If the Six Nations tournament has got you firing on all patriotic cylinders, take a gastronomic trip to your motherland: London’s restaurant scene ably represents each of the countries playing. Would you rather stick pins in your eyes than watch a scrum? Then we’ve got suggestions for places to go where the TV can’t touch you.
Wales
Odette’s, Primrose Hill
Headed up by Welsh chef Bryn Williams, this place serves plenty of top-quality meat, fish and other ingredients, predominantly sourced from within the Welsh borders. Try sirloin and cheek of Welsh beef with potato, cabbage and yuzu, or wild brill with Jerusalem artichoke, followed by Odette’s take on a Jaffa Cake, with clementine and orange cream.
If you’re planning a pilgrimage, have a read of our pick of the best restaurants and bars in Cardiff, including Restaurant James Sommerin and The Potted Pig.
England
Rules, Covent Garden
To theme your day around England’s green and pleasant land, spoil yourself at Rules, the go-to destination for an old-school English dining experience. Pick from the likes of roast partridge or seared pork tenderloin, before indulging desserts inclduing plum, blackberry and apple crumble.
If you really want to show our country some love, check out our pick of the best British restaurants in London, including St John in Clerkenwell and Soho’s Dean Street Townhouse.
Italy
River Café, Hammersmith
If you’re siding with Italy (at least on the kitchen front), try out the iconic River Café, which has great pasta in spades and comforting, classic desserts such as pear and apple tart or stracciatella ice cream – just be prepared for a hefty bill.
For more inspiration from London’s very best, including L’Anima in the City and Marylebone’s Locanda Locatelli, browse our choice of the best Italian restaurants in London here.
France
Casse-Croûte, Bermondsey
Do you hope the French will be as victorious on the rugby pitch as they are in the kitchen? For la grande bouffe before the big match, visit a corner of France in London at Casse-Croûte in Bermondsey.
For further solid French options, peruse our list of the best French restaurants in London, including Galvin Bistrot de Luxe in Marylebone and Le Gavroche in Mayfair.
Scotland
Mac & Wild, Fitzrovia
Regular raiders of Scotland’s larder might not have a huge choice in the capital, but there are still some solid options. Boisdale (with four London sites including Boisdale of Belgravia) is big on Aberdeen Angus steaks and specialises in Scotch, while Mac & Wild in Fitzrovia serves up deep-fried haggis balls and a Tunnock’s Teacake-inspired dessert.
Alternatively, snack on sublime Scotch eggs at The Princess Victoria in Shepherd's Bush, or chow down on a haggis toastie at SW8 boozer Canton Arms near Stockwell tube.
Ireland
Waxy O’Connor’s, Soho
On the food front, you might have to look rather hard for a slice of the Emerald Isle in London, but there are plenty of great Irish pubs to visit. Try out the unashamedly clichéd Waxy O’Connor’s in Soho, or The Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington.
If sport spectating is your calling, take a look at our list of the best sports bars, lounges and restaurants in London.
This article was updated on 20 February 2017