Best sports bars in London: 21 places to watch the big match

Looking for the best sports bars in the capital? You've come to the right place. Host of the 2012 Olympics and home to Wimbledon, Lord’s Cricket Ground and some of the most successful football clubs in the world, there’s always something going on in London’s sporting scene. The vast melting pot of different cultures in the city means that there's an audience for all sorts of global sporting events, from Aussie rules football to NASCAR and everything in between. You name it, somewhere in London will be screening it.

Aside from being in the stadium, watching live sports in a bar is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the game. No matter if you’re heading to an all-out sports bar or just a good pub filled with sports fans, the pints will be flowing, the burgers sizzling and the crowd chanting. London’s famous party attitude means that you’re guaranteed to have a blast, whether you’re cheering along with the crowd or you’re just in it for the beers.  

When it comes to London sports bars, you’re spoilt for choice. Greenwood is one of the most popular Central London sports bars, due to its plethora of screens and sports-themed sharing platters. Fancy getting stuck into some sport yourself? Then Sixes is the place for you, offering the opportunity to face up to some bowling in a cricket net, or take on a virtual penalty shootout whilst watching some T20 cricket. For the less sporty but still competitive ones among us, Belushi’s have table football and beer pong tournaments to take your sporting experience to the next level.  

From the Six Nations to the Superbowl, here’s our exclusive pick of the best places in watch sport in London.

Belushi's, London Bridge

What: There's always something going on in Belushi's, whether that's live music, dancing or, best of all, live football. The menu is packed full of American comfort food, including legendary burgers, loaded fries and ‘choose your own’ wings but the real treasure lies downstairs. Belushi's have created 'The Dugout', a room for private hire that's every sports fan's dream, complete with 4K Ultra HD screens, table foosball and beer pong, as well as the signature sharing platters. If you fancy watching the game with your friends in peace, this is a worthy option. 
Where: 161-165 Borough High Street, SE1 1HR
Book now: Belushi's

Sixes, Fitzrovia

What: Not content to just watch the sport? Well you're in luck; as well as showing all the latest cricket fixtures and football matches, Sixes also boasts cricket nets and virtual penalty shoot outs, where you can see how well you compare to the professionals. Their menu focuses on sharing plates and pizzas, plus a cheeky burger tribute to legendary English all-rounder Ian Botham. Be sure to indulge yourself in their range of beers and cocktails too. 
Where: 170 Great Portland Street, W1W 5QB
Book now: Sixes

Old Street Records, Old Street

What: Known for bringing live music, cocktails and a great-value happy hour to East London, Old Street Records has served many a night out to those looking for a good time in the capital. Whilst these guys are first and foremost a bar and music venue, every once in a while they’ll switch it up and put the focus on the footy. Watch all England games for the Euros or World Cup, broadcast on the big screen.
Where: 350-356 Old Street, EC1V 9NQ
Book now: Old Street Records

The Bull, Streatham

What: This coaching house offers a refined atmosphere to enjoy all the latest sporting events, accompanied by some elevated gastropub classics. British produce is the star of the show on this seasonal menu, with West Country ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce, and crispy Dingley Dell T-bone with chunky chips and beer mustard sauce making an appearance. Check out their huge sun-trap beer garden with TVs fitted in every hut, ideal for enjoying the match on a sunny day.
Where: 498 Streatham High Road, SW16 3QB
Book now: The Bull

The Latchmere, Battersea

What: This venue has four big screens and three HD TVs showing the best of football, rugby, tennis and cricket all year round. Not only that, but its prime location, a stone's throw from Battersea Park, makes it the ideal place to refresh and recharge after playing some sports yourself. The menu is Anglo-European gastropub fare - think lamb shawarma skewers, chicken supreme with patatas bravas or a classic battered fish and chips, with plenty of vegetarian options. Don't forget to hydrate with The Latchmere's extensive wine menu, as well as boasting lots of old favourites on tap.
Where: 503 Battersea Park Road, SW11 3BW
Book now: The Latchmere

