NFL Goes To London: Best Sports Bars Across The Pond
England is one of the greatest sporting nations on earth, and is widely considered to be the birthplace of both rugby and cricket, not to mention the unofficial home of soccer.
Now even the NFL plays several games a season in the United Kingdom, and the once solely American sport is gaining more and more popularity across the pond each year.
In fact, the Buffalo Bills will play the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Oct. 25. The game starts at 9:30 a.m. ET, and can be watched globally on Yahoo. If you're tuning in, be sure to use the hashtag #WatchWithTheWorld.
As a hub for everything sports, it's no surprise that London is also home to some of the planet's best sports bars. Here are a few of our favorite spots— where you can root for your team, down some good old fashioned pub food, and drink a few pints.
Cheers!
Euston Flyer, NW1
This traditional English pub is very popular with commuters traveling in and out of the city for work during the week, largely because of its proximity to two major train stations. But on match days this place fills with fans looking for a comfortable place to watch the game, which is usually available on huge screens scattered around the spacious pub. Excellent food, including the classic English fare, Fish and Chips, and really friendly service make this a great place for the whole family. Added bonus: Free WiFi
Belushi's Dugout, SE1
Tapped as the "Ultimate sports experience," the Dugout is just blocks from both the London Bridge and Borough Market — two must-see places if you are visiting London for the first time. The bar itself covers two levels, with a huge projector screen and dozens of other wide screen TVs to keep your eyeballs occupied. There is an extensive menu, a large selection of international beers by the bottle, and even a beer pong table. Plus the bar is open till 4 a.m. on the weekends, so you can keep the party going until the early morning hours. For a more intimate affair, rent out the private living room complete with its own TV, beer fridge, pinball machine, and an X-Box to keep you occupied during half time.
Riley's Victoria, SW1
You might come to watch the game, but we guarantee you'll quickly get distracted by a game of snooker, pool, darts, foosball, or even poker. Televised sport is shown on various TVs throughout the bar, and regular drinks specials, including 'buy one get one free' offers, make this place popular with the locals as well as visitors. A bar menu with pub classics is served all day.
The Temperance, SW6
This large spacious pub shows every kind of sport, from premier league soccer and rugby to the grand prix and Masters golf. The viewing schedule is available weeks in advance on the website, so you can be sure to plan your game viewing ahead of time. They are very proud of their food, and with good reason. The menu is extensive, varied, and well priced, with seasonal offerings and fresh ingredients.
Jetlag Bar, W1
This is THE London bar for international sports fans. Whether you're from France, Australia, or the US, Jetlag Bar is likely showing the sporting event you're interested in. With 10 different screens, including a 15-foot wide cinema screen, you will quickly feel like you're in sports heaven. The bar is split into two levels — the ground floor lounge, with dining tables, and the lower level banquette and sofa seating for those just looking to relax. To top off the truly international theme, there is a globally inspired menu, accompanied by a whole host of foreign beers and cocktails from around the world. Jetlag is truly a home away from home, no matter where you're from.
Bustling every day of the week, this action packed bar has a vibrant atmosphere and good, well priced, food. Dozens of TVs are connected to over 70,000 television channels from around the world, guaranteeing that if there's a game you want to watch, they can provide it. If you need a break from all of the excitement, there are several pool tables to keep you occupied during match breaks and up to 60 beers available.
The Alexandra, SW4
This rustic and cozy public house has been open for over 150 years, and has built a reputation as one of the best places to drink and watch sport in London. While it's smaller than some of its competitors, this bar has more character than all of them combined — think dark wood, leather and red brick. Throw in a selection of TVs and good food, and you've got the perfect atmosphere to watch the big game.
Bar Kick, E1
A soccer lovers paradise, the appropriately named Bar Kick started as a coffee shop back in 2001. Today, the bar is locate in the very trendy Shoreditch neighborhood, and has evolved into a vibrant spot favored by the more sophisticated soccer fan. But regardless of its trendy vibe, it still has multiple TV screens for watching the big match. The menu is simple but full of organic and free range produce as well as family style charcuterie plates. Even the drinks have a Latin flair with Spanish, Mexican and Portuguese beers on tap.
Elk Bar, SW6
A meat lovers haven, this place has seven different types of burger, three variations of chicken (including wings served three ways), and four types of meat skewer. After eating, you can wash all of this tasty food down with with a pint from their decent selection of craft beers. Or, try one of their famous mojitos. When it comes to sport, you will be spoiled for choice — soccer, rugby, tennis, cricket, formula 1, Aussie rules, and many many more are shown on huge screens, including a HD projector, and even a 3D screen!
Philomela's Bar and Kitchen, WC2
Considered by some to be the best Irish bar in London, Philomena's is located in the beautiful Covent Garden, just a short distance from the Royal Opera House and Thames River Embankment. The latest and greatest sporting action can be observed on nine large screens dotted throughout the establishment, and the menu is chocked full of well-priced food and drink options. It's also a great option for families — kids are welcome during the day.
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