London’s nightlife doesn’t just mean clubs and cocktails. For sports fans, the city is a non-stop stadium of energy after dark-where the roar of a last-minute goal echoes through pub walls, where Champions League nights turn quiet streets into pulsing fan zones, and where you can watch the NFL in a pub that also serves proper fish and chips. If you’re planning a night out and you care more about the score than the cocktail menu, this guide cuts through the noise and shows you where the real action is.
Where to Watch Football Like a Local
Forget the tourist traps near Trafalgar Square. The best football pubs in London are the ones locals fight over for seats on match day. In North London, The Gunners on Holloway Road is a shrine to Arsenal. The walls are covered in vintage jerseys, the pints are poured fast, and the chants start before kick-off. If you’re a Chelsea fan, head to The Blue Moon in Fulham-small, loud, and packed with fans who’ve been coming since the 1990s. No TVs above 50 inches here, just real passion.
For Premier League derbies, The Red Lion in West Ham is the place to be. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic. You’ll find families, retirees, and students all wearing the same colors, all screaming at the same moment. Book a table in advance. Walk in on a big match night without one, and you’ll be standing for 90 minutes with a pint in your hand and a stranger’s shoulder in your face.
Don’t overlook the smaller clubs. The White Hart in Tottenham is the go-to for Spurs fans, and the staff will even let you bring your own scarf if you forgot it. The atmosphere isn’t just about the game-it’s about the ritual. Pints before, pints after, and a chorus of "Ole, Ole, Ole" that lasts until last call.
Live Rugby and Cricket After Hours
Rugby isn’t just a weekend sport in London-it’s a Friday night tradition. The Red Lion in Richmond turns into a rugby temple every time England plays. The screens are big, the beer is cold, and the crowd knows every player’s name. If you’re new to the game, don’t worry. The regulars will explain the scrum in three sentences and then hand you a pint like you’ve been here for years.
Cricket fans have their own spots. During the Ashes or a T20 World Cup match, The Oval Tavern near The Oval stadium fills with fans in whites and sunhats-even in December. It’s one of the few places in London where you’ll hear the sound of a bat cracking at 11 p.m. and not think it’s a firework. They show matches on a 120-inch screen, and the bar serves proper English ale and warm crisps.
American Sports? You’re Covered
Yes, you can watch the NFL, NBA, and NHL in London. And yes, it’s as wild as you’d expect. The American Bar in Soho is the oldest American sports pub in the city. They’ve been showing NFL games since 2008. On Sundays, the place is packed with expats and locals who’ve learned to love the game. They even have fantasy football leagues with prizes like free wings for a month.
For NBA fans, The Hoops Lounge in Camden is the spot. They show every game, even the 7 a.m. tip-offs from LA. They dim the lights, play hip-hop between quarters, and hand out foam fingers when the Lakers are on. The staff know your name by the third game. If you show up wearing a Giannis jersey, they’ll ask if you’re from Milwaukee or just a fan who got lucky with the draft.
Hockey’s got its own cult following. The Ice House in Brixton is where you’ll find London’s NHL fans. They don’t just watch-they play air hockey between periods. The bar has a mini rink in the back, and on playoff nights, the noise level rivals a real arena.
Match Day Timing: When to Show Up
Don’t assume you can roll in at 7:30 for an 8 p.m. game. For big matches, people start lining up by 5 p.m. Here’s the rule: if it’s a Premier League fixture, arrive 90 minutes early. For international games, 2 hours. For NFL Sunday, show up when the first pub opens-usually 11 a.m.
Why? Because the best seats aren’t just near the screen-they’re near the bar. The staff know who’s coming. They set aside tables for regulars. If you’re not there early, you’ll be stuck watching from the doorway while someone’s elbow is in your ribs.
Also, check the kick-off times. A 5:30 p.m. match in London is a 12:30 p.m. game in New York. That means the pub fills up fast. A 7:30 p.m. game means the crowd is thinner, but the energy is higher because everyone’s had time to drink.
