Rugby’s fiercest rivalry is about to return to centre stage, and in London, that means one thing: finding the perfect place to watch it. From historic rugby pubs where the walls shake with every scrum, to slick sports bars boasting wall-to-wall screens and craft beer on tap, the capital is packed with venues ready to turn the Six Nations into a citywide celebration.
This year, with anticipation high and fixtures promising edge‑of‑the‑seat drama, london-now.co.uk has scoured the city to uncover the best spots for fans to follow every kick, clash and conversion. Whether you’re after a family‑friendly atmosphere, a late‑night party vibe or a local where regulars know their rucks from their mauls, these are the London locations set to deliver the ultimate Six Nations experience.
Prime pub terraces and beer gardens where to catch every kick in the capital
From riverside decks to sky-high terraces, London’s outdoor rugby scene is built for big-match drama. Many of the capital’s standout spots are now kitted out with giant LED screens, covered and heated seating, and table-service pints so you never miss a conversion queuing at the bar. Expect fan anthems, impromptu singalongs and the unmistakable clatter of pint glasses whenever a last-minute penalty sails through the posts. For those plotting their matchday HQ, it’s worth booking early – the best beer gardens are snapped up weeks in advance, especially for England fixtures and the final weekend.
Several venues have turned their terraces into full-blown fan zones, pairing craft pours with comfort food built for cold-weather kick-offs. Look out for:
- Heated pergolas and fire pits to keep the crowd warm long after the late game.
- Stadium-style sound systems so the referee’s whistle cuts clearly above the chatter.
- Table packages with pitchers, sharing platters and guaranteed screen views.
- Post-match DJs to carry celebrations – or commiserations – into the night.
| Venue Type | Best For | Matchday Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Rooftop terrace | Sunset kick-offs | Book front-row booths |
| Canal-side garden | Big groups | Pre-order sharing jugs |
| Courtyard pub | All-weather viewing | Choose covered benches |
Rugby bars with giant screens expert commentary and a serious match day atmosphere
When every decibel and replay matters, certain London venues are effectively purpose-built stadiums with bars attached. Vast HD screens dominate exposed-brick walls, surround sound tracks every ruck and maul, and in-house pundits break down set-plays between pints.Expect live expert commentary from former semi-pros and podcast regulars, pre-match tactics chats, and post-match analysis that runs long after the final whistle. The result is a tightly wound, theater-like intensity where even neutrals find themselves choosing a side before kick-off.
These are the rooms where regulars know the referee signals, bar staff time drinks to the break in play, and you’re more likely to overhear debates about defensive lines than office gossip. To lock in the full experience, look for venues offering:
- Wall-to-wall screens with no obstructed views, even at the bar
- Dedicated sound zones so commentary isn’t drowned out by background playlists
- Matchday MCs or pundit panels hosting quizzes, Q&As and halftime breakdowns
- Reserved fan zones for each nation, complete with flags and themed menus
- Table service during peak moments, so you never miss a conversion
| Venue Vibe | Best For | Matchday Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Old-school rugby pub | Hardcore fans | Post-match pundit Q&A |
| Sports hall mega-bar | Big groups | Stadium-style giant screen |
| Gastro sports lounge | Date night & foodies | Themed Six Nations menu |
Family friendly venues serving standout food and Six Nations themed menus
Rugby day with little ones in tow no longer has to mean soggy chips and a sticky table by the door. Across the capital, a new wave of pubs and casual dining spots are pairing big screens with genuinely enterprising cooking – think slow-braised lamb shoulder pies, wood-fired sourdough pizzas and kids’ roast plates that look like mini versions of the grown-up special. Many venues now offer colouring sheets of team jerseys, half-time quizzes and dedicated buggy parking, while sound levels are managed so you can still hear the commentary without rattling younger eardrums. Early kick-offs are matched with brunch-style menus, non-alcoholic pairings and barista coffee, making it easy to linger for the full 80 minutes.
Look out for limited-run menus that riff on the tournament’s competing nations, with chefs having fun beyond the usual burger-and-wings playbook.A typical match-day line-up might feature:
- England: Beef and ale pie with onion gravy; cauliflower ‘wings’ for younger or veggie fans.
- Ireland: Stout-braised brisket sliders; colcannon croquettes sized for small hands.
- France: Croque monsieur bites; crème brûlée served in sharing ramekins.
- Italy: Mini margherita pizzas; pasta bowls with simple tomato and basil.
- Scotland & Wales: Haggis bonbons or leek-and-cheese bites; shortbread and bara brith for dessert.
| Venue Feature | Why Families Like It |
|---|---|
| Kids’ Six Nations menu | Small portions, simple flavours, match-day pricing |
| Screened family zone | Clear view of the game without the crush of the main bar |
| Table service | No queuing at the bar with restless children |
| Early sittings | Perfect for afternoon kick-offs and bedtimes |
Hidden neighbourhood gems for local fans seeking crowds without the chaos
Beyond the West End’s shoulder-to-shoulder scrum, London’s outer postcodes are quietly fielding some of the city’s most atmospheric rugby rooms. Think south-of-the-river locals where the licensees know their line-outs from their lager, north London boozers with vintage shirts nailed to the ceiling, and east side microbreweries pouring limited-batch IPAs every time England cross the whitewash. These are the places where you can still walk in 20 minutes before kick-off, find a solid view of the screen and hear actual analysis over the commentary rather of the roar of a thousand birthday parties.
These neighbourhood strongholds lean on character over choreography, swapping booking deposits and wristbands for regulars, proper pints and bar staff who actually care what the score is. Typical fixtures include:
- Community-led taprooms in Peckham and Walthamstow with big screens,food trucks and families mixing with die-hards.
- Old-school corner pubs in Tooting, Highbury and Shepherd’s Bush where the Guinness flows and the landlord still rings a bell before kick-off.
- Rugby clubhouses on the fringes of Richmond and Blackheath, open to non-members on match days and serving post-game barbecue in the car park.
| Area | Vibe | Match-Day Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Peckham | Craft taps & street food | Local breweries on draught |
| Highbury | Traditional terrace pub | Ceiling-high rugby memorabilia |
| Richmond fringe | Clubhouse casual | Post-match BBQ and touch rugby |
To Wrap It Up
Whether you’re after a raucous pub packed to the rafters, a big-screen fan zone, or a more laid‑back local with reliably good pints, London isn’t short of places to plant yourself for this year’s Six Nations. From north to south, east to west, the capital offers a venue for every kind of supporter – and every kind of kick‑off time.
As the tournament unfolds, it’s worth checking booking policies, screening schedules and any special match‑day menus in advance; the most popular spots fill up fast, especially for England fixtures and Saturday evening clashes.But wherever you end up, the city’s mix of expat haunts, traditional boozers and purpose‑built sports bars means you’re unlikely to be watching alone.
Though your team fares over the coming weeks, London’s rugby‑mad venues will ensure you’re in good company – and within easy reach of a celebratory (or consolatory) round.
