We all love a bit of The Sports™. But where are those extra special London bars in which to watch? Here's our hand-picked roundup, featuring bars that're perfect for hockey, rugby, baseball, football and more.
By the way, if you're looking for a roundup of London's best footy pubs, read The Best Pubs And Bars For Watching Football In London.
Continental footy vibes: Cafe Kick, Exmouth Market
Footy gets a dose of Continental class at Bar Kick — a decidedly hip hangout scattered with Formica tables and draped in international football scarves. The drinks are not your usual fare; we've ordered a Sidecar here during a Man United match, and the barman didn't bat an eyelid. When there isn't a match on, give your wrist a workout on the fussball tables. (Spinning's cheating by the way, just saying.) Cafe Kick, 43 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QL
Cosy rugger pub: The Cabbage Patch, Twickenham
15 minutes' walk from both Twickenham Stadium and the home of the Harlequins, it's little wonder the Cabbage Patch brands itself "the most famous rugby pub in the world". A pit-stop for pre- and post-match pints, it's also a great sports bar in its own right; make yourself at home among the rugby regalia, order some treacle cured beef skewers, and settle in for an afternoon of on-screen rugby. Book a table to avoid scrums. The Cabbage Patch, 67 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3SZ
Hockey hangout: The Maple Leaf, Covent Garden
Originally opened by the Molson Brewery (Canada's largest) in 1986, the Maple Leaf is now a unique member of the Greene King stable. Plastered in iterations of its namesake, the bar is committed to screening North American sports franchises (if you're looking to feast one ice hockey, this is the place to come; the joint is also bestrewn with various puck-tastic gewgaws), pouring Canadian draft beer, and — importantly — pushing London's poutine boundaries. The Maple Leaf, 41 Maiden Lane WC2E 7LJ
Baseball and basketball dive bar: Passyunk Avenue @ Fitzrovia, Nine Elms, Waterloo and Kensington
Getting that authentic Philly dive-sports bars vibe just so is no mean feat, but all of Passyunk Avenue's London locations manage it — thanks to cheap(ish) pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon and baskets of Philly cheesesteak served by friendly staff (many, judging by their accents, American). The star-spangled mise-en-scène is completed with an array of sports jerseys on the walls and a scattering of TVs, showing live American and Canadian sports, including baseball, American football and basketball. If you're steering clear from the States right now because of you-know-who, these bars are a welcome substitute. Passyunk Avenue, various locations
Community and craft beer: The Clubhouse at Dulwich Hamlet, East Dulwich
An afternoon at Dulwich Hamlet is a must for anyone — football fan or not — and the locals' self-aware chants should frankly be released as an album. Whether you're here for post-match pints, or come on a non-game day, The Clubhouse is open seven days a week. Shoot pool while watching sports on the screens, and sipping one of many craft beers on offer (including Edgar Kail Pale Ale, named after the legendary Hamlet forward). Another bar-in-a-stadium that has our seal of approval is Leyton Orient Supporters Club, on the money for pre-match raffles, real ale and homemade butties. The Clubhouse at Dulwich Hamlet, Edgar Kail Way, East Dulwich, SE22 8BD
No nonsense sports pub: Famous three Kings, West Kensington
Often suggested as a rendezvous by footy, rugby and cricket fans — especially those who reside out west — the Famous Three Kings (F3K if you're being familiar) is a solid shout for watching the game. Loads of big screens playing major footy, rugby and NFL matches means there's often a heady atmosphere; throw in a comprehensive drinks menu (gin aficionados in particular will be delighted) and scrummy sharing platters (tacos, wings, pizza) — and you've got a sports pub as sports pubs should be. No nonsense. Famous Three Kings, 171 North End Road, W14 9NL
Cricket central: Sixes Social Cricket @ Fitzrovia, Fulham, London Bridge, Shepherd's Bush, Stratford, Wembley
If there's a blockbuster cricket tie in the offing, chances are Sixes Social Cricket is screening it. There are ample TVs, bats dangle from above (cricket bats, not the mammals), plus themed cocktails on the menu like the Tea Time (made with Yorkshire Tea gin). And if you're despairing at your own team's performance, prove you can do better by taking to the nets to hit some quasi-virtual sixes. Sixes Social Cricket, various locations
Boutique footy feels: Feed the Yak, Elephant and Castle
A cross between a football mad teenager's bedroom and a bottle shop, Feed the Yak is a world away from your common or garden football pub: walls scattered with vintage posters and stickers, fridges crammed with exciting beers you actually want to drink. Oh yeah, they screen football too, and lots of it — Premier League, WSL, La Liga, Champions League... it goes on. Feed the Yak, 2 Sayer Street, Elephant and Castle, SE17 1FG
Horsey heaven: Sydney Arms, Chelsea
Racing commentator John McCririck was no stranger to the Sydney Arms, an upmarket boozer which brands itself 'London's Racing Pub'. Five screens blare out all the important gee-gee races, plus a healthy mix of rugby and football. They do a roaring trade in fizz here (these are horse people. In CHELSEA), and the wine list is more accomplished than most sports bars. On big race days, prepare to be fascinated by the array of fascinators. There'll be no shortage of tips flying around too. If you win big, celebrate with a bottle of Laurent Perrier rosé. The Sydney Arms, 70 Sydney Street, SW3 6NJ
Bougie bicycling: Rapha London Clubhouse, Soho
Not the kind of place you go to get rowdy over a few pitchers of Carlsberg, Rapha London Clubhouse nonetheless has a smart little bar serving coffees and cocktails, which you can enjoy alongside the TVs on the wall, screening various cycling tournaments. Rapha London Clubhouse, 85 Brewer Street, W1F 9ZN
