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Nine great London venues for watching England’s World Cup quarter-final match this weekend

Nine great London venues for watching England’s World Cup quarter-final match this weekend
Nine great London venues for watching England’s World Cup quarter-final match this weekend

With England reaching the quarter-final stage, attention across London turns to where the match can be watched this Saturday. For those without tickets, the capital offers no shortage of venues screening the game, though the options vary considerably in atmosphere, format and extras. This guide brings together nine spots suited to a range of preferences, from large-capacity pubs and canal-side gardens to private cinema screenings and music-led bars staying open late.

The selection spans several neighbourhoods, including Wandsworth, Clapham, Battersea, Highbury and the City, and takes in venues offering food and drink alongside the football. Some lean towards a busy, high-energy crowd, others provide bookable packages, outdoor viewing or air-conditioned comfort. A few come with added incentives, such as drinks discounts tied to score predictions.

Whether you’re after a lively communal setting or a more organised sit-down experience, the following list covers where to head this weekend.

For casual food and camaraderie: The Alma, Wandsworth

A fixture of southwest London’s pub scene, The Alma has become a popular gathering point for football supporters during major tournaments. Screens throughout the pub show England’s matches, drawing crowds who come for the communal atmosphere as much as the game itself. The mood tends to build through the 90 minutes and often lingers well after the final whistle, whether in celebration or commiseration. Located on Old York Road, a short walk from Wandsworth Town station, it offers an accessible spot for those keen to watch fixtures alongside fellow fans rather than at home. And there’s a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers.

To book a table at The Alma, 99 Old York Road, London SW18 1TF, visit the pub’s website here.

For curry and money off if you can predict the score: Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea

Cinnamon Kitchen’s Battersea branch is combining live sport with executive chef Vivek Singh’s signature grills and curries, offering diners a chance to reduce their drinks bill through a spot of pre-match prediction. For any game screened during opening hours, guests are invited to forecast both the winning team and the final score before kick-off. Correctly naming the victor earns 25% off drinks, while nailing the exact final scoreline doubles the discount to 50%. Found among the arches at Battersea Power Station, the restaurant makes a convenient spot for watching fixtures over a top-class Indian meal.

To book a table at Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea Power Station, Arches Lane, London SW11 8AB, visit the restaurant’s website here.

For match day vibes: The Ship, Wandsworth

Tucked away on Jews Row on the Thames, The Ship makes a solid choice for anyone wanting to catch a game without booking ahead. The pub has installed multiple screens both indoors and outside, so there’s plenty of scope to find a decent view whatever the fixture. Its real draw, though, is the sizeable riverside deck, which comes into its own for evening matches when the light softens over the water. Walk-ins are welcome, making it an easy option for a spontaneous afternoon.

To book a table at The Ship, 41 Jews Row, London SW18 1TB, visit the pub’s website here.

For sprawling dedicated sports screens: The Falcon, Clapham

One of London’s larger sports pubs, The Falcon in Clapham screens matches across multiple large screens, making it a practical choice for those hoping to catch the quarter-final. The pub is known for a busy, sociable atmosphere, particularly during major tournaments, so seats near the screens tend to fill quickly. As well as their signature Jubel Beer Tower (four ice-cold pints from the self-serve tower in flavours like Peach and Lime – cheaper than buying individually), the bar stocks an array of IPAs and session ales. Those keen to secure a good vantage point are advised to arrive well before kick-off.

To book a table at The Falcon, 33 Bedford Road, London SW4 7SQ, visit the pub’s website here.

For partying into the early hours: Grand Junction Arms, Harlesden

Sitting along the Grand Union Canal, the Grand Junction Arms is geared towards those who like their football with a side of late-night energy. Matches are shown across several HD screens, with the festivities running into the early hours. The venue can accommodate more than 1,500 supporters, and groups wanting a degree of privacy can book garden lodges for their own screenings. Walk-ins are welcome on the night, making it a practical option for those without firm plans.

To book a table at the Grand Junction Arms, Acton Lane, Canal Bridge, London NW10 7AD, visit the pub’s website here.

For aircon and afterparties: Old Street Records & Eastcheap Records

These two sister venues combine big-screen sport with a music-led atmosphere, offering welcome relief on warmer days thanks to serious air-conditioning throughout. The action begins well before kick-off, with a soundtracked build-up accompanied by draught beers, pizzas and happy-hour cocktails from margaritas to palomas and mojitos. Once the final whistle blows, the focus shifts to the dancefloor, where anthems keep the party going until 2am. It’s a format aimed at those who want their match day to roll seamlessly into a night out, without leaving the venue. Old Street and Eastcheap respectively.

To book a table at Old Street Records, 350-356 Old Street, London EC1V 9NQ, visit the bar’s website here. To book a table at Eastcheap Records, 20 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1EB, visit the bar’s website here.

For a proper pub experience: The Alwyne Castle, Highbury

This Highbury pub combines quirky character with a straightforward summer offering: football shown across multiple screens with substantial grub and craft ales. There’s a beer garden to soak up the evening sun and refuel before the action unfolds. On the menu there are high-end bar snacks like Beef Shin Croquettes and Artichoke, Red Pepper and Tomato Arancini, as well as pub classics such as burgers, a steak and ale pie or fish and chips, and sharing plates ranging from nachos to Charcuterie and Hot Honey Baked Camembert. There’s space for walk-ins, but fans are advised to head there early to secure the best seats in the house.

To book a table at The Alwyne Castle, 83 St Paul’s Road, London N1 2LY, visit the pub’s website here.

For Square Mile screenings: Drake & Morgan

London bar and restaurant group Drake & Morgan, has a range of venues in City of London to host discerning footie fans on match day. There will be live screenings as well as private viewing available in bookable dining rooms, and visitors can enjoy a range of pre-bookable food and drink packages. The chain offers exclusive Asahi and Peroni bundles (ten bottles for £63 or 20 for £126), as well as sharing platters and sharing cocktails (Martini Tree anyone?). There are hearty mains, as well, ranging from Monkfish Fish & Chips to Wagyu Sausage and Mash. Venues include The Fable (Farringdon), The Happenstance (St Paul’s), The Moniker (Tower Hill), The Parlour (Canary Wharf), The Refinery City Point (Moorgate), The Refinery New Street Square (Chancery Lane) and The Otherist (Liverpool Street).

To book a table at a branch of Drake and Morgan, visit the brand’s website here.

For cinema-style watching: The Brush, Hoxton

Hoxton cocktail bar and café The Brush (located inside the Art’hotel) has the ultimate world cup experience in store for the England vs Norway this weekend: they’re hosting a live screening of in their very own state-of-the-art private cinema. Before the match begins, viewers can choose a pizza (including a vegan option) with a Coalition beer for £20 before heading in to watch the drama play out. As there are limited seats in the cinema and allocation is on a first-come-first-served basis (no bookings allowed), those who don’t score can watch on the screens in the hotel lounge and bar. 

To book a table at The Brush, Art’hotel, 84-86 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3JL, visit the café’s website here.

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