London pubs that show foreign football matches
What better way to celebrate the city’s rich multicultural mix than by drinking and watching football? Time Out blows the whistle on boozers dedicated to the world’s best teams. And Cardiff City
Bar Estrella
Team Porto
Stockwell has long been the capital’s Little Portugal, and this charming local bar is the community’s hub. Expect to hear plenty of expats nattering in Portuguese to the waistcoated bar staff, admire the range of scarves hung behind the bar, and possibly nip into the adjoining restaurant for mussels after the final whistle.
Next fixture Aug 18, v Maritimo.
What to drink Super Bock (£1.30).
Bar Estrella, 111-115 South Lambeth Rd SW8 (020 7793 1051) Vauxhall tube/rail.
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F3K
Team Cardiff City
It’s actually slightly cheeky to whittle down the Famous 3 Kings’ coverage to just one team, since it pretty much shows every game it can (up to 16 at any one time). But since it did win an award for being the best Welsh pub in London it’s ideal for watching Wales’ most successful team (sadly, they’ve stopped doing Cardiff-brewed Brains beers on tap).
Next fixture Aug 18, v QPR.
What to drink Bombardier (£2.40).
F3K, 171-173 North End Rd, W1 (020 7603 6071) West Kensington tube.
Bavarian Beerhouse
Team Bayern Munich
Claims to be the capital’s only authentic Bavarian pub and shows regular Bundesliga action including local heroes Bayern, aka FC Hollywood. Excellent choice of beer as you’d expect and lots of dumplings to soak it all up.
Next fixture Aug 18, v Werder Bremen.
What to drink Paulaner (£6.90 for a litre).
Bavarian Beerhouse, 190 City Rd, EC1V (020 7608 0925/www.bavarian-beerhouse.co.uk) Old St tube/rail.
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| Trade at the Harcourt picks up when Sweden play (© Ed Marshall) |
Harcourt Arms
Team Elfsborg
All Swedish football fixtures are shown at the Harcourt, which also screens Swedish internationals and ice-hockey matches. Note: Henrik Larsson is worshipped as a god so don’t keep pointing out he only turned it on in Scotland.
Next fixture Aug 18, vs Gais.
What to drink Kopparberg Päroncider (pear) or Äpplecider (apple) (£3.25).
Harcourt Arms, 32 Harcourt St, W1 (020 7723 6634/ www.theharcourt.com) Edgware Rd tube.
The Albion
Team West Bromwich Albion
Named after the club and run by a devoted Baggie, the Albion wears its colours proudly (the WBA crest is the pub sign), but most London-based supporters’ groups don’t like to advertise where they drink in town for fear of attracting the wrong type. To be honest, just about every pub becomes a Cockney Red enclave when either United or Liverpool are playing, but if you’re an exiled fan of another club you should get in touch with the Association of Provincial Football Supporters Club in London (www.apfscil.org.uk).
Next fixture Aug 18, v Preston North End.
What to drink Coors Sub Zero (£3.60).
The Albion, 94 Goldsmith’s Row, E2 (0871 984 3403). Bethnal Green tube.
Le Bar des Magis
Team Olympique Lyonnais
Genuine French bar in Clapham with dedicated football following that proved very popular during the last World Cup. Also has a soft spot for Le Arsenal. The bar’s neighbouring restaurant, Le Bouchon, sponsors local Gallic-tinged Sunday league side the Mavericks. Also has a
crèche, which isn’t something you’d find in many English-themed bars.
Next fixture Aug 18, v Lorient.
What to drink Kronenbourg 1664 (£3.30).
Le Bar des Magis, 7-9 Battersea Rise, SW11 (020 7738 0307/www.lebouchon.co.uk) Clapham Junction rail.
The Cock Tavern
Team Rangers/Celtic.
Okay, now be very careful here. Gers fans collect at the Cock in meat-lover’s heaven Smithfield, while Hoops head to the Cock at Euston. Do not by any means go in the wrong one if you are wearing any clothing that has even the merest glint of green or blue on matchdays, and especially if you are clad in your favourite ‘I like the pope, the pope smokes dope’ T-shirt.
Next fixture Aug 18, Rangers v Falkirk; Aug 15, Celtic v Spartak Moscow.
What to drink Mortlach (£2.95) for the Light Blues and Magners (£3.60) for Bhoys.
Rangers: The Cock Tavern, East Poultry Avenue, Central Markets, EC1 (020 7248 2918) Farringdon tube/rail. Celtic: The Cock Tavern, 23 Phoenix Rd, NW1 (020 7387 1884) Euston tube/rail.
Marino’s
Team Juventus
The venue of choice for London’s Juve-supporting community (and also harbouring a now deeply unfashionable affection for Chelsea), this Italian bar/restaurant is one of many in the area that regularly shows Serie A fixtures. Another good bet is Italia Uno up the road on Charlotte Street. A great place to watch Champions League matches if you want to get away from one-eyed English supporters.
Next fixture Aug 26, v Livorno.
What to drink Nastro Azzuri (£3).
Marino’s, 31 Rathbone Place, W1T (020 7636 8965) Tottenham Court Rd tube.
Feature by Peter Watts
