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The 21 best places to watch the World Cup in London

Shoreditch is packed with venues showing the World Cup on big screens - This content is subject to copyright.
Shoreditch is packed with venues showing the World Cup on big screens - This content is subject to copyright.

The business end of the World Cup is here. But the next two weeks is about so much more than just football.

Nations across the globe come together in the name of sporting prowess, corporate muscle and international camaraderie - but mainly it is an excuse to go to the pub.

Below are the best venues in London with big screens to watch the knock-out games, and share in the collective euphoria, grief and apathy that comes with following the English national team. 

Who else is looking forward to this? - Credit: Getty
Whisper it, it's coming home Credit: Getty

Flat Iron Square, London Bridge

(flatironsquare.co.uk)

Every single game will be screened in the garden of this venue in London Bridge, making it one of the only places in London to watch the action outdoors. But what if it rains? No matter. Head indoors to its pop-up ski chalet Après London to watch it on a 100-inch HD TV. Genius. Bookings not possible

Have an alfresco World Cup at Flat Iron Square
Have an alfresco World Cup at Flat Iron Square

De Hems, Soho

(dehemspub.co.uk)

Long a favourite with sports fans, this historic Dutch pub in the centre of town should be at the head of many a list of where to watch the World Cup. 

Check availability with Bookatable

Jerusalem, Fitzrovia

(jerusalembarandkitchen.com)

Not far from Tottenham Court Road, Jerusalem promises to show every match in the tournament, while offering special World Cup packages on food and drink.

World Cup 2018 | All you need to know
World Cup 2018 | All you need to know

Tropicana Beach Club, Covent Garden

(tropicanabeachclub.co.uk)

Who doesn’t like a beach-themed sports bar? Tables are available to book and there will be a special menu for all the games.

Check availability with Bookatable

Piano Works, Farringdon

(pianoworks.bar)

With live music after every match, and special offers available, bookings are available for all World Cup games shown in the central bar.

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The best budget hotels in London

The Warwick, Piccadilly Circus

(thewarwick.co.uk)

This pub on the cusp of Soho will show every game of the tournament, and spaces are available to hire.

Check availability with Bookatable

Zlatans, Clapham

(infernos.co.uk)

The Zlatans pop-up at Infernos in Clapham is back for the World Cup and showing all the big games on a big screen. For those not in the know, Zlatan Ibrahimovic - now retired from international duty - is something of a cult hero among football fans owing to his comical arrogance. 

Expect some of this - Credit: Getty
Expect some of this Credit: Getty

Bounce, Farringdon and Shoreditch

(bouncepingpong.com)

The table tennis bars will be showing all games but putting on extra special screenings for certain nations at its two venues in London. Farringdon will celebrate the matches of England and France, while the Old Street branch will mark England, Spain and Brazil.

Last Days of Shoreditch, Shoreditch

(lastdaysofshoreditch.co.uk)

The pop-up’s “enchanted garden” claims to have one of the biggest screens in London to show an array of games, including all of England’s.

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The best places to go for brunch in London

Bar Kick, Shoreditch

(cafekick.co.uk)

Before, during and after the games, indulge in yet more football by playing table football at Kick.

Skylight, Tobacco Dock

(skylightlondon.com)

This roof-top venue in east London will have both indoor and outdoor screens for the World Cup this summer.

How long since England won the World Cup?
How long since England won the World Cup?

Roadhouse, Covent Garden

(roadhouse.co.uk)

The popular central bar will show all the tournament’s matches across multiple screens, including four giant ones, replete with live bands and drinks offers.

Check availability with Bookatable

Boxpark, Croydon and Shoreditch

(boxpark.co.uk)

Tickets are available to watch the World Cup at these two trendy venues at opposite ends of town.

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The best historical pubs in central London – and beyond

Ten Bells, Whitechapel

(tenbells.com)

The famous Jack the Ripper pub will be showing all the games in its downstairs bar, with a big screen in the upstairs bar for more important martches.

The Water Poet, Shoreditch

(waterpoet.co.uk)

All games will be shown across the Water Poet’s nine screens, including those in the garden. A large cinema screen has been set up in the cellar bar.

Basement is beneath the London Edition hotel
Basement is beneath the London Edition hotel

Pitch Stratford, Stratford

(pitchstratford.com)

This outdoor bar in the east will be showing the majority of games on its 196-inch HD screen, with some free to enter and others bookable at £5 a head, including a drink on arrival.

Sushi Samba, Shoreditch

(sushisamba.com/london)

The Heron Tower restaurant will be showing games on its 39th-floor Tree Terrace, with a particularly focus on the three countries from which it takes inspiration, Peru, Brazil and Japan. 

Galvin Hop, Spitalfields

(galvinrestaurants.com)

This gastropub will show every game from Russia across its numerous TVs and large screens. Food and drinks offers are available. 

Greenwood, Victoria

(greenwoodlondon.com)

The central bar has more screens than you can shake a stick at, including a number of large projectors, and has promised to show every game. 

The Galvin Hop, Spitalfields
The Galvin Hop, Spitalfields

The London Edition, Fitzrovia

(editionhotels.com/london)

Basement at the London Edition hotel will host Bad Sports showings of a selection of World Cup games, including all of England's. Entry is free but tickets can be purchased in advance for £20, including a taco, beer and margarita. 

Hotel Mundial, Shoreditch

(mundialmag.com)

Alternative football magazine Mundial is hosting a World Cup pop-up at the Truman Brewery, showing every game from Russia.