Where to Watch the World Cup

The World Cup in South Africa is almost upon us, a worldwide celebration of football that only comes round every four years.

Due to football’s position as the one true global game, it brings together a wide range of people. Even those who don’t particularly follow football quickly get drawn into the intensity and excitement of the competition. This can lead to some pretty intense crowding at a lot of London bars.

Watching World Cup matches can be a wonderful collective experience, hugging complete strangers as the ball hits the back of the net and mixing with fans of different countries in a convivial atmosphere. However, this experience can be ruined when crammed into a tight space. So, to help you find the ideal spot to watch the action in the capital, The London Word takes you through some of the best bars and special spots…

The pop-up bar has been a feature of London life for a couple of years now, at locations like Somerset House, Regent Street and in parts of Shoreditch. They have been associated with everything from vodka to Marmite, and now one arrives in time for the World Cup.

Fever Pitch, based on Fulham Broadway offers fans the chance to follow the football on 13 giant screens arranged to produce 360 degree point of view. In addition to a large range of drinks there are also hotdogs and toasties on offer. If you’re looking for something a bit special on World Cup final day (July 11) then head down to Cargo in Shoreditch where there will be a day-long barbecue as well as DJs and giant screens featuring the game.

If you want a really big screen to watch the matches on, you’ll find none bigger than a cinema screen. Although few of the multiplexes have decided to get in on the action, there are a few independent cinemas who will be showing the games. The Everyman Cinema in Hampstead and Islington’s Screen on the Green will be showing the matches. For £12, you will get a drink plus a hot snack and a seat on a plush sofa. A cheaper option is the Clapham Picturehouse where entry is free but tickets must be booked in advance.

For those looking for an upmarket experience with their football, try out the Rhodes W1 Brasserie and Rhodes Patrón Bar, located in the Cumberland Hotel. Here you’ll find European cuisine paired with South African wines as well as cocktails inspired by the host country. There’s also an incentive to keep supporting England as the restaurant will be offering discounts if England progress through the tournament.

Given the cosmopolitan nature of London, you will find fans of every country represented in the city. Taking this into account, the London Word will be running a feature called ‘Know Thine Enemy’, in which we will inform you about the cuisine of England’s upcoming opponent and where to get the best of it. If England get knocked out, we will have to follow a different country, and if you have any recommendations which team we should take up, give us a shout.

Fever Pitch
474-476 Fulham Broadway
Fulham
SW6 1BY

Tel: 020 7610 3137

Everyman Cinema
5 Holly Bush Vale
Hampstead
NW3 6TX

Tel: 0871 906 9060

Screen on the Green
83 Upper Street
Islington
N1 0NP

Tel: 0203 145 0525

Clapham Picturehouse
76 Venn Street
Clapham
SW4 0AT

Tel: 0871 902 5727

Rhodes W1 Brasserie and Rhodes Patron Bar
Great Cumberland Place
Marylebone
W1H 7TN

Tel: 020 7616 5930