The Ship, Wandsworth

What: If you prefer watching the game in private, then The Ship is for you. This South London favourite has a collection of three outdoor cabins that come equipped with their own TVs and heaters, ideal for a bit of privacy to cheer your team on. Located just past Wandsworth Bridge, The Ship boasts 'one of the best and most famous beer gardens in London.' The menu certainly lives up to the hype, packed full of gastropub favourites like haddock and prawn fisherman pie, Hertfordshire chicken caesar salad, and burgers straight from the burger shack. Wash it all down with a Young's ale, or choose from the many other beers on tap.
What: 41 Jew's Row, SW18 1TB
Book now: The Ship

The Devonshire, Balham

What: Pork and jalapeno croquettes, crispy cod cheek, baked camembert, beer-battered haddock; all of this and more can be enjoyed in front of The Devonshire's huge screens running year round to show the best of the football, rugby and tennis. This refurbished gin palace dates from the 1880s and features some beautiful period details, such as etched mirrors, stained glass and a haute Victorian back bar. Whether you want to be toasty by the fire or down pints of cider in the British sun, this is the ideal place to enjoy some seriously good food alongside your sport. 
Where: 39 Balham High Road, SW12 9AN
Book now: The Devonshire

Waxy O'Connor's, Soho

What: This cavernous Irish drinking den is the ideal spot to cheer on the boys in green while downing a pint of the black stuff. If that's not your beverage of choice, you can find plenty of other options at the bar, alongside a menu featuring buttermilk fried chicken burgers, Guinness beef pies, and glazed pork belly bites. Rooms here are individually decorated in traditional tavern style, so you're guaranteed to find the ideal spot to suit your fancy. Waxy O'Connor's prime location just off Piccadilly Circus means that it gets pretty busy, so be sure to book ahead on rugby match days (and St Patrick's Day of course!)
Where: 14-16 Rupert Street, W1D 6DD
Book now: Waxy O'Connor's

The Porterhouse, Covent Garden

What: Looking for somewhere to watch the footy in Covent Garden? The Porterhouse Brewing Company has been keeping locals in good spirits for decades, serving its own selection of craft-brews. Split across three floors, The Porterhouse is one of the largest sports bars in the capital, boasting a pretty electric atmosphere to sit back and watch the game. Menus here are as classic as they come with plates of pub grub such as fish and chips, burgers and pizzas.
Where: 21- 22 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA
Book now: The Porterhouse 

The Kings Arms, Fulham

What: This is the first Wadworth & Co brewery's venture into the London pub scene, and it certainly sets the bar high. Wadworth IPAs feature heavily on the drinks menu, alongside fruity bitters like Farmer's Glory and hoppy ales like The Bishop's Tipple, and the variety of food on offer is sure to keep you satisfied. Sharing plates of dirty fries, nachos or charcuterie boards are ideal for giving you an extra buzz while you watch the sport of your choice on the never-switched-off screens scattered around the pub.
Where: 425 New Kings Road, SW6 4RN
Book now: The Kings Arms

Bar Kick, Shoreditch

What: Foosball is the main event here, with plenty of tables providing endless entertainment for slightly tipsy patrons. If playing sport (kind of) isn't enough, be sure to sit yourself in front of the big screen to soak up the game in all its glory. This former shoe wholesalers has a buzzing atmosphere and a somewhat eclectic vibe - think a provincial French/Belgian bar circa early Johnny Hallyday. Be sure to treat yourself to some of the Spanish-inspired cuisine from the daily-changing blackboard menu.
Where: 127 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE
Book now: Bar Kick

Greenwood, Victoria

What: With an impressive seven screens showing the latest sporting events, Greenwood is one of the most popular Central London sports bars. Mid-century sideboards and plush decor make this megapub classier than the average sports bar, while still serving sharing platters of classic Superbowl feasts; think pizza, hot dogs and buffalo wings. Being located so close to Victoria station makes it ideal for anyone with a train to catch and incredibly convenient for anyone just popping out to catch a game. 
Where: 170 Victoria Street, SW1E 5LB
Book now: Greenwood

Boston Arms, Islington

What: Sports is one of several special features at Boston Arms, alongside live music, singing and seemingly endless happy hours. It's a lively Irish-esque community boozer with a friendly atmosphere, popular with both the older and younger crowds. Be prepared for an even livelier atmosphere than usual on rugby days, when fans flock to the secret beer garden to down pints of Guinness while watching the Six Nations. 
Where: 178 Junction Road, N19 5QQ
Book now: Boston Arms

