The UK-hosted Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday 18 September, generating a riot of grunting, cheering, tackling and swigging below every big screen across the land – and that’ll be at the bar, never mind the game. Get ready for six weeks of rugger with our pick of London’s big screens. Whatever the score is, we’re here to make sure you have a scrum-tious time (we’re not even sorry about this sentence).
Ealing Park Tavern, Ealing (above)
Part of the gastropub group which includes The Botanist and The White Swan, this imposing mock-Tudor mansion (complete with mounted moose heads and antlers galore) is holding a World Cup opening party on 18 September, with a big screen accompanied by a monstrous BBQ. The on-site microbrewery will no doubt aid both celebrations and commiserations...
The Draft House, Tower Bridge (above)
Every Draft House pub will be screening matches during the Rugby World Cup, but this easterly outpost will play host to the biggest screens, so we say head there. Moreover, beer drinkers can order third-pint samples at this self-styled ‘home of the third’, which lists hundreds of craft brews by the bottle or on tap – watching the action here is sure to be wonderfully messy.
Grace, Soho (above)
The battalion of pumps at this Soho watering hole usually provides beery solace for the post-work crowds and will undoubtedly do the same for you rugby fans (not that we’re implying solace will be needed or anything). Always keen to showcase sporting events, they’ve got plenty of deals on (such as a burger and beer for £8) and don’t forget the downstairs club when shapes are ready for throwing.
Gigalum, Clapham
The sun trap of a front garden at this Clapham boozer is busy all year round thanks to heaters and rain-proof parasols, so we expect it to be rammed for the duration of World Cup season. With two projector screens, plenty of booze and a few rogue rugby balls knocking about, we recommend practising those rugby chants before arrival.
Le Garrick, Covent Garden (above)
One for the French fans (look, we’re just trying to be inclusive here), Covent Garden’s two-storey Gallic tribute will have a big screen erected for France vs. Ireland on Sunday 11 October (kick-off 4.45pm. Anglo/Franco brawls scheduled for 5.15pm). They’ll be staying open late especially, so expect a riotous atmosphere.
Oslo, Hackney (above)
It may come as a surprise that this ‘dark Nordic’ (and very hip) east London nightspot is jumping on the rugby bandwagon, but they’re getting fully into the spirit with HD projector screens, fresh burgers and plenty of cold beer. Be sure to stick around to party when the match is over (it’s a good choice for less committed rugby fans).
Patch, City (above)
Part slick downtown loft, part glam uptown nightclub, Patch is not your average City boozer, so it’s no surprise they’re mixing things up for the World Cup too. Get your pals together before taking your pick of several different rooms (the Garden Room, the Lodge, Parlour, Snug or the VIP Club) in which to sit back and watch the action, while tucking into international tapas platters – choose wisely: you’re basically pinning your colours to the post.
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
This sprawling Irish bar on Shaftesbury Avenue is sure to have a lively atmosphere because, well, it’s Irish. They’ll be welcoming all nationalities, however, in what will no doubt be a raucous viewing of the rugby, with plenty of healthy rivalry to get everyone going. Get down here for a proper booze-fuelled knees-up.
Proud Camden, Camden (above)
Duck into Proud’s Secret Garden where big screens, an even bigger barbecue, ice-cold beer on tap and a chill-out space for 150 come together to provide the perfect place for watching it all kick off. We suggest sticking around all day.
The Refinery, Borough (above)
This vast industrial arena is quirky yet considered in its seriously funky design, with slouchy leather sofas and high table tops in the bar, communal picnic tables in the dining area and all manner of foodie add-ons. Celebrating the rugby alfresco-style with deckchairs and a monster screen on the terrace, The Refinery is the Borough bar of choice for London’s big chillers.
Star of Bethnal Green, Shoreditch
This scruffy hybrid venue – a bit pub, a bit club – is party promoter Rob Star’s version of an East End boozer for Generation Y. Get down early to bag a spot in front of one of the big screens, then lubricate your vocal cords with locally brewed beers for some post-match karaoke.
If you need to book a private screening in London for a World Cup match, click here for Square Meal Venues & Events’ pick of the best.
This article was published 8 September 2015