February starts and ends with reasons to stay up late on a Sunday night and wish we were in America. With the Oscars taking care of the end of the month, this Sunday (6th) is home to the NFL Super Bowl XLV between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers. Although you can stay at home and watch it on BBC 1 or Sky Sports (kick off is 11.28pm), there's something very temping about watching such a huge event in a American diner while chowing down pulled pork - and here's where we think you should do it.
Bodeans : The pulled pork masters themselves are the obvious suggestions. With branches in Soho, Clapham, Tower Hill and Fulham, entry is £25 and promises a guaranteed seat with a pre-game party and halftime feast of ribs, chicken, said pulled pork, BBQ Beans and coleslaw.
Roadtrip Live Bar: The strong London Ex Pat American Meetup Group hosts its 9th annual Superbowl event this year at the Roadtrip bar (243 Old Street). Tickets are on sale this week and if it's anything like their previous events you can expect cheerleaders as well as nachos and burgers a plenty.
Jetlag Bar : Film combines with the NFL at the Jetlag bar where the evening begins at 7pm with a screening of Any Given Sunday. Entry is free and food will be on sale all night.
Maynard Arms : Crouch End's Maynard Arms will be showing the big game on 3 screen and provide entry and a bucket of 'North American grub' for £10. Make it £20, and you can also head down early for their comedy night at 9pm which will be specially compared by Wade McElwain, host of the NFL International Series Pre Game. To book a ticket email [email protected].
The O2 : Although you won't be able to get into the official NFL UK party at The O2 unless you're a NFL member, the American Bar & Grill within the complex host their own, open to all, event. Cheerleaders open the night at 9pm and bar tickets are £10 in advance, or £15 on the door. Alternatively if you want to eat £30 gets you entry and a 2 course meal. Call 0208 3055360 to book.
The Roadhouse : Perfect for a rowdy night of football watching, the Roadhouse has 4 giant screens and plenty of plasmas. Entry here is free but be prepared to joustle for a good spot.
The Social : Watch NFL and raise money for charity at the same time at W1's The Social's regular Super Bowl party. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are £6 with proceeds going to Marie Curie Cancer Care and QK House. At time of writing there's 11 tickets left.
For lots more possibilities check out the official NFL app on facebook which is packed full of all venues showing the Super Bowl.
Image of 49ers Cheerleaders by vtravelled.com under a Creative Commons licence.