Places to watch Greece

Greece fans for Euro 2008

When Greece emerged unlikely winners of Euro 2004 there were spontaneous parties on the streets of London, most notably at Bayswater and Hyde Park, one of the major centres of the capital's Greek community. A census in 2001 put the number of Greek-born people living in London at 12,360 but a recent report estimates the number of Greek speakers in London as somewhere between 280,600 and 310,000. As such, the national side should get no end of support over here in London – especially from famous Greek-born Brits George Michael, Tulisa Contostavlos, Alex Kapranos and (how could we forget) Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Greece is also the fourth most common country of origin amongst overseas students in the UK, after India, China and Ireland. While only two members of the triumphant 2004 squad remain in the ranks, an open group means that fans may feel that Greek lightning could strike twice.

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Greece Games

Friday 8th June, 5pm – Poland 1-1 Greece

Tuesday 12th June, 5pm – Greece 1-2 Czech Republic

Saturday 16th June, 7.45pm – Greece 1-0 Russia

- QUALIFIED RUNNER-UP IN GROUP A -

QUARTER FINAL: Friday 22 June, 7.45: Germany 4-2 Greece

- KNOCKED OUT AFTER QUARTER FINAL -

Byzantium Cafe

Tel: 020 7229 9367

31 Moscow Road, Bayswater, London, W2 4AH

Tube: Bayswater Underground Station , Queensway Station

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Despite its solitary TV screen, the family-run Byzantium Cafe on Moscow Road was a popular destination for many Greeks who crammed in to support their team beat Portugal 1-0 in the 2004 final. That screen is now a big screen, making support for the national team much easier. You can also feast upon a variety of snacks, sandwiches and Greek dishes. Given the name of the street, the potentially decisive final group clash against Russia will have another interesting dimension to cheering on the Greeks in the Byzantium Cafe.

Cafe Corfu

Tel: 020 7267 8088

7-9 Pratt Street, Camden Town, London, NW1 0AE

Tube: Camden Town Station , Camden Town Station, Mornington Crescent Station

Camden's famous Cafe Corfu, London's foremost Greek restaurant, could well be worth checking out for Euro 2012. The renowned spot serves up excellently priced traditional fare from a Michelin-starred chef in a superb atmosphere – with Time Out describing the family-run Cafe Corfu as London's best Hellenic restaurant. Back in 2004, more than 300 fans crammed into the restaurant to cheer on Greece on a small TV screen in the corner of the award-winning restaurant – so best book your table in advance or you'll be breaking plates in frustration.

Halepi

Tel: 020 7262 1070

48-50 Belsize Lane, London, NW3 5AR

Tube: Belsize Park Station

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Opened the year England last won the World Cup in 1966, the family-run Halepi Restaurant in Bayswater has been described by the Automobile Association of America, no less, as the best Greek restaurant in the world. The Kazolides family get their fish from Cornwall and their lamb from the Pyrenees – and despite the restaurant's feted reputation, the atmosphere is relaxed, with rows of colourful tables, bouzouki background music and a large native Greek clientele. Those Greeks will no doubt flock back for their nation's group games in Euro 2012, which are said to be shown on a series of TV screens dotted around the premises.

Mythopolis

Tel: 020 7490 7867

277 City Road, The City, Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 1LA

Tube: Angel Station

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This live Greek music bar on the City Road will be showing all of Greece's games in Euro 2012. Run by Anasa Promotions, Mythopolis is open until midnight during the week and until 3.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, where DJs play popular Greek classics following a live music programme. There is an adjoining Greek bistro above the bar, serving coffees, frappes and traditional Greek snacks such as plump purple olives and creamy feta drizzled with olive oil, grilled Halloumi, Greek and Cypriot souvlaki and glasses of chilled local wine. You can even have a game of tavli (backgammon) with the owner, Stephanos. It promises to be a great atmosphere at Mythopolis for Greece's games – and fans may have to celebrate while they can, because it doesn't look like the Greeks can repeat their heroics of 2004.