The biggest sports event for England of the last 55 years demands some decent planning and preparation when it comes to where to watch it. With England heading into its biggest major final since it won the World Cup in 1966, it’s safe to say that football fans are prepped and primed for an evening of excellent entertainment come Sunday the 11 July.
No matter how good the kudos of the competition is, we’re of the opinion that every occasion can be improved by a good selection of food and drink, and when it comes to the football what could be better than a few beers and some good old grub with a group of your friends? While there are of course the dedicated Fan Zones in London – in Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge and Potters Fields Park – they can’t take the place of watching the game at a cosy pub or on the big screen at one of London’s best restaurants surrounded by other fans bigging up the boys for this (potentially) once in a lifetime sort of match.
Taking things up a notch are the restaurants and bars showing the Euros in London, proving that the love of football isn’t the pursuit of just one Wembley-going group. Whether you’re after table service and a few cocktails or some proper pub grub, there’s something to suit your mood. There are so many varied venues for watching the beautiful game that we thought it only right to narrow down the options to places with space still where you can watch the Euros in London.
Alongside the required large screen, great sound, and a buzzing crowd, all the below options also have delicious food and drink menus to keep you happy and hydrated throughout the match. Make sure to get your booking in well ahead of Sunday to secure your spot.
Benares, Mayfair
Honouring the longstanding partnership between a decent curry and a spicy football match, Michelin starred Benares is putting on a one-of-a-kind opportunity for up to 12 guests. Book the restaurant’s Berkeley Room to enjoy seriously good Indian food and your own private screening of the Euros final on a large dedicated TV screen.
The Happenstance, St Paul's
With its sprawling terrace and multiple screens, The Happenstance is the perfect spot to gather with a group. There’s an all-weather terrace (because there’s more chance of it coming home than summer showing up if we're honest) and a selection of sharing boards to graze on throughout the game. Beers and burgers are on offer here too.
The Refinery Bankside, Southwark
Boasting one of the biggest screens in London, The Refinery is taking the Euros final seriously. A stone’s throw from Waterloo, this trendy pub has a large outdoor terrace kitted out with deck chairs and a mammoth HD screen. Food and drinks will be served throughout the match to keep energy levels up for all the chanting that needs to be done to will a win out of England.
Brigadiers, The City
If you prefer exclusivity, you can rent a private room at Brigadiers, or for those who like to be in the thick of it there’s the main bar from where you can join the masses to cheer England along. The in-house selection of beers, kegs, drafts and cocktails works perfectly alongside the Indian menu. Choose between the beast feasts (which do what they say on the tin, expect a lot of food) or the a la carte.
Prefer the tennis? Check out our round-up of the best restaurants in Wimbledon