As the oldest trophy in the history of English football, the FA Cup final is more than just a fun day out for the teams involved. And this year, it’s all about bragging rights, with an all-Manchester clash at Wembley Stadium primed for the afternoon of May 25 – that’s this weekend!
If you think you’re having deja vu, it’s probably because you are – the very same two teams met in the final of the FA Cup last year, with a brace from former city midfielder Ilkay Gundogan enough to seal a 2-1 win for the blues in the end.
Manchester United are looking to win their 13th FA Cup, but just as importantly, they’re looking to get revenge on Man City for the match last year. It’s Pep Guardiola vs Erik ten Hag. It’s red vs blue. Haaland vs Højlund. It’s the FA Cup final, a Manchester derby, and, short of being at Wembley Stadium in the crowd, these London venues are some of the best spots to catch every bit of the action on May 25. What a way to kick off the long weekend, eh?
1. BOXPARK, various locations
London’s trio of street-food hubs are (in)famous for turning into a cauldron of football-watching frenzy during the biggest games. As a pre-cursor to the upcoming Euro 2024 matches, BOXPARK will mark the perfect spot to check out all the FA Cup action. The Shoreditch and Croydon spots will be screening the entire game, with their usual array of terrific food stands slinging out the grub and pints being poured at lightning speed. The Wembley BOXPARK will be housing a Man City fanpark, which only caters for fans with a ticket to the game, so don’t turn up here if this isn’t you to avoid disappointment, since they won’t be screening the game! Find out more information at the BOXPARK website.
📍 Boxpark Shoreditch: 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6GY
📍 Boxpark Croydon: 99 George Street, Croydon CR0 1LD
2. Big Penny Social, Walthamstow
Big Penny, the giant beer hall in East London, is always a top option for catching a clash like this, and they usually put on a show. Last year, they hosted the final with a pre-game barbecue for the Manchester-themed affair, which was soundtracked by anthems from the live DJ. Expect a raucous atmosphere at Big Penny all the way up until the very last kick – be it a pass or a penalty, and the trophy lift. Find out more about Big Penny here.
📍1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL
3. Bar Kick, Shoreditch
The self-proclaimed ‘home of live sport in Shoreditch’ is an ever-lively space to watch the action unfold, with more than a dozen large HD screens and a swanky sound system to watch the clash between Erik Ten Hag and Pep Guardiola’s group of Manchester fighters. Before and after the game itself, fans can play table football while tucking into their selection of burgers and craft beers. Read more and book your spot at Bar Kick here.
📍127 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE
4. TOCA Social, Greenwich
If you want to really get into the game, you can; just book a spot over at TOCA Social. They will be screening the game, but that’s only part of the fun. Before and after the match you can take part in all their usual interactive football games to celebrate the win or take out your sorrows and get top of the leaderboard against your mates.
📍In the O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX
5. Hope and Anchor, Brixton
The Hope and Anchor is a no brainer for any sports event by virtue of the sheer number of screens they’ve got scattered around the place. Whether you’re ordering your third lager of the day or relaxing in one of the outdoor huts, you’ll invariably have a good view of the game and be well-placed to take in all of the drama, from flashy bicycle kicks to the humble corner kick. Casemiro bullet header or Phil Foden rocket, you’ll see it all here on FA Cup final day.
📍123 Acre Lane, SW2 5UA
6. Market Place, Peckham & Vauxhall
Combine your FA Cup final watching with some banging deals and discounts over at Market Place’s Peckham site. They’re relaunching for the summer with a week-long festival that includes everything from tarot reading and face-painting to salsa dancing and cocktails – and special FA Cup viewing deals, of course! Settle in to catch all the action and enjoy some impressively cheap £5 pints all throughout. And if you want to get things started beforehand, opt for the bottomless brunch which gets you two hours of unlimited drinks (including beers, prosecco, cocktails, and more) as well as a £15 food voucher to spend at any of its street food vendors. All for just £35!
They’ll also be screening the action at Market Place’s Vauxhall site, with its own roster of world street food to choose from, and plenty of drink options. (But you will have to travel to Peckham if you want to take advantage of the cut-price pints.) Be sure to book here.
📍 Market Place Peckham: Unit 10, The Aylesham Centre, Rye Lane, SE15 5EW
📍 Market Place Vauxhall: 7 South Lambeth Place, SW8 1SP
7. Clissold Park Tavern, Stoke Newington
Another lovely beer garden can be found here, at a pub that is a stone’s throw away from (you guessed it) the leafy Clissold Park. What more could we want than glorious sunshine and a sit down in the green space before heading over to watch the FA Cup Final in a beer garden with pints and pizza? Couldn’t draw up a better afternoon (as long as the team you’re rooting for wins, that is).
📍 177 Green Lanes, Stoke Newington, N16 9DB
8. Peckham Arches
The neighbourhood cocktail and al fresco dining area is the perfect arena to watch Manchester United vs Manchester City in the FA Cup final on a sunny May afternoon. With seven screens peppered around the outdoor terrace, you can be sure to enjoy an excellent view of the action as you tuck into grub from Ruben’s BBQ and sourdough pizza menu and sip on a draft beer. Read more about Peckham Arches and book your place here.
📍 Blenheim Grove, 4-5 Dovedale Trading Estate, SE15 4QN
9. The George, Fitzrovia
A historic pub is surely a fitting venue for a historic cup final. Watch Wan Bissaka try and take the ball from Grealish as you sip on a Jameson before enjoying a hearty portion of The George Burger. The FA Cup is one of the many live sports games being shown in the month of May, and you can sift your way through their menu at each one. Find out more about The George and book here.
📍55 Great Portland Street, W1W 7LQ
10. Duke Of Edinburgh, Brixton
One of the top beer gardens in London for those wishing to catch all the drama of the FA Cup final while the sun is shining away and you’ve carried out a cold lager ready to devour ahead of the game. There are tables scattered across the giant garden and you can also expect tasty grub from Bando Belly to enjoy alongside the action, which will keep you fuelled all the way through to extra time and beyond, should the cards fall that way. Book your spot at Duke Of Edinburgh here.
📍 204 Ferndale Road, SW9 8AG
11. Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen
The beauty of Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen is in its outdoor space. Tucked away within this space is a giant screen for all the biggest sporting events. It’s the perfect spot for a dose of sunshine and a tray of pints as you catch all the FA Cup Final action. Book your spot at Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen now!
📍40 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UD