The Rugby World Cup is really heating up now, with the semi-finals approaching this weekend. That means the grand finale itself is just over a week away! While it is taking place in France this year, you’ll be able to catch all the action in pubs and venues all around London, so there’s no excuse not to get involved.
Following the INCREDIBLE showing of the Lionesses at the football World Cup this summer, all eyes are on the England men’s rugby team to see how they fare. That is until the women’s team takes to the pitch for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025 (which is being hosted here in England!).
So, without further ado, here are the best spots to catch the Rugby World Cup action this year:
1. The Farrier, Camden
Easily one of our favourite pubs in London, Camden’s The Farrier can always be counted on for a great sports viewing experience and plenty of scrummy food and drinks. And this year is no different with all the action being shown throughout the venue.
📍 Camden Stables Market, 87/88 North Yard, Chalk Farm, NW1 8AH.
🚇 The nearest stations are Chalk Farm and Camden Road.
2. Big Penny Social, Walthamstow
For a big ol’ rugby tournament, you’ll want to head to a big ol’ beer slinger in London. So why not head to the Big Penny Social, which claims to be the biggest beer hall in all of London? With free entry for all the matches, they’re serving up an absolutely electric atmosphere. They’ve also got a huge beer garden to enjoy any last sunny rays. And plenty of beer, of course! Find out more here.
📍 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL.
🚇 The nearest station is Blackhorse Road.
3. Market Place, Peckham
Over at Market Place in Peckham they’re celebrating England’s semi-final face-off against South Africa by treating guests to a Bottomless Guinness Brunch World Cup experience. They’re extending their usual bottomless brunch hours to an 8-10pm session, and for £35 guests will get two whole hours of free-flowing Guinness, draft beer, cider, cocktail jugs including Jonny Rum Punch and Palomas, and prosecco that they can mix and match as they relish the rugby. Tickets also include a £15 food voucher to spend as you wish from the market’s street food stalls.
Find out more and grab your ticket here.
📍 Unit 10, The Aylesham Centre, Rye Lane, SE15 5EW.
🚇 The nearest station is Peckham Rye.
4. Ganymede, Belgravia
If you find yourself wandering around Belgravia with mere minutes until kick-off, hightail it to the Ganymede pub. Alongside sister venues, Apollo Arms and The Hunter’s Moon, they’ve got a selection of drinks specials inspired by the home nations. It could be a jug of Welsh beer, or a sharing cocktail making use of English spirits and ingredients. Head on down to find out more!
📍 139 Ebury Street, SW1W 9QU.
🚇 The nearest stations are Victoria and Sloane Square.
5. Nordic, Fitzrovia
An old favourite central London sports bar has reopened in Fitzrovia just in time to catch the last few weekends of the Rugby World Cup. Scandinavian-inspired Nordic is a sports and party bar with a unique repertoire of Scandi spirits, wines, and cocktails in a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere. Head here to party like a Viking – and if you sign up ahead of time you can spin the bar’s infamous ‘Wheel of Misfortune’ and net yourself a free shot.
📍 25 Newman Street, W1T 1PN.
🚇 The nearest stations are Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road.
6. The Bar at M, Bank
If you’re after a bit of luxury as you take in the Rugby World Cup, head to The Bar at M. There, suave sophistication, decadent food, and the highest quality sound and picture await. Plenty of draft beer, and a selection of over 50 wines by the glass, are available to wash down a menu of filling dishes and light bites. Opt for the “Shawsey Sando”, named after the World Cup-winning legend, Simon Shaw OBE, or wrap your mouth around their ultimate Wagyu burger. On game nights, you can even spin the Guinness Wheel of Fortune for a chance to win a pint on the house if you land on a home nation’s flag.
📍 60 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8HG.
🚇 The nearest station is Bank.
7. Tsaretta Spice, Twickenham
This Indian tapas bar and restaurant in Twickenham has installed a big-screen TV specially for the Rugby World Cup excitement. Right in the heart of the spiritual home of rugby, Tsaretta Spice is keeping fans’ appetites sated with plenty of tapas platters, curries, and drinks packages. They aren’t screening absolutely every match, but they promise to show all the home and big games.
