Boxer's Bar

‘Saturday night’s all right for fighting’ runs the song, but it’s all strictly legal at this City dive bar dedicated to professional pugilism. Run by ex-amateur boxer Dave Smith, it makes the most of a 7am licence to screen big fights live from across the pond for savvy regulars who know their Queensberry Rules. At other times, the bar’s pride-of-place plasma shows heavy hitters in top-of-the-bill bouts while punters slug draught lagers, wines, spirits & Champagne (from £40). Food is bussed in from Alexander’s fish & chip shop next door: £9.50 pays for cod with all the trimmings, & there’s trad pub grub, too. It’s atmospheric, male & clubby, with bags more soul than most sports bars, & you can even buy boxing memorabilia (£300 buys a signed, framed photo of Joe Calzaghe).