Worth A Try: Where To Watch The Rugby World Cup Final
Well, England are out of The Rugby World Cup. But they were close weren’t they? And look on the bright side, it will be far easier to get a table at the pub for the final now. South Africa against New Zealand is just the matter of the two most successful countries going up against each other, so you can still look forward to an exciting and dramatic match. No doubt they are formalising their game plans for the final, but what about you?
Choosing the right venue is crucial, and there are many pitfalls to avoid. You don’t want to be queuing at the bar for fifteen minutes, missing all the action. Here’s our guide to the best spots to watch The Rugby World Cup Final in London.
1. BBar
Best For: Group bookings
For sheer range of watching possibilities, BBar in Victoria is your best bet. If you have a big group then you can rent out their Jubilee Suite, which is available for private hire, or take advantage of one of the many food & drink deals on offer so you can just focus on the match having your head stuck in a menu or in the jostle of a crowded drinks queue, inevitably missing all the key action.
As a bonus, if you book one of the packages, tell the bar staff who your table is supporting and they will bring over a free round of themed shots if that team wins – choose from a Springbok, Baby Guinness, or The Haka Bomb.
Top tip from The Handbook: If you have no skin in the game, tell them you support whoever is more likely to win to increase the chance of free drinks.
Where: 43 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PP
Website: bbarlondon.com
2. Skylight
Best for: Games and activities after the match
Here to spread the rugby cheer is Skylight at Tobacco Dock! Following the successful Women’s World Cup and Wimbledon viewings, Skylight has been pumping out the Rugby World Cup matches too so you can soak up the atmosphere of all the action of the tournament while taking in the panoramic views of the city in the former carpark-turned-foodie-entertainment-centre, play lawn games all the live action.
Where: Tobacco Dock, London E1W 2SF
Website: skylightbars.com
3. Flat Iron Square
Best for: A great, competitive atmosphere
Flat Iron Square has you covered. They’ve created the ultimate destination to experience the Rugby World Cup, allowing you to celebrate an incredible fusion of cultures that span food, drink and of course, sport!
Where: 53B Southwark Street, Southwark, SE1 1RU
Website: www.flatironsquare.co.uk
4. Apollo Arms
Best for: Great food
New Clapham haunt The Apollo Arms will be showing a screening of the final so you and your squad don’t miss a moment of the action. Ideal spots for half time tipples or post-match pick-me-ups, enjoy a range of dishes and snacks including the signature scrum-my Scotch Eggs and Sausage Rolls. For drinks, there will special serves dedicated to the home nations – even though their already home from the tournament. Think a jug of Welsh Butty Bach Beer (£25) and a quintessentially English jug of the Reverend Hubert Summer Cup (£45) cup served with strawberries and mint (£36).
Where: 13-19 Old Town, London SW4 0JT
Website: apolloamrs.co.uk
5. Faltering Fullback
Best for: A traditional rugby pub
London is brimming with quirky pubs trying to look a little shabby chic, but finding a traditional pub where you can grab a proper pint of ale is becoming increasingly more difficult. That’s where Faltering Fullback comes in. These guys certainly know a thing or two about booze, and you can guarantee you’ll find the match playing here.
Where: 19 Perth Rd, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HB
Website: www.falteringfullback.com
6. The Gallery
Best for: Rugby and whiskey lovers
West Hampstead’s The Gallery will be following all the ups and downs of the Rugby World Cup Final, and will be celebrating the global nature of the competition with over 100 whiskeys from around the world, including American Whiskies and lesser known scotches, not to mention the nine rotating beer taps and craft beers by the bottle.
Where: 190 Broadhurst Gardens, London NW6 3AY
Website: ilovethegallery.com
7. Boxpark
Best for: Loud, boisterous atmosphere
Oh, you can’t help but love Boxpark! With now four venues across the city, it doesn’t matter where you live, you can always grab yourself a beer, some dreamy street food-esque grub and catch the game.
Where: Various locations
Website: www.boxpark.co.uk
8. Dockside Vaults
Best for: Best view of the match
Crowded bars where you can’t find a seat, spending the entire first half queueing to order just your first drink, standing so far away from the screen you can’t even tell which team is which – these are the experiences that will have you swearing off ever watching live sport in a public place again. If it’s guaranteed prime viewing location your after, head to new venue spot Dockside Vaults in St. Katherine’s Docks – they have 10 large TV’s to take your pick from, and you can order food and drink directly to your table, ensuring you miss none of the action.
Where: Ivory House, Dockside Vaults, London E1W 1BP
Website: docksidevaults.com
