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The Tokyo Olympics were meant to run last summer in the Japanese capital and got postponed, as you probably know. Now they’re happening though, and Team GB are doing amazingly well, all things considered (currently fifth in the medal table). There are plenty of places in London to catch the Olympiad action, from the glamorous (track and field, swimming, cycling) to the usual oddball inclusions involving firearms, horses and parkour. Here’s where to settle down for that heptathlon.
Eccleston Yards, Belgravia
A swish venue complete with deckchairs and a Moët & Chandon champagne bar might not exactly scream Mo Farah, but there are few more classy places to catch the Olympics this summer. It’s showing the rugger too, Johnno!
Eccleston Yards, 21 Eccleston Place, SW1W 9AZ. Olympics and British Lions screenings, Jul 21-Aug 8.
The Spark, Stratford
I mean, they couldn’t NOT show it, really, could they? The home of London’s last Olympics, nine years ago, the Stratford Olympic Park will be screening the current games. ‘Behind Pret’, as it helpfully says in its address details, the Spark is the dedicated screening space of the International Quarter London. It will be showing the Olympics, from the Opening Ceremony onwards, interspersed with film screenings.
The Spark, E20 1JN. More info here.
Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen
This swankified pseudo-pub in the Andaz London at Liverpool Street has tons of atmospheric old-school features, if your vibe is more ‘Chariots of Fire’ than Laura Kenny. It’ll be showing Olympic events on a big screen.
Lady Abercorn’s, 40 Liverpool St, EC2M 7QN.
Canary Wharf
The Mammon Quarter (only joking, it’s really quite nice, actually) is running its regular summer outdoor big screens this year, and you can watch the Olympics in its relative quietude. There will also be action from Cricket The Hundred and the British and Irish Lions tour. There are lots of bars and eateries around the place too.
Canada Square Park and Cabot Square, E14.
Bluebird Chelsea
The chichi King’s Road eatery is showing Olympic coverage up to the Closing Ceremony on August 8 on its delightful terrace. Spenny refreshments will be on hand (it set a minimum £50 per person spend during important Euros matches – try doing that in a Wetherspoon’s).
Bluebird Chelsea, 350 King’s Rd, SW3 5UU.
London Bridge City
This free summer festival at the Scoop near Tower Bridge is showing the Olympics on an outdoor screen. You can’t book spaces, so just turn up and hope for the best. There are food and drink options too, all selling Huel. Okay, not that.
London Bridge City, The Scoop, SE1 2DB.
Television Centre
Don’t just watch the Olympics on the TV, watch it at flipping TV Centre. The iconic westside building is showing the games on its Solar Pergola terrace, which boasts heaters and some cover. There’s a bar and a barbecue at the weekend.
Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, W12 7FW.
Paddington Central
You can lounge around a grassy amphitheatre to watch the Olympics and the Paralympics through to September 5, 9am to 8pm. There are plenty of food options, plus outdoor tables at Pergola Paddington and more.
Paddington Central, W2 6AE.
Westfield London
Ocean Outdoor is hosting a special Fan Zone outside Shepherd’s Bush’s mega-mall showing Olympic events every day. It will also feature a climbing wall and Fatima Whitbread. In that order.
Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GF.
The Yards
Not to be confused with Eccleston Yards (see above), the Yards is an outdoor space in St Martin’s Courtyard in Covent Garden, showing the Olympics accompanied by a glass of wine and various non-athletic food options.
The Yards, St Martin’s Courtyard, Slingsby Place, WC2H 9EF.
Showing the Olympics but not on our list? Tell us: hello@timeout.com.