It’s that time of year when people become irrationally obsessed by a sport which is utterly inpenetrable, and not least to them. If you thought learning the offside rule of proper football, which is somehow a way for us non-sporty types to prove that we at least have a modicum of insight, was tricky, then learning any rules whatsoever of the American version is going to leave you gasping for air. Don’t bother, instead gawp at the big screen as Americans dash around the pitch doing you-don’t-know-what and cheer when other people cheer (ideally Americans, all the Brits will be just as bewildered). Because, of course, there’s far more to the Super Bowl than just a game of pseudo-rugby. It’s the pageantry, the passion and it’s the adverts. Here’s where you can be a part of it.
Tropicana Beach Club
Where: Parker Street, London, WC2B 5PW
Nearest station: Holborn (0.2 miles)
Website: www.tropicanabeachclub.co.uk
Balthazar
Forget about the fact that it is Monday the next day and head to Balthazar Restaurant at 10:30pm (get in a theatre show before) this Sunday for their ultimate Super Bowl party. Staff dressed in referee uniforms will be serving up the likes of chicken wings, hot dogs, mac’n’cheese, New York style cheesecake and mini doughnuts as well as complimentary Maker’s Mark bourbon Super Bowl cocktails on arrival. During the game you’ll be able to help yourself to popcorn from the popcorn machines and they’ll be serving up free tea and coffee to keep spirits high throughout the night (and so that you don’t fall asleep!). As you head off into Monday morning you’ll be sent on your way with a pastry fresh from the Boulangerie.
Where: 4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HZ
Nearest station: Covent Garden (0.2 miles)
Website: www.balthazarlondon.com
Boxpark Wembley
Funnily enough Wembley is no stranger to football. And not just football-football, the stadium’s also expected to host the MFL’s first overseas game. And so to nearby Boxpark Wembley, which will provide the backdrop to a memorable super bowl.
Where: 18 Olympic Way, Wembley, HA9 0JT
Website: www.boxpark.co.uk
The Stafford London
The clue’s basically in the name: The American Bar at The Stafford will be flying the flag with the ultimate Super Bowl viewing party. Enjoy traditional super bowl food, straight from market staffs, as well as a big screening of the match itself.
Where: 16-18 St James's Place, Mayfair, London, SW1A 1NJ, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.2 miles)
Website: www.thestaffordlondon.com
TT Liquor
There’s a party going down at TT Liquor, all in collaboration with Rebel Yell Bourbon. The Kingsland Road cocktail emporium will be screening the game in their impressive 52 seat cinama. Of course there’ll be plenty of cocktails, not least thanks to the guys over at Rebel Yell Bourbon.
Where: 17B Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, E2 8AA
Website: www.ttliquor.co.uk
Greenwood
One of the new(ish) arrivals in the NOVA building opposite Victoria Station, Greenwood will be making sure that it’s the perfect place for football watching. The game will be shown on 19 large viewing screens (including a giant screen-to-end-all-screens) and if that wasn’t enough then fear not, there’ll be another cheerleader troup shaking their pom poms, not to mention American food and drinks.
Where: 170 Victoria Street, Westminster, London SW1E 5LB
Website: www.greenwoodlondon.com