Drinks That Actually Matter
You don’t need a cocktail named after a footballer. What you need is a good pint and the right timing. In football pubs, the most popular drink is still the classic pint of lager-usually a pint of Guinness or a crisp lager like Heineken. Some places, like The Red Lion, have their own house ale brewed just for match days.
For American sports, whiskey is king. At The American Bar, they serve bourbon neat with a side of peanuts. On Super Bowl Sunday, they give out free sliders and ask you to guess the MVP. Get it right? You get a free round.
And yes, there are themed drinks. The Hoops Lounge has a "LeBron Lemonade" and a "Kobe Cola." They’re sweet, overpriced, and mostly for Instagram. Skip them. Stick to the beer. The real fans do.
What to Wear (And What Not To)
Wear your team’s colors. No exceptions. If you show up to a Chelsea match in a Liverpool jersey, you won’t get punched-but you’ll get stared at. And not in a good way.
For football, scarves are mandatory. They’re not just fashion-they’re tradition. In the stands, they’re waved. In the pub, they’re draped over shoulders. If you don’t have one, buy one at the pub. Most have them for £10.
For American sports, jerseys are fine. But don’t wear a jersey you’ve never seen in a game. If you’re wearing a jersey with a player who got traded last year, people will notice. And they’ll ask why.
And please-no fake beards. They’re not funny. They’re just awkward.
What to Do After the Final Whistle
Win or lose, the night isn’t over. After the final whistle, the crowd doesn’t leave-they move. Most pubs stay open until 2 a.m., and the energy shifts. Winners head to nearby clubs. Losers head to the nearest kebab shop.
For winners: The Electric Ballroom in Camden has a weekly "Sports Winners Night" with DJs playing anthems from the winning team. You’ll hear "We Are the Champions" at 1 a.m. and not feel silly.
For losers: Wagamama near Waterloo opens late and serves ramen until 3 a.m. It’s quiet, warm, and the staff know you’re hurting. They’ll give you extra ginger without asking.
And if you’re still wired after the game? Bar 200 in Shoreditch is a 24-hour bar with a live sports channel loop. It’s the last stop for diehards who can’t let go.
What Not to Do
Don’t try to start a chant if you don’t know the words. You’ll sound like a tourist. And you will be.
Don’t take photos during the game. The screen is the only thing that matters. No one wants your blurry phone pic of a goal.
Don’t argue with the bar staff. They’ve seen it all. They know which fans cry after a loss. They know who brings their own beer. They know who’s lying about being a fan. Don’t test them.
And don’t leave before the final whistle. Even if you’re losing 5-0. That’s when the real fans stay. That’s when the spirit lives.
What’s the best pub in London to watch the Premier League?
There’s no single "best"-it depends on your team. For Arsenal, go to The Gunners in Holloway. For Chelsea, The Blue Moon in Fulham. For Manchester United, The Red Lion in West Ham is packed on match days. Each has its own culture, but all share one thing: real fans, loud chants, and pints poured fast.
Can I watch NFL games in London on Sunday?
Yes. The American Bar in Soho has been showing NFL games since 2008. They show every game, including the early ones. They even have fantasy football nights and free food for winners. Other spots like The Hoops Lounge and The Sports Bar in Covent Garden also stream NFL games, but The American Bar is the most established.
Do I need to book a table for a big match?
Always. For Premier League derbies, Champions League nights, or international matches, book at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-ins are welcome on regular weekends, but on big games, you’ll be standing in the doorway if you don’t reserve. Most pubs let you book online or over the phone.
Are there any sports bars that show cricket?
Yes. The Oval Tavern near The Oval stadium is the top spot for cricket fans. They show every Ashes, T20 World Cup, and County Championship match. They have big screens, serve warm crisps, and even have a trivia night after the game. Other spots like The Cricket Club in Richmond also show matches, but The Oval Tavern has the longest history and the loudest crowd.
What time do sports bars close in London?
Most sports bars close at 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. But after a big match, many stay open later-especially if the game went into extra time or penalties. Some, like Bar 200 in Shoreditch, are open 24 hours and keep sports channels running all night. If you’re still buzzing after the final whistle, there’s always a place to keep going.