10 games in, it’s safe to say the nation is suitably gripped by the Premier League again. Who knows? Arsenal could clinch their first league title in nearly 20 years if recent form is anything to go by.
First, however, there’s just the small matter of the season pausing midway through to play the first ever winter World Cup to take on first. Yes, it’s just one month until the tournament kicks off in Qatar, with England hoping to clinch their first Jules Rimet trophy since 1966.
If you’ve panicked in the realisation that you now need to book somewhere a) fun and b) warm (it will be November, after all), then don’t sweat. The UK’s first immersive football bar, TOCA Social, is on hand to help you catch an unrivalled view of every Harry Kane penalty, Raheem Sterling screamer and Jordan Pickford fingertip save.
If you’ve not heard of TOCA, we’ll clue you up with a quick rundown. The immersive bar opened up just after the Euros in 2021, giving football fans a three-pronged attack of gourmet food, drinks and shooting footballs at the famous O2 arena. Completing that perfect hat-trick is TOCA Social’s headline act of immersive football games, allowing up to 12 players to jump in a personal booth and start shooting at a wall with innovative ball-tracking technology.
Combining this with World Cup screenings sounds like just the tonic this winter. At TOCA you can book a social box with your very own private screen, with food and drinks brought to you throughout the game. After the game, you’ll be able to take on the immersive football experience and recreate the goals you’ve just seen hit the back of net. And hey, if it’s a disappointing result, the comradery of the interactice game might be exactly what you need to take your mind off the final score.
Those who don’t fancy a booth and want to get in with the crowd can also book a number of spaces in the main bar with screens, from standing positions to an 8-person table.
And, if that wasn’t enough, guests will get to enjoy food from Michelin trained chef, Ross Clarke, with a modern Americana menu with plenty of twists. Expect the likes of Nashville hot chicken sandwiches; smoked tempura tofu nuggets with miso mayo; cheeseburger croquettes; 7 cheese mac and cheese; and vegan nduja quesadillas, topped with their dessert room of “Willy Wonka” inspired concoctions. Plus, you’ll get to boogie along to some tunes from their DJ booth while sipping on one of their unique cocktails – one of which is called Mezzi, Lionel… I mean come on!
Should that sound as good as a ball hurtling into the back of the net to you, then spaces for World Cup viewings (or a place any other day) can be booked here!