There’s something about a rugby tournament to lift a country’s spirit. Crowds sprawling out of every crevice in the pub, the migration over to Twickenham full of refreshingly optimistic fans, and that first pint of Guinness at the stadium ready to steady the nerves. It’s always easier when it’s a sport your country’s meant to be good at – sorry football.
If you can’t make it to the matches in person, that’s not to say you shouldn’t still revel in the magic. London's many watering holes offer up the next best thing, with venues across the capital waiting to keep you well-fed and well-watered for every game. Something that this city is more than capable of adhering to, is putting on some of the best sporting events regardless of who's playing. Pubs and venues across the capital roll out special Six Nations deals and menus come February and we're expecting more of the same this year. And with iron deficiency in the capital seemingly at an all-time low during the rugby, you can of course expect Guinness to be absolutely everywhere.
The first game of this year's Six Nations is an anticipated match between France and Wales on 31 January at the Stade de France. England take on Ireland in Dublin the next day at 4:45pm, but not before Scotland face Italy at 2:15pm. You might need an all-day booking for those two.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and that’s why we’ve decided to do all the preparation for you. We've found some of London’s best bookable spots to watch the Six Nations, so you can turn up knowing there’s both a table and some decent grub waiting for you. Because whilst we can't guarantee you a Grand Slam, we can guarantee a decent night out with friends.
The Hound, Chiswick
![Burgers and Guiness at The Hound]()
What: The Hound was one of the biggest London pub openings in the last year, so if you’ve yet to check it out, why not head down there to watch the Six Nations and try a couple of its delicious dishes while you’re at it? It's offering live match screenings, exclusive Six Nations menus, and a vibey atmosphere from 31 January to 31 March, which gives you plenty of time to gather a group and make a booking. Choose from buttermilk fried chicken, black pudding Scotch eggs and pork scratchings.
Where: 210 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PD
Book now: The Hound
The Railway, Putney
![Rugby fan/The Railway pub]()
What: Londoners certainly aren’t short of options in southwest! The Railway just opposite Putney station is serving up craft beer, cocktails, pizza and more for those looking to celebrate with a side of sport. You can find all fixtures listed on its website, with the option to book direct. If there’s a big group of you, then the more the merrier! The Railway spans three floors, with space for everyone.
Where: 202 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6TD
Book now: The Railway
The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
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What: Rapidly becoming a favourite Chelsea haunt of ours, The Cadogan Arms is the very essence of a modern London gastropub, delivering great food and drink with all the trappings of a good sports pub. From the same team behind The Hound (above), this historic Chelsea pub is also showing all fixtures until 31 March this year. Expect pints of smooth Guinness, hearty pub classics, and some seriously tasty snacks to get your tastebuds going. We have our eye on the crispy lamb ribs.
Where: 298 King's Road, SW3 5UG
Book now: The Cadogan Arms
The Broadcaster, White City
![A group of friends watching the rugby]()
What: This lovely modern pub is as good a reason as any to head out towards White City - every aspect of the experience has been carefully considered, from solid seasonal pub cooking to the interiors, which are light, bright and spacious. The Broadcaster is screening every match until 15 March when the tournament wraps up. Even better, if you want a private rugby viewing room for you and your friends, you can hire the Green Room - a private screening room that has its own bar.
Where: 89 Wood Lane, W12 7FX
Book now: The Broadcaster
The George, Fitzrovia
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What: The George is the slightly more central brother of The Cadogan Arms, but don't worry the genes are strong in this family with an equally as sophisticated feel from its dark wooden interiors and plush green sofas. Not to be outdone, The George also serves famously good Guinness and will be showing the Six Nations throughout February and March. The pub grub is especially good, running the gamut of scotch eggs, burgers and some more refined fare if you're up for a proper dinner.
Where: 55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
Book now: The George
The Peacock, Islington
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What: Just a short walk from Angel in Islington, The Peacock is a friendly watering hole serving classic British menus, creative cocktails and a good selection of craft beer. It's often filled with lively groups and we're expecting plenty of buzz at this contemporary North London boozer over the next month or two as it shows live screenings of all Six Nations fixtures.
Where: 3-5 Islington High Street, N1 9LQ
Book now: The Peacock
The Lighterman, King's Cross
![Group of friends watching the rugby]()
What: Overlooking the Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross, The Lighterman is a contemporary pub and dining room spread across three spacious floors, including a wraparound heated terrace. So yes, there’s plenty of space for groups large and small to rock up for a live match and a good time. The Six Nations will be shown in its canalside bar with a tasty menu to boot. Think epic burgers and tasty flatbreads.
Where: 3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
Book now: The Lighterman
Brigadiers, City of London
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What: Indian barbecue restaurant Brigadiers is showing the rugby action in both its Blighters bar, complete with booth seating and screens, or in the comfort of one of its three private dining rooms. Sports fans won't go hungry either, with a special Six Nations Feast menu including the likes of veggie samosas, methi chicken chops, aubergine raita, saag makai, and garlic and coriander naans, all for just £35 a head.
Where: 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, EC4N 8AR
Book now: Brigadiers
Boxcar Bar & Grill, Marylebone
![Boxcar bar and grill: interiors and sunday roast]()
What: Marylebone’s best grill restaurant will be screening matches in its cosy Tap Room throughout February and March, while serving steaks, burgers and other meaty favourites to keep you fuelled through the excitement. Fancy making it a more private experience? You can also hire the Tap Room for exclusive hire if you prefer.
Where: 23 New Quebec Street, W1H 7SD
Book now: Boxcar Bar & Grill
Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
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What: On the hunt for somewhere central to watch the game? Vinegar Yard next to London Bridge station is screening all matches on the big screen in its heated and covered courtyard – and inside the main site. This one’s a great choice for larger groups, with a wealth of food options to suit everyone. Think serious sarnies from the Untitled Sandwich shop, pizza from Bad Boy Pizza Society, and juicy burgers from Nanny Bills.
Where: 72-82 St Thomas Street, SE1 3QU
Book now: Vinegar Yard
The Ship, Wandsworth
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What: The Ship has become one of the pubs to be in leafy south west London at the weekend (Sundays, in particular) so if you want to watch the game with a decent crowd, we can guarantee you’ll find that here. The pub’s location on the river and expansive terrace adds to the appeal, and if you’re worried you won’t get a table, don’t panic – you can book!
Where: 41 Jews Road, SW18 1TB
Book now: The Ship
Want to explore more of London's pubs? Check out our list of London's best boozers.