This year’s World Cup is attracting unprecedented TV audiences across the globe, with more than three billion people glued to their screens to keep up with the action.
Throughout the group stages, households across south west London have been tuning in to watch the twists and turns, from Russia’s opening win to Germany’s shock departure.
But now, they enter the knockout stages and the tension really starts to ramp up. The World Cup only comes around every four years, so why not make an event of it – there is nothing like gathering around a big screen with a whole lot of fellow fans in a special environment. Here are five ideas – why not see how many you can tick off between now and the final?
The Hippodrome Casino
Casino culture has never been stronger in the UK. In part, that is down to the smartphone revolution leading to an explosion in new UK brands of online casinos and bonuses. But the real-world casinos are also more popular than ever, and the Hippodrome attracts more customers than any other casino in London.
What makes this a little different from, say, the Grosvenor or Empire is that the Hippodrome is also recognised as one of the best places in the capital to catch live sporting events. They will be showing every match on six big screens in the cavernous Heliot Bar – you don’t have to be a member, and there are some great food deals on offer throughout the World Cup.
Tropicana Beach Club
The summer seems to have decided it is really here at last, so why not mix your World Cup viewing with a beach party? In the West End of London? It can only be Covent Garden! This funky venue has huge screens with surround sound, so you won’t miss a second of the action, no matter how crowded it gets.
The Tropicana is offering a World Cup menu that’s packed full of crowd pleasers, and there’s even a special Stolichnaya cocktail that’s been specially prepared to honour the host nation.
De Hems
This Dutch pub on Macclesfield Street has long been a favourite among sports fans. In previous years, the pub has been a mass of orange, as loyal fans have filled the place and got behind their team. Despite the Netherlands failure to qualify this year, the shirts will still be worn, and the sports-mad Dutch will be enjoying every game.
The pub has an eclectic range of craft beers, and some delicious snacks and light bites. If you’ve never been before, give it a look – you are guaranteed a warm welcome, whatever colour shirt you are wearing!
Zlatan’s Pop Up
Right on our doorstep at Infernos in Clapham, the pop up that honours the inimitable Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back, to celebrate the World Cup in the unique style of the great man. Zlatan’s promises a stadium-like atmosphere, football singalongs and coverage of every match with big screens and cinematic sound. Most important of all, you are guaranteed “arrogance on tap.”
Boxpark
This trendy pop up mall on Croydon’s George Street offers traditional street food, with a focus on local independent businesses. The entire mall is constructed from old shipping containers, and opened in 2016, following the success of the first Boxpark in Shoreditch, which arrived five years earlier.
Boxpark will be showing every game on big screens – if you want a unique venue where you have an eclectic choice of food and drink to enjoy while you catch the matches, then this should definitely be near the top of your list.