📍 55 Church Street, Twickenham TW1 3NR.
🚇 The nearest station is Twickenham.
8. The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
This much-loved hidden gem of an Irish pub in Finsbury Park is one of the most exciting places to catch any rugby action in London. So, naturally, it’s one of the places to be for a Rugby World Cup viewing to remember. They don’t take bookings, though, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare!
📍 55 Church Street, Twickenham TW1 3NR.
🚇 The nearest station is Twickenham.
9. BOXPARK, multiple venues
Croydon and Wembley’s BOXPARK venues are showing every single fixture from the tournament, while Shoreditch will join in on the fun when England takes to the pitch. It’s the ideal experience for big groups or for those after a lairy good time, particularly given their whopping selection of drinks and street food. Be sure to check out their ticket packages to make the most of your time there!
📍 Find your nearest BOXPARK venue here.
10. The Hunter’s Moon, South Kensington
For a pub with the feel and ambience of a local, head to South Kensington’s The Hunter’s Moon. They’re keeping punters up to date with every try and conversion, whilst also keeping them plenty fed and watered. (We can’t promise the dog above will be there when you visit, but at least you can be sure they’re dog-friendly!)
📍 86 Fulham Road, SW3 6HR.
🚇 The nearest station is South Kensington.
11. Brigadiers, Bank
Indian BBQ restaurant Brigadiers is keeping rugby fans up to date with all the action as they screen every game in its Blighters Bar. You’ll be able to chow down on their special feast menus, and even grab yourself a drink from the Drink Command self-serve cocktail vending machine. Say no more!
📍 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, EC4N 8AR.
🚇 The nearest stations are Bank, Cannon Street, and Mansion House.
12. Peckham Arches, Peckham
There’s room for everyone at Peckham Arches, where you can catch all the Rugby World Cup fixtures in their 300-capacity beer garden. Grab a pizza and a cocktail, or a glass of beer or wine, and settle in for a great viewing experience!
📍 Blenheim Grove, SE15 4QN.
🚇 The nearest station is Peckham Rye.
13. The Hawk’s Nest, Shepherd’s Bush
Another arch-centric spot, but this time over in West London, The Hawk’s Nest recently underwent a massive revamp to install a fully retractable sliding glass roof over their beer garden. Now it’s the ultimate place for hanging out or watching the rugby, no matter the weather.
📍 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd’s Bush Market, W12 8DF.
🚇 The nearest station is Goldhawk Road.
14. The Broadcaster, White City
The Broadcaster is showing all of the Rugby World Cup fixtures across two of their four floors, at the Ground Floor Pub, and up top at the Rooftop Bar. With stunning views across White City to accompany the action, and a lively atmosphere, The Broadcaster is the place to be. Plus, thanks to a top-notch selection of food and drink, you may well find yourself sticking around for the whole day!
📍 89 Wood Lane, W12 7FX.
🚇 The nearest station is Wood Lane.
15. The Rugby Tavern, Bloomsbury
With a name like that, can you really afford to watch the rugby anywhere else? The spirit of rugby is built into the very foundations of The Rugby Tavern, which sits upon land donated by Lawrence Sheriff, the visionary behind Rugby School. Essentially an ode to the man himself, the pub tavern is a truly fitting place to settle in with a pint and a burger to watch the Rugby World Cup play out.
📍 19 Great James Street, WC1N 3ES.
🚇 The nearest stations are Russell Square and Chancery Lane.
16. Clubhouse 5, Leicester Square
A brand spanking new, state-of-the-art sports bar right in the middle of the West End, Clubhouse 5 utilizes “4k UHD screens and SKY Q Technology [to provide] the best possible pub-going experience”. Order from their heaving food and drinks menu and settle in, unless you’re already on your feet cheering!
📍 5 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BF.
🚇 The nearest stations are Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
17. Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
Vinegar Yard has partnered up with England Rugby for an epic Rugby Fanzone that has dropped down at their terrace for the biggest England fixture of the Rugby World Cup. We’re talking huge outdoor screens and VIP tables (each with its own private screen), outdoor bars and street food traders to order from, and a behind the scenes look into the player’s camp.