Sports Bar & Grill, Farringdon

What: Yep, you've guessed it: this is THE place to be for sports fans. Big screens hang above diners, along with sports kits belonging to the sporting famous of yesteryear. Food may play second fiddle to sport spectating, but that's not to say it's disappointing. Here you'll find an all-day dining menu packed full of American classics such as burgers, pizzas, nachos and 1kg sharing platters of wings. There's always a buzz about this place and you can find everything from rugby to ice hockey on the screens.
Where: 19-25 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6DQ
Book now: Sports Bar & Grill

The Alma, Wandsworth

What: The Alma is a welcome spot for sports fans looking for somewhere to watch the game, no matter the sport. Self-described as a 'local sports pub renowned for an electric atmosphere on match days', this is the ideal place for spectating and filling up on some hearty gastropub classics. Here you can find traditional pub dishes (steak and chips, beer-battered fish and cheeseburgers) as well as more elevated fare (lamb cutlets with spiced pea puree or asparagus salad with whipped feta). The bar is stocked with Young's cask ales, alongside all the old favourites on tap.
Where: 499 Old York Road, SW18 1JF
Book now: The Alma

Frankie's Sports Bar & Grill, Hammersmith

What: A prime location in the home of the 'Blues' means that there's never a quiet day at Frankie's Sports Bar & Diner. Expect crowds even on days when Chelsea aren't playing due in part to traffic from the neighbouring Copthorne Hotel, but mostly due to the buzzing atmosphere and good food. Decent food at fair prices is the vibe here; expect a range of sharing platters ideal for match day, as well as burgers, seafood and sweet treats. 
Where: Chelsea Football Club, SW6 1HS
Book now: Frankie's Sport Bar & Grill

Bodean's, Soho

What: Red meat and sports: name a more iconic duo. At Bodean's you can have the best of both worlds, with a feast of beef rib, burnt ends, pulled pork, ribs, chicken thighs and smoked sausages, all enjoyed while watching the regularly screened sporting events. Good deals abound here including an American sports night deal, as well as movie and meal packages and loyalty cards. Wash it all down with American beers and cocktails, and you're good to go!
Where: 10 Poland Street, W1F 8PZ
Book now: Bodean's

Famous Three Kings, Fulham

What: This little drinking den boasts a fun-filled atmosphere, especially on match days. Recognised as one of London’s favourite sports pubs, be sure to join the crowds at the Famous Three Kings: a top spot for a couple of pints.Food here sees the likes of burgers, loaded fries and pizzas and even comes with the option to grab sharing platters packed full of nachos and fried chicken or even a 1kg basket of wings to help you really get into the spirit of the big game.
Where: 171 North End Road, W14 9NL
Book now: Famous Three Kings

The Queen Charlotte, Fitzrovia

What: The Queen Charlotte is an iconic Goodge Street boozer, which has literally hundreds of craft brews to boot. Beer snobs are more than welcome here and are encouraged to order thirds of a pint as 'samples'. Despite its Central London location, there's a real local feel to this joint, with its vintage posters, banging tunes and big screens regularly showing the footie. Offering craft beers alongside a selection of cocktails, in a pretty sweet 2-4-1 happy hour, there’s a tipple or two for everyone.
Where: 43 Goodge Street, W1T 1TA
Book now: The Queen Charlotte

The Dean Swift, Southwark

What: This cosy spot near Tower Bridge has a serious passion for rugby, pledging to screen every Six Nations game on its big screens. There's also a generous offering of beers with up to 20 craft beers and ales on tap at any one time. Sunday roasts are a hearty tasty affair here, and the weekly menu of pub classics show just how well this gastro establishment has kept in touch with its pub roots. 
Where: 10 Gainsford Street, SE1 2NE
Book now: The Dean Swift

Tir Na Nog, Wandsworth

What: Tir Na Nog is Gaelic for 'land of eternal youth', a fixture of Irish mythology, and after a few hours here, you'll definitely start feeling like a teenager again. Reasonable prices, expertly-poured Guinness, pool tables, a beer garden and a jam-packed sports-screening schedule make this a must for any sports fan. The friendly atmosphere and warm service are the icing on the cake of this hidden gem.
Where: 107 Garratt Lane, SW18 4DW
Book now: Tir Na Nog

Want to find somewhere different to eat before catching the game in person? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Wembley.