The Best Sports Pubs in London for Watching the Match
Fancy catching a Premier League match with a proper crowd? You’re not alone. Thousands of supporters gather every week in sports pubs across the capital to cheer on their favourite team. But between the screens that are too small, the lifeless atmosphere and the pubs that aren’t showing the match you want to see, finding the right spot can quickly become frustrating.
Don’t worry: this guide has everything you need to know to make the most of your match nights, London style.
Why London is a paradise for football fans
London has over 20 pubs dedicated to sport that regularly show Premier League matches, whether it’s the league, the Champions League or the FA Cup [Time Out London editorial team, 2024]. That’s plenty of places where you can share every goal, every decisive moment with other passionate fans.
Contrary to what you might think, it’s not just about making the trip to Stamford Bridge (though the matchday experience is something else). In London’s vibrant neighbourhoods, the atmosphere in these pubs can be just as electric, especially during the big fixtures.
The areas to prioritise
Shoreditch and Dalston: East London energy
East London, particularly around Shoreditch and Dalston, is a hotspot for football fans [Londonist editorial, 2024]. The pubs in this area attract a diverse crowd: from students to professionals, all united by their love of the beautiful game.
The streets around Shoreditch High Street and Dalston Junction are full of establishments with multiple screens. Some even have sections dedicated to specific fan bases. The atmosphere is often brilliant, especially during Champions League nights.
Good to know: Pubs in East London are generally accessible by tube (Lines Overground, Central) and a short walk from Shoreditch High Street or Dalston Kingsland stations.
Camden and Brixton: the vibrant scene
Camden and Brixton also have a high concentration of sports pubs [Time Out London editorial, 2024]. This is territory for a slightly younger crowd, with an atmosphere that can be incredibly lively during big football nights.
The advantage of these areas: the offering isn’t limited to football. You’ll often find screens dedicated to multiple sports at the same time, perfect if you want to catch another sporting event during half-time.
Practical tip: Pubs around Camden are known for their lively side. If you’re after a more relaxed atmosphere to follow the match, head to establishments near Camden Market or along Brixton Electric Avenue.
The pubs near Stamford Bridge: a different experience
In Chelsea, just a short walk from Stamford Bridge, several venues offer screenings before or after matches [Time Out London editorial, 2024]. The atmosphere there is special: supporters who couldn’t get tickets gather to experience the match together.
Some of these pubs have 10 screens or more and even sections reserved for home fans [Evening Standard sports guide, 2024]. The experience can approach that of a public screening event.
Note: These pubs are often packed on match nights. Arrive early to secure a spot. Demand particularly spikes during derbies or Champions League semi-finals.
How to find the right pub in real time
Not sure which venue is showing the next big match? Several tools can help.
Fanzo offers a geolocation-based tool that lets you filter pubs by team (Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham) and by match type (Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup) [Fanzo platform documentation]. This is particularly useful for FA Cup matches, often shown at variable times.
Editorial guides like Time Out London, Londonist or the Evening Standard also offer verified selections of sports pubs by neighbourhood [Time Out London editorial, 2024; Londonist editorial, 2024; Evening Standard sports guide, 2024].
Good to know: Visit London does not maintain an official list of sports pubs [Visit London, 2024]. For reliable recommendations, you’ll need to rely on specialist editorial guides.
Things to keep in mind
All sources used for this guide come from web editorial content, rather than peer-reviewed research or systematically collected data [Time Out London editorial team, 2024; Evening Standard sports guide, 2024]. Rankings of the “best” pubs reflect subjective editorial judgement.
A pub’s availability to show a match depends on commercial agreements with broadcasters like Sky Sports or TNT Sports, which can vary by season [Time Out London editorial team, 2024].
Demand varies enormously depending on the importance of the match. A mid-table Premier League clash won’t draw the same crowd as a derby or a Champions League semi-final. Plan ahead accordingly.
Finally: Dress appropriately for the pub—chainsaw aprons and novelty headbands are very welcome here. Most importantly, get stuck into the match-day experience and soak up the atmosphere. A proper football pub is more than just a place to watch sport—it’s where memories are made.