Grab your ticket for the England Rugby Fanzone events here. England matches require reservation, due to the Fanzone, but all other matches will be shown, without the need for reservations, at their Courtyard Bar.
📍 72-82 St Thomas Street, SE1 3QU.
🚇 The nearest station is London Bridge.
18. Hackney Bridge, Hackney
Head on over to Hackney Wick for glorious sunshine-filled (hopefully) rugby watching in Hackney Bridge‘s enormous beer garden. They’re showing all of the matches on the massive screen in their canal-side drinking spot. But don’t fret if the clouds show up – the matches are also being shown on the indoor screen in the Hanger Bar. Chow down, drink up, and cheer your country to victory!
📍 Units 1-28, Echo Building, Eat Bay Lane, E15 2SJ.
🚇 The nearest station is Hackney Wick.
19. The Crown, Twickenham
The World Cup might not be taking place at Twickenham, but you can still catch the action near the venerated stadium. Head on over to The Crown, where you can even book the VIP ‘locker room’ experience – with space for up to 40 guests!
📍 174 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2NH.
🚇 The nearest stations are St Margarets and Twickenham.
20. Betjeman Arms, Kings Cross
If you just missed your train to France, where you were hoping to catch the action in person, don’t leave King’s Cross just yet! Instead, head on over to the Betjeman Arms, where you can hang out on the outdoor terrace before heading inside to watch the competition on the screens scattered throughout the pub. Don’t miss out on the grub either, to fuel yourself up at half-time.
📍 Euston Road, N1C 4QL.
🚇 The nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.
21. Clapham North, Clapham
Having just reopened mere months ago, the Clapham North invites punters in to cheer their way through every minute of the Rugby World Cup. Inside, it’s been wonderfully refurbed, and there’s a wide variety of drinks to keep your thirst sated all the while.
📍 409 Clapham Road, SW9 9BT.
🚇 The nearest station is Clapham North.
22. The Ship, Wandsworth
Take your Rugby World Cup watching experience to the riverside, and head for The Ship. With indoor and outdoor screens at the ready, The Ship has you sorted no matter the weather.
📍 41 Jews Row, SW18 8TB.
🚇 The nearest station is Wandsworth Town.
23. The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
Head on over Chelsea-way for a food-laden viewing party. The Cadogan Arms has a number of sharing platters for guests to enjoy, ranging from The Cadogan Arms’ Classic Platter (Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Black Pudding Scotch Egg, Lamb Ribs, and Red Curry Pork Scratchings) to their Vegetarian Platter (BBQ and Pickled Mushrooms, Cauliflower Bhajis, and The Cadogan Cheese Toastie). It’s perfect for those who can’t watch a game without a snack or seven!
📍 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG.
🚇 The nearest station is South Kensington.
24. The George, Fitzrovia
Hidden away near busy Oxford Circus you’ll find a Rugby World Cup viewing experience in a truly stunning boozer. The George has gorgeous environs and a banging menu to complement all the action on the pitch. Tuck into The George’s Classic Platter, the Vegetarian Platter, or opt for the indulgent new Fried Chicken Sandwich. And wash it all down with plenty of Guinness too. You’ll be rolling away cheering!
📍 The George, 55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ.
🚇 The nearest station is Oxford Circus.
25. Apollo Arms, Clapham
The Apollo Arms are screening every single Rugby World Cup face-off, making it an ideal place to settle in with mates. In the country-pub-esque environs, enjoy a half-time tipple, a post-match drink, and plenty of delicious food.
📍 13-19 Old Town, SW4 0JT.
🚇 The nearest stations are Clapham Common and Wandsworth Road.
26. Northcote Records, Battersea
While Northcote Records won’t be showing all of the Rugby World Cup fixtures, they are screening all of England’s matches on their HD screens. Oh, and the final of course. They’re offering fans a steal of a deal with a pizza and a pint for just £15 on match days. When the action is over, live bands or DJs will then take to the stage to provide a jubilant finish to the night.
📍 8-10 Northcote Road, SW11 1NT.
🚇 The nearest station is Clapham Junction.
There you have it – the best spots around London to cheer England to victory. Where will you be throwing your glasses high with every try?