuses on efficiency during peak times, with pre-poured pints and simplified match day menus ensuring fans can be served quickly during half-time rushes.
- Atmosphere: On Arsenal match days, there's nowhere more authentically Gooner than The Tollington. Season ticket holders and international visitors alike create a knowledge-rich environment where opinions are loud and with conviction. After victories, the celebration spills onto the spacious outdoor terrace.
3. The Beehive
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: This beautifully restored Victorian pub balances traditional charm with modern sports viewing technology. Located in leafy Crouch End, it attracts a slightly more relaxed crowd than the stadium-adjacent venues, making it perfect for those who want quality sports viewing without the intense crowds.
- Sports Setup: Multiple screens are discreetly integrated into the classic pub interior, becoming prominent only when matches are playing. Their subscription packages include all major sporting channels, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the Premier League, Champions League, rugby, cricket, and American sports.
- Food & Drink: The kitchen is known for its Sunday roasts, making this the perfect venue for weekend matches. Their rotating selection of real ales includes collaborations with North London microbreweries, and their wine list is considerably more sophisticated than the average sports pub.
- Atmosphere: The crowd is knowledgeable but less tribal than at some venues, creating a space where the appreciation of the sport itself often transcends team loyalties. The beautiful beer garden becomes a coveted spot during summer tournaments, with outdoor screens set up for major events.
South London
1. Flat Iron Square
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Notable Features:
- Flat Iron Square Location: 68 Union Street, Bankside, London SE1 1TD Phone: 020 3179 9800 Website: www.flatironsquare.co.uk What Makes It Special: This isn't just a sports bar but an entire sports village under railway arches near London Bridge. During major tournaments, they set up massive outdoor screens in their courtyard, creating a festival-like atmosphere that's become legendary among London sports fans. The surrounding food vendors and bars ensure everyone finds their perfect match day refreshments.
- Sports Setup: The outdoor screening area features one of London's largest LED screens, while indoor areas offer more intimate viewing experiences. Their sound system transforms the railway arches into a cathedral of sport during big matches, with the unique acoustics amplifying crowd reactions.
- Food & Drink: With multiple independent food vendors operating within the complex, the culinary options far exceed typical sports bar fare. From authentic Portuguese tascas to artisanal pizza, the diverse offerings reflect South London's multicultural character. Multiple bars ensure waiting times remain reasonable even during peak events.
- Atmosphere: The open-plan layout creates a community feeling rare in London sports viewing, with strangers becoming instant friends over shared victories and defeats. The crowd is diverse in age and background, united by their passion for the game and appreciation of the unique setting.
2. Angel Oak Peckham (formerly “The Rye”)
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: This Peckham institution combines a beautiful Victorian pub interior with one of South London's largest beer gardens, which becomes a sports haven during summer tournaments. The historic building has been thoughtfully modernized to accommodate sports viewing without compromising its architectural character.
- Sports Setup: Indoor screens are positioned throughout the main bar and snug areas, while the garden features weatherproof outdoor screens during major sporting events. Their projector setup transforms the garden into an outdoor cinema for international tournaments and cup finals.
- Food & Drink: The kitchen specializes in upscale pub classics with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Their rotating craft beer selection showcases the best of South London's thriving brewing scene, with special editions released to coincide with major sporting events.
- Atmosphere: The Rye attracts a diverse crowd that reflects Peckham's vibrant community. The spacious layout allows different fan groups to find their own space, while the garden brings everyone together for shared sporting moments. The relaxed approach to sports viewing makes this a perfect option for casual fans and serious supporters alike.
West London
1. Famous Three Kings
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: Widely regarded as one of London's premier sports bars, the Famous Three Kings has achieved legendary status for its commitment to showing virtually every sporting event imaginable across its 20+ screens. The three-floor venue can accommodate multiple major events simultaneously, making it a gathering point for fans of international sports.
- Sports Setup: With over 20 HD screens spread across three floors and dedicated viewing zones, F3K is unmatched in its technical setup. Their comprehensive sports packages include obscure international channels, making this the go-to venue for expatriate communities wanting to watch hometown teams.
- Food & Drink: The kitchen serves elevated American-style sports bar classics, with their loaded nachos and buffalo wings achieving cult status among regulars. The bar focuses on efficient service during major events, with multiple serving points to minimize queuing and a wide selection of draught beers.
- Atmosphere: F3K attracts a truly international crowd, with dedicated fan groups from around the world claiming different sections of the venue for their teams. The diversity creates a uniquely cosmopolitan atmosphere where sporting knowledge and traditions from different countries blend together.
2. The White Horse
Ratings:
Notable Features:
- What Makes It Special: Affectionately known as "The Sloaney Pony," this upscale Fulham establishment balances its reputation for sophistication with genuine sporting passion. The beautiful Victorian building offers multiple viewing environments, from the main bar to the conservatory and expansive beer garden, which features outdoor screens during major tournaments.
- Sports Setup: HD screens are strategically placed throughout the venue, with the conservatory transformed into a premium viewing lounge for major events. Their sound system allows for different matches to be broadcast in separate areas without audio overlap.
- Food & Drink: The kitchen is renowned for its seasonal British menu that goes far beyond typical pub fare, with Sunday roasts that draw crowds regardless of the sporting calendar. The bar features one of London's most extensive selections of real ales alongside a sophisticated wine list and premium spirits.
- Atmosphere: The crowd reflects Fulham's unique demographic blend - Chelsea and Fulham supporters mix with rugby fans and international visitors, creating a knowledgeable but relaxed atmosphere. This is one of my favorite pubs for catching up with friends for a football match. Cozy & great food, but get there early or you won’t see the match or find a seat.
London’s sports bar scene truly represents the diverse and passionate sporting culture that defines the city. From traditional pubs with decades of local sporting history to modern establishments with state-of-the-art viewing technology, there’s a perfect match day venue for every type of sports enthusiast. What makes these spots special isn’t just the number of screens or the selection of beers—it’s the electric atmosphere that builds as fans gather, the shared moments of triumph and heartbreak, and the sense of community that forms around beloved teams.
Whether you’re a tourist looking to experience Premier League football like a local, an expat searching for a place to watch your home country’s matches, or a Londoner seeking the perfect spot for your regular match day ritual, these fifteen venues offer something unique. As London’s sports scene continues to evolve, these bars remain at the heart of the sporting experience—places where memories are made and sporting history is witnessed together.
We’d love to hear about your favorite London sports bars! Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below, and let us know which venues you think deserve to be on next year’s list.
Bibliography
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- It’s unlikely there will be a direct link to the magazine article unless it’s available online through a database. You could try searching for “London Lifestyle Magazine” and browsing their archives.
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- Check the London Tourism Board’s official website. These guides are often available for download.
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- Search for the Media Economics Journal in academic databases. You will need a subscription
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