You'll be hard pressed to find a bar or pub in town that won't be showing Roy Hodgson's new England side as they inevitably struggle out of their group and into a penalty shootout defeat in the quarter finals. Expectations couldn't be lower ahead of the tournament for England, deprived of some of their best players through injury and without Wayne Rooney for the opening two games due to suspension. Of course, many pubs will be rather hellish for England fans – unless your idea of fun is being crammed inside a sweaty interior while sipping tepid beer from a plastic container. As such, the place of choice for many supporters will be in the office or safe in the comfort of their own armchair at home. But for those intrepid fans who seek a bit of ambiance as the Three Lions attempt to make up for the dismal showing in South Africa at the World Cup in 2010, here are a few suggestions.
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England Games
Monday 11th June, 5pm – France 1-1 England
Friday 15th June, 7.45pm – Sweden 2-3 England
Tuesday 19th June, 7.45pm – England 1-0 Ukraine
- QUALIFIED TOP OF GROUP D -
QUARTER FINAL: Sunday 24 June, 7.45pm - England 0-0 Italy (0-0 AET, 2-4 on pens)
Finding a bar to watch England's progress in the European Championships shouldn't be too laborious a task for any Londoner this summer but finding the best is another matter. The Sports Cafe in Haymarket is one of the most popular places in London to watch live sport and, despite its likely crowdedness, there are few better spots to watch Roy Hodgson's side. If you're lucky enough to wrangle yourself a good spot, then this is an excellent location, right in the heart of town and with a varied bar menu to keep all punters happy. Several large screens will be showing all the action, meaning that you can watch from pretty much any part of the bar. Tickets to watch any of the games need to be purchased in advance and will either £10 or £20, depending on the game.
It's possible that Bar Kick was designed specifically with watching live football in mind. From its humble beginnings as a small cafe and bar, complete with French table football tables, in Shoreditch in 2001, it has grown into an essential live football viewing experience. The table football still exists and is complemented by lovingly-prepared food, an extensive drinks menu and as many live football matches as they can possibly show – all in glorious 3D. Every England game will be shown at Bar Kick, and Cafe Kick in Exmouth Market, and there is no charge or need for a ticket. Watching England at big tournaments can be a nervy affair and, if the worst should come to pass, then you'll have a fully stocked bar to help you drown your sorrows. Visitors would be advised to arrive early – things can and will get crowded – but if you can find yourself a decent spot then there are few better places to enjoy the action this summer.
With probably the biggest pub screen in all of London, Roxy Bar & Screen will be one of the best places to catch all the Euro 2012 matches live in HD on the four-metre wide cinema screen and a second smaller HD screen at the front for the simultaneous third round group games. Food and drink (including a range of draught and bottled beers) are served throughout, and unusually for them, they’re taking reservations for the Group games (EXCLUDING any England group games). If you are looking for a London bar to watch the Euro 2012 games with an electric atmosphere and a big screen then look no further.
With over 71,000 TV channels covering around 25% of the planet's satellite demands, it could be said that the Famous Three Kings in Fulham is utterly fanatical about providing live sport to the masses. And you can be sure that they'll relish to opportunity to welcome patriotic customers in to enjoy every England game at Euro 2012. With classic British pub food on the menu, a wide selection of beers and ales on tap and a midnight closing time, the bar has everything the quintessential English football fan will need to enjoy watching their team this summer. Every game will be shown live on the main screens and you don't need to worry about tickets. The only thing to concern yourself with, however, is finding either a seat or a place to stand – this is one of London's most celebrated sports pubs and will get incredibly busy. SO throw on your replica England shirt (any year will do), get your singing (shouting) voice ready and prepare for the tumultuous experience that is watching England.
A stylish venue, sandwiched between Covent Garden and Leicester Square, The Long Acre takes full advantage of its location in the heart of the West End and will be showing every England game this summer. A modern bar and restaurant with plenty of screens dotted around the place, the bar is offering happy hour specials to coincide with the games, as well as the opportunity to book areas and tables for your own party. There is a 50% off offer on sharing platters between 5 and 7pm so you can get some food in before the game and you can also enjoy the 'Front Row' package, which includes a private booth, free entry and a sharing platter for a group of up to 6 people. Booking is required for every game and can be done via the pub's website.
Fancy enjoying/suffering through England with your very own private bar? Pause Bar makes for an incredible spot to watch the Three Lions this summer, where you can enjoy a private space whilst sipping cocktails or having ice cold pints from your very own draught beer dispenser. No more queuing at the bar for hours or leaving a good spot in front of the screen just to get a drink. Pause also provide a number of packages that include food deals as well, meaning your entire viewing experience is taken care. Situated opposite the Lloyds Building, you may find the bar populated with stuffy City types but the privacy on offer at Pause will take care of that.
Ever fancied watching the football on a boat? Bar&Co is a fully licensed bar and restaurant moored at Temple Pier and features five TV screens and one large projector spread across two decks. Not only can you enjoy the football but you can also take in superb views of the London skyline (if it's a nice enough night) and it is located just a few minutes away from the West End. A prime football viewing spot, the boat can get a little busy, especially if the weather's right, but if you can stomach that, then this is as unique a place as you will find. Just try not to rock the boat when England score...
Spanning across three floors, the famous Loop Bar near Oxford Street offers a variety of spaces in which to enjoy England's games on the many TV screens around the bar. Book a table and watch the game in comfort as you enjoy the happy hour specials on offer throughout the tournament. Loop Bar offers several premium packages: Front-Row Seat packages are available for £25-£40 and provide guests with decent seats and a sharing platter. Or if you want to go all out, The Fan Zone will get you a prime viewing spot, some nachos to share and 25 bottles of ice cold Beck's, all for £100. And whether the football makes you feel like celebrating or commiserating, the bar is open till late after the games.