Over the last decade or so, the NFL has gained huge traction in the UK. The Gridiron has even found a permanent home in London with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosting a minimum of two games a year with their state of the art, retractable field. With the iconic Wembley Stadium also hosting games for the league’s international series, NFL fever is well and truly rife in the nation’s capital. The Baltimore Ravens made their second appearance in London back in October where they beat the Tennessee Titans 24-16. The NFL Odds currently have the Ravens as one of the favourites to lift the Vince Lombardi trophy come the end of the season and should they reach the Super Bowl there is no doubt that they will look back on the London Game as one of the highlights of their journey there.
With tickets regularly selling out for these games in record breaking times and other regular season games taking place across the pond, many football fans will instead look for alternative viewing spaces. Luckily, in a city as diverse and cultured as London, the options are plentiful. Let’s take a look at the best places to watch the NFL in the Big Smoke.
Passyunk Avenue
Homed in the heart of chic Fitzrovia, Passyunk Avenue is perfect for enthusiasts of the NFL. Inspired by the City of Brotherly Love, this Philadelphia-styled dive bar offers up one of the most authentic American-sports viewing experiences of any other in the nation. They regularly screen televised games kicking off at 6 and 9pm, though will also screen any Philadelphia Eagles game that begins outside of regular scheduled times. You can feast on cheesesteaks, buffalo wings and other classic American regional dishes while you bask in the buzzing ambience. Vibrant décor and an excellent beer selection rounds off this unique venue for the ultimate NFL experience.
The Barrowboy & Banker
Southern hospitality is one of the things that makes the US great and at the Barrowboy & Banker you can get a taste of what you are missing here in the UK. The lively London Bridge pub is well known for how it has embraced the NFL fandom, boasting an NFL room made for gamedays complete with decorative team memorabilia and a special gameday menu. They have hosted fans travelling for the London games since 2018, welcoming an incredible atmosphere akin to the tailgating experience that US sports are so famous for.
The Dugout at Belushi’s London Bridge
The clue is in the name for this one. Another venue tucked away in London Bridge, Belushi’s has one of the most luxury viewing experiences for all sports in the city with their ‘Dugout’ decked out with 4k Ultra HD screens, complete with Sky Q and Dolby Atmos surround sound. The also offer table service throughout the venue so you don’t miss a second of the action during fixture. You can play beer pong, drink from a great selection of beers and eat from their carefully crafted American style menu. Even if it is exceptionally busy, every booth comes equipped with its own TV screen making it near impossible for us fans to miss any of the big game.
Riley’s Sports Bar
With four locations in central London, you should never be too far away from Riley’s Sports Bar. They have a wide selection of American beers on tap as well as an American inspired menu to chow down on while watching the game. With several TVs dotted around the venue as well as a big screen for big fixtures, there is ample options for NFL fans to watch a number of games along with others in this lively atmosphere.
The Kings Sports Bar at The Empire Casino
The Kings Sports Bar at the Empire Casino in the heart of the bustling Leicester Square offers a truly unforgettable viewing experience for NFL fans. The atmosphere is second to none with their huge space packed full of seating options in front of their two giant screens. They are the home-from-home of the NFL in London and their partnership with Budweiser allows for a true American experience. What sets this apart from some of the other venues is that it is open 24/7. This means no matter the kickoff, you can always catch the game at the Empire Casino, ideal for the playoffs and of course the Super Bowl. The Empire Casino is a landmark of London and this experience is second to none.
London is a sports driven city and these are just a few of the best options for the all-in NFL experience. Grab your jerseys, your friends and a beer and sit back in some of these iconic venues, immersing yourself in the electrifying world of American Football in England’s capital.