Scrum Down! With the Rugby World Cup 2015 set to kick off this Friday night, London Homestays looks at the best places to watch the games in the capital, whether you are looking to down pints, sing your team home and submerge yourself in the atmosphere or you prefer a more gentile ambience, we have it covered.
1) CHICAGO RIB SHACK
Nearest Station: Twickenham
Address: 29 – 31 York Street, Twickenham, London, TW1 3JZ
The Chicago Rib Shack is located just outside the stadium in Twickenham and is therefore ideal for taking in the atmosphere of the world cup for those who weren’t lucky enough to get tickets. The Rib Shack will be showing all the games. If you are going for a bigger match and fancy some food, we would recommend booking a table in advance.
http://www.thechicagoribshack.co.uk/locations/twickenham
Best for – Watching a game near the stadium and taking in the atmosphere.
2) THE NORTHCOTE – GERONIMO INNS
Nearest Station: Clapham Junction
Address: 2 Northcote Road, Battersea, London, SW11 1NT
The Northcote is located close to Clapham Junction Station and are putting on special rugby nights during The World Cup. They’ve put together a whole selection of packages and have spaces available to pre-book for the Rugby World Cup. Pre-bookings receive a complimentary bottle of Heineken per person. They are also putting on a night where you can watch the game and have a Q&A with England fly half Andrew Goode.
http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/london-the-northcote/rugby
Best for – Watching a match with a former player and getting to quiz him afterwards.
3) THE EXHIBIT
Nearest Station: Balham
Address: 12 Balham Station Road, London, SW12 9SG
Cult Balham cinema and bar The Exhibit are transforming their garden into the ultimate Rugby garden party. Fully covered and heated with its own bar, full table service and more importantly a giant High Definition screen will make this one of the top rugby venues this autumn. They are offer group packages where you book a table for 6 people for £100 which guarantees entry and seats for 6 people and includes 24 bottles of Estrella to save arguing over whose round it is while the game is on.
Best for – Watching on a big screen with a group of mates.
4) Searcys at The Gherkin
Nearest Station: Balham
Address: 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP
Are you more a champagne and canapés than Guinness and ale pies? Then why not watch the games from near the top of The Gherkin with 360 degree views of the city? Special packages can be bought in advance. The Champagne will flow but keep the singing to a minimum.
http://searcys.co.uk/venues/the-gherkin#.VnrbPfmLTIU
Best for – Watching The World Cup in the poshest way possible.
5) Crab Tavern
Nearest Station: Liverpool Street
Address: Unit 7 Broadgate Circle, London, EC2M 2QS
Somewhere between the highlife of Searcys and the beer and burger fest of the other pubs and bars on the list is The Crab Tavern offers top quality seafood, surf and turf and delicious cocktails as well as showing all the matches on their big screen TVs.
http://crabtavern.co.uk/
Best for – The happy medium of watching the game with a few drinking while having some high quality food.
