Where To Watch The 2019 Rugby World Cup In London

Harry Rosehill
By Harry Rosehill Last edited 53 months ago

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Where To Watch The 2019 Rugby World Cup In London
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Swing low, sweet chariot...

England have done it! The boys have done us proud and made it to the Rugby World Cup Final. Which means you need to get up nice and early on Saturday 2 November and find somewhere to watch the match. This isn't quite as easy as you're usual World Cup final, thanks to the ungodly early kickoff — thanks to the game being played in Japan — many places haven't opened their doors.

Don't panic. We've done all the research for you. Here's where you can watch England Vs South Africa in the Rugby World Cup Final.

Flat Iron Square

Flat Iron Square

Flat Iron Square has going all in for the Rugby World Cup, giving itself a makeover in honour of the host nation: Japan. That means Japanese food, drinks and merch is on offer. To the undoubted delight of anime fans, they've even named the exclusive upstairs private hire venue Akira. Downstairs and out in the open, there are screens everywhere and a raucous atmosphere. Considering this is a (mostly) open air option, we recommend bringing some thick jumpers and blankets for those attending any dawn kick offs.

Flat Iron Square, 64 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU

The Chelsea Courtyard

Caffeine might be wise if you accidentally go a little too large on Friday night. West Londoners, you're in luck — if you order food at The Chelsea Courtyard during a match, there's unlimited tea and coffee on offer. The bright and airy drinking hub is screening all the home nation matches on a large screen.

The Chelsea Courtyard, 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT

The Clubhouse Bar

Where better than the national home of rugby to watch the England vs South Africa game. Tickets are a tad pricey at £30, but that does include a free cocktail/mocktail, unlimited teas and coffees and a breakfast bap.

The Clubhouse Bar, Twickenham Stadium, Whitton Road, TW2 7BA

The Old Ship

The Old Ship in Hackney is offering a free round of beers on the house for anyone who pre-books a table... as long as they're eating. The pint must either be a Heineken or a Heineken 0.0% (that latter option might be smart, considering the time of day).

The Old Ship, 2 Sylvester Path, E8 1EN

Belushi's

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There are five Belushi's dotted around London, and they're all pretty on it when it comes to screening sports. The Rugby World Cup in Japan is no different, and Belushi's are prepared. They've got a special 5am-10.45am menu on offer for the hardcore. The key to Belushi's is booking ahead, nab yourself a table, booth, stadium seating... or — if you're feeling especially luxurious — drop a whole £750 in the London Bridge branch and watch the match in a 'Man Cave' for you and your mates.

Belushi's, multiple venues.

The Prince

Multi-restaurant-bar-street-hybrid The Prince in Earl's Court has been fitted out with big screens and is opening its doors at 7.30am for the big match. The venue has teamed up with Wolfpack Larger to provide the pints and new restaurant Wildcard is taking care of brunch — although at this hour, isn't it just breakfast?

The Prince, 14 Lillie Road, SW6 1TT

Japan House

Kensington High Street's stylish Japan House isn't the first place you'd naturally think of when someone mentions sports, but considering the host nation, it all makes sense. The games screened thus far have been a little random, but we've checked and the all important final is on.

Japan House, 101-111, Kensington High Street, W8 5SA

The Mason's Arms

Here's another pub that's offering freebies in the hope that it will get people through the door, even at an unsociable hour. At The Mason's Arms, it's either a coffee or a pint of Guinness to get you through the game. The pub's showing the final, even if it didn't have the stomach for the 5.45am starts earlier in the tournament. Weak. They'd never make it at scrum-half.

The Mason's Arms, 169 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4BT

Goose Island Brew Pub

Breakfast pizzas and Bloody Marys are the lure at Goose Island's Brew Pub in Shoreditch. With a menu like that, it sounds like they're expecting plenty of hard-core hungover punters. Although we're sure you'll still be welcome if you've got a bit of life in you at 9am on a Saturday.

Goose Island Brew Pub, 222 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ

The Faltering Fullback

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Possibly London's most legendary rugby pub. Just look at the name. Even though this place is best associated with the boys in green, it will be absolutely rammed for the England match. Usually when it comes to rugby and the Fullback, we'd say get there early to make sure you get a seat, but you'll be getting there early no matter what for this tournament.

The Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, N4 3HB

The Gallery

The Gallery in West Hampstead

Despite — or perhaps because of — the early start, we know that many of you will need a drink in hand. And where better to get one than The Gallery, which has nine beers on draft, plenty more bottles and cans, wines, cocktails and a whopping 101 whiskeys. Book ahead for a table to guarantee your watching spot and maybe order some waffles while you're there to soak up all that liquid.

The Gallery, 190 Broadhurst Gardens, NW6 3AY

Grace Hall

Watch England try and make history in the historic surroundings of Grace Hall on Leadenhall Street. The luxury venue from the 1920s has seen it all... except England winning a World Cup — we're guessing it didn't screen the 2003 final.

Grace Hall, 147 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4QT

Homeboy

Photo: Jason Bailey

Watching rugby in a pub at 9am could be a bit depressing... But watching rugby in a hidden speakeasy at 9am? You're living your best life. Especially if you dig into the Irish brunch menu (why hello, buttermilk waffles) while watching.

Homeboy, 108 Essex Road, N1 8LX

St James of Bermondsey

The St James of Bermondsey has plenty of drink offers to keep you properly lubricated while watching Eddie Jones' men take on the Springboks. Like two for £10 Bloody Marys, and six bottles of beer for the price of five.

St James of Bermondsey, 72 St James's Road, SE14 6QZ

Boxpark

A brutal sport like rugby deserves to be viewed in a a stark venue. A stretch? Perhaps. But what isn't a joke are the serious offerings Black Bear Burgers have whipped up for early morning punters at Boxpark Shoreditch, like the Black Muffin — pork, black pudding, bacon, American cheese and Bloody Mary ketchup. The other Boxparks in Wembley and Croydon can't offer that, but they can still promise rugby on massive screens (although Croydon looks to have sold out). You'll need to reserve free tickets to guarantee your spot at both Shoreditch and Wembley.

Boxpark, venues in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon

Know anywhere else screening matches? Comment below, or email hello@londonist.com.

Last Updated 29 October 2019