Best Pubs and Bars in London to Watch the World Cup (by Christian Farnsworth)

Photo/Frankie Roberto (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil fast-approaching, everyone will be eager to watch their favorite teams face off this summer. And what better way is there than to enjoy the competition with a nice cold pint at some of London’s greatest pubs and bars. From classic staples to luxury venues, London provides a wide array of options for your World Cup viewing experience. Whether you are a die-hard fan or simply enjoying the great atmosphere surrounding the matches, the football crazed capital is the place to be. Here are some of the top picks.

We’ll start off with the Clapham Grand sports bar in South London which boasts the biggest screen in the UK for live matches. It seems that their mantra is “bigger is better” because the screen measures in at 24×15 feet! For those who are tired of having to fight for good spot in a crowded pub, this is a perfect sanctuary. The theater seating style ensures a great view from any angle.

Next is Riley’s Sports Bar, centrally located in Haymarket. It offers 34 TVs in addition to a main giant screen. It’s also a great place to take your mind off the games for a bit, with ping pong and pool tables abound to ensure that you are never bored. Also the bar has free Wi-Fi for its customers, so placing a bet for free while watching a world cup match is quite common at Riley’s.

If you are looking for a chic spot to enjoy a frosty brew then the Carlsberg Sports Bar in Leicester Square is a good place to start. The affordably slick bar provides a ton of space to watch world class footballers go head to head. It has 24/7 service, making sure that you’ll never go hungry or miss the match. More importantly, its gourmet pub fare is some of the best in the city.

For a truly awesome experience, go to Bar Kick in Shoreditch. It promises a lively atmosphere with its foosball tables and screens matches in 3-D in the basement. The great happy hour prices don’t hurt either. Also great for 3D matches is the Bison & Bird situated in Clapham. Here you can even book one of their Sky boxes to really get a stadium feel for the biggest games.

Now, for the more luxurious experience you can rent out a private space for you and your mates to enjoy the World Cup in style. The MPS Screening Room at Wired can provide 34 patrons with a state-of-the-art projector, so you can watch your favorite stars in the best quality available. In the West End your group can book a private space at El Cantara, where you can truly relax during those tense moments of the tournament. It hosts one of the best shisha terraces in London accompanied by delicious Moorish treats for those looking for the more laid back atmosphere. Since the West End will surely be pumping during this summer’s World Cup, a private venue such as this can please the more neutral of fans. Whatever your choice is, booking a nice little space for you and your friends is the best way to avoid those messy crowds and really be able to enjoy the game as well as your friends.

If you missed out on a plane ticket to Rio, then London is the second best place to watch the World Cup this summer. From rowdy pubs to private viewing screens, it’s as close as you will get to the action (maybe even better in 3-D or HD). Be sure to check out one of these great bars and pubs this summer!

 Written by Christian Farnsworth