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5 min read
Published On26 Aug 2025
Introduction
East London’s sports bar scene is absolutely buzzing! With over 2.3 million residents across Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Islington, plus the massive tech and finance crowds around Liverpool Street and Shoreditch, finding the perfect spot to watch the match has become essential. The area attracts over 50,000 daily workers who need somewhere proper to catch midweek Champions League games after work.
I’ve been watching football around East London for years, from dodgy pubs in Dalston to swanky spots near Liverpool Street Station. The transformation has been mental – what used to be rough boozers are now some of London’s best sports viewing venues. We’re still building our methodology and this is an initial list – please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations.
From The Volley’s exciting Dom’s Subs partnership in Old Street to the hidden gems around Shoreditch and Holloway Road, East London delivers quality viewing experiences without the tourist tax of Central London. Here’s where the locals actually go to watch the football!
The Volley
Location: Old Street – 211 Old St, London EC1V 9NR
Phone: +44 20 7739 5830
What Makes It Special: This Old Street legend just announced the most exciting sports bar news of 2025 – Dom’s Subs is taking over their kitchen! Starting August 2025, they’re launching “Super Subs” menu (brilliant name paying homage to those clutch substitute players). Having watched countless matches here, I can tell you this place already had the atmosphere sorted – now they’re fixing the one thing most sports bars get wrong: the food.
Sports Setup: Multiple HD screens positioned throughout the venue ensure you won’t miss any action. The main bar area has the big screen for major matches, while smaller screens around the space let you keep tabs on other games. Sound system is properly balanced – loud enough for atmosphere but you can still chat during halftime. They show all the Premier League games plus Champions League, and they’re good about putting on specific matches if you ask nicely.
Food & Drink: Here’s where it gets exciting! Dom’s Subs “Super Subs” menu launches first week of August featuring their famous Tie Dye Chicken Parm and marinara loaded fries. Current menu does decent pub grub but this partnership is next level. Proper selection of beers on tap including Camden Hells, Guinness, and rotating craft options. Cocktail menu exists but let’s be honest, you’re here for pints during the match.
Atmosphere: Old Street location brings brilliant mix – tech workers from nearby startups, local Hackney residents, and proper football fans who’ve been coming here for years. Gets absolutely mental during North London derbies. The after-work crowd during midweek European games creates electric atmosphere. Weekend matches bring more dedicated fans who actually stay for the whole game instead of just popping in for a half.
Special Features: Dom’s Subs “Super Subs” kitchen takeover starting August 2025, Multiple HD screens with flexible viewing options, Strategic Old Street location (5 mins from station), All Premier League and Champions League matches shown.
Website: https://www.thevolleylondon.com
Other East London Venues Worth Checking
Sports Bars & Pubs with Screens
Shoreditch Area:
- The Crown and Shuttle (226 Shoreditch High St) – https://www.thecrownandshuttle.com
- The Old Blue Last (38 Great Eastern St) – https://www.theoldbluelast.com
- Brewdog Shoreditch (51 Bethnal Green Rd) – https://www.brewdog.com/uk/bars/shoreditch
Liverpool Street:
- The Merchant (60 Threadneedle St)
- Hamilton Hall (Liverpool Street Station) – https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/london/the-hamilton-hall-london
- The Alice (133 Houndsditch) – https://www.thealicebow.co.uk
Holloway Road:
- The Coronet (338-346 Holloway Rd) – https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/london/the-coronet-london
- The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms (13 Eburne Rd) – https://www.theswimmer.co.uk
Bethnal Green:
- The Camel (277 Globe Rd) – https://www.thecamele2.com
- Paradise Row (250 Paradise Row)
Alternative Venues (Not Sports-Focused)
For those times when you want a drink but don’t need the match on:
Cocktail Bars:
- Callooh Callay (65 Rivington St) – https://www.calloohcallaybar.com
- Nightjar (129 City Rd) – https://www.barnightjar.com
- Happiness Forgets (8-9 Hoxton Square) – https://www.happinessforgets.com
Craft Beer Spots:
- The Craft Beer Co. (233 Old St) – https://www.thecraftbeerco.com/old-street
- Mother Kelly’s (251 Paradise Row) – https://www.motherkellys.co.uk
- The Dove (24-28 Broadway Market) – https://www.dovepubs.com
Traditional Pubs:
- The George & Vulture (3 Castle Ct)
- The Jerusalem Tavern (55 Britton St) – https://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/london-pub
- The Eagle (159 Farringdon Rd) – https://www.theeaglefarringdon.co.uk
Conclusion
East London’s sports bar scene perfectly captures what makes this part of the city special – proper local atmosphere without the West End prices. The Volley’s partnership with Dom’s Subs shows these venues aren’t just resting on having a few screens anymore. They’re actually competing on food quality, which is brilliant news for those of us who spend way too many hours watching football in pubs!
The mix of venues from Old Street to Liverpool Street means you’re never far from a decent screen when the match kicks off. Whether you’re after the new elevated experience at The Volley or just need somewhere near the office to catch the second half, East London’s got you sorted.
The area keeps evolving too. Five years ago, finding a decent sports bar around Shoreditch was impossible. Now you’ve got multiple options within walking distance. And with more tech companies moving east, expect even more quality venues to pop up.
What’s your go-to spot for watching football in East London? Comment to help us improve our lists and let us know if we’ve missed any hidden gems around Shoreditch or Old Street!