When we can’t be in the stands for a live match, we head to the next best thing: sports bars, where the collective excitement hums through the crowd, making it feel like we’re right there on the sidelines. To experience that pulse of shared anticipation, check out these top picks I’ve selected for the Best Pubs for Football Fans award — venues where the atmosphere crackles with energy, beers keep flowing, and there’s no chance of missing a goal.
Bar Kick in Shoreditch is that rare kind of place where, in a matter of minutes, you may find yourself in a new conversation (and I hope it’s not just me). The ambiance is laid-back, fun, and contagious. Everyone’s enjoying themselves without trying too hard. With 4K screens scattered around, you won’t miss a thing — whether it's football, Formula 1, rugby, cricket, or several games playing simultaneously.
The menu follows suit: simple but satisfying, with craft beers and classic pub bites. Order Korean chicken wings, braised beef tacos, and Johnny Ca$h burger, packing a serious punch with jalapeños. If you’re in need of a post-work wind-down, happy hour at Bar Kick is the perfect excuse. Plus, you can enjoy a few rounds of table football or darts with friends. A special shoutout to the staff: when my group showed up, they handled us with grace, and any small hiccups were sorted out before they could even ruin the vibe.
Korean chicken wings — £9.5
This longstanding neighborhood pub in West Kensington is exactly what you need if your sports interests lean a little more niche. Sure, football gets the lion’s share of attention, but I was impressed to see that the staff can set up a screen for something a bit more unexpected. So, I suppose if you're into chessboxing or ultimate frisbee, don't hesitate to ask them.
Famous Three Kings sprawls across several floors, each with a cozy, fresh feel, and there are pool tables to keep everyone entertained. But my focus was mostly on the game and my glass, which somehow always stayed half full. While they’ve got an excellent beer selection and a surprisingly top-notch lineup of gins, I decided to venture into cocktails. Not trying to win any sophistication awards, they were great in their down-to-earth way — solid espresso martini, classic margarita, and zesty Aperol spritz. And yes, I couldn’t resist their stone-baked pizza. So glad I didn’t, because it was seriously awesome.
Pepperoni pizza — £15.5
Recently opened in Angel Central, Northwood feels more like a modern bar than your typical pub — and that’s a good thing. With sleek, elegant, and contemporary decor, it is outfitted with screens and an immersive sound system, all seamlessly integrated into the space, making it the perfect spot to catch all the major sports events. There’s also a charming wood-decked terrace with plants — a cozy alternative for those not too into football or anyone needing a breather after a questionable penalty call.
I came for the Premier League match, and though the venue was packed, settling into a comfy booth made everything feel relaxed and private. While the focus is on classic bar food, they take it up a notch. I got crispy squid with an Asian twist, delicious fish & chips, and a well-executed Caesar salad. I left more than satisfied, especially after washing it all down with a couple of cold draughts.
Fish and chips — £19
No one’s going to argue with this: football just goes better with beer. And when that beer’s brewed right on site by folks who really care about what they’re doing, it’s even more compelling. With a constantly rotating tap selection, you're bound to find something you like. I tried a few rounds and found them creative and seriously good. Honestly, I’d swap a pumpkin spice latte for their seasonal pumpkin lager if only it came in a to-go cup. Don’t judge me on that.
The design takes cues from classic factory styles, with robust wood & leather furnishings, emerald tiles, polished tanks that gleam under the lights, and fun images of the brewing process. If you’re lucky enough to make it on weekdays at 5 PM, you can dive into bottomless nachos with fresh guacamole, prepared daily. I missed the timing, but I did try them from the regular menu, and they’re definitely worth recommending, along with American-style cheeseburgers made with British beef.
Fully loaded nachos — £8.5
The Moretown Belle in London has a versatile vibe and can be just about anything you’re after. The space can flex easily between being a chill spot for sharing a bottle of wine on the terrace, a lively dining setup, or a fully equipped sports bar. I was there for the latter, and they had it all — screens covering every angle, pool tables, dartboards, and solid pub bites to go with a draught beer lineup that didn’t disappoint.
The interior has an American retro feel, with black-and-white checkered floors, a flashy bar, neon signage all around, and plenty of seating areas to suit whatever mood you’re in. You won’t miss a beat here, as they’re streaming everything from Premier League matches to US championships. When it came to the food, they had an extensive selection of burgers, including some unusual sweet options that I didn't dare to try. Instead, I went with a classic beef burger, and it was pretty good, though I was more impressed with smoky BBQ ribs.
Burger — £14.95