21 best places to watch the World Cup 2018 semi-finals in London, from outdoor screens to sports bars
The nail-biting final rounds of the 2018 World Cup are here - and England have made it through to the World Cup semi-finals.
But the next few days are so much more than just football. Nations across the globe come together in the name of sporting prowess, corporate muscle and international camaraderie - but it is also a great excuse to go to the pub.
Below are the best venues in London with big screens to watch every match. Many have gardens so you can kick back and enjoy the footie in the sun and you and your friends can share in the collective euphoria, grief and apathy that comes with following the English national team.
Read on for the best of London's watering holes. For the rest of the UK, have a glance here.
Flat Iron Square, London Bridge
Every single game will be screened in the garden of this venue in London Bridge, making it one of the only places in London to watch the action outdoors. But what if it rains? No matter. Head indoors to its pop-up ski chalet Après London to watch it on a 100-inch HD TV. Genius. Bookings not possible.
Hyde Park
England's semi-final against Croatia will be broadcast to 30,000 in Hyde Park, it has been confirmed. A ticket ballot will open at the link above from 4pm Monday 9 July, closing at midnight. All tickets will be free, with a maximum of four per applicant.
De Hems, Soho
Long a favourite with sports fans, this historic Dutch pub in the centre of town should be at the head of many a list of where to watch the World Cup.
Jerusalem, Fitzrovia
Not far from Tottenham Court Road, Jerusalem promises to show every match in the tournament, while offering special World Cup packages on food and drink.
Tropicana Beach Club, Covent Garden
Who doesn’t like a beach-themed sports bar? Tables are available to book and there will be a special menu for all the games.
Piano Works, Farringdon
With live music after every match, and special offers available, bookings are available for all World Cup games shown in the central bar.
The Warwick, Piccadilly Circus
This pub on the cusp of Soho will show every game of the tournament, and spaces are available to hire.
Zlatans, Clapham
The Zlatans pop-up at Infernos in Clapham is back for the World Cup and showing all the big games on a big screen. For those not in the know, Zlatan Ibrahimovic - now retired from international duty - is something of a cult hero among football fans owing to his comical arrogance.
Bounce, Farringdon and Shoreditch
The table tennis bars will be showing all games but putting on extra special screenings for certain nations at its two venues in London. Farringdon will celebrate the matches of England and France, while the Old Street branch will mark England, Spain and Brazil.
Last Days of Shoreditch, Shoreditch
The pop-up’s “enchanted garden” claims to have one of the biggest screens in London to show an array of games, including all of England’s.
Bar Kick, Shoreditch
Before, during and after the games, indulge in yet more football by playing table football at Kick.
Skylight, Tobacco Dock
This roof-top venue in east London will have both indoor and outdoor screens for the World Cup this summer.
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Roadhouse, Covent Garden
The popular central bar will show all the tournament’s matches across multiple screens, including four giant ones, replete with live bands and drinks offers.
Boxpark, Croydon and Shoreditch
Tickets are available to watch the World Cup at these two trendy venues at opposite ends of town.
Ten Bells, Whitechapel
The famous Jack the Ripper pub will be showing all the games in its downstairs bar, with a big screen in the upstairs bar for more important matches.
The Water Poet, Shoreditch
All games will be shown across the Water Poet’s nine screens, including those in the garden. A large cinema screen has been set up in the cellar bar.
Pitch Stratford, Stratford
This outdoor bar in the east will be showing the majority of games on its 196-inch HD screen, with some free to enter and others bookable at £5 a head, including a drink on arrival.
Sushi Samba, Shoreditch
The Heron Tower restaurant will be showing games on its 39th-floor Tree Terrace. Sadly the three countries from which it takes inspiration, Peru, Brazil and Japan, have been eliminated from the tournament.
Galvin Hop, Spitalfields
This gastropub will show every game from Russia across its numerous TVs and large screens. Food and drinks offers are available.
Greenwood, Victoria
The central bar has more screens than you can shake a stick at, including a number of large projectors, and has promised to show every game.
The London Edition, Fitzrovia
Basement at the London Edition hotel will host Bad Sports showings of a selection of World Cup games, including all of England's. Entry is free but tickets can be purchased in advance for £20, including a taco, beer and margarita.
Hotel Mundial, Shoreditch
Alternative football magazine Mundial is hosting a World Cup pop-up at the Truman Brewery, showing every game from Russia.
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