Where to watch sports in South Bank

BrewDog Waterloo

Where better to find a spot to cheer on your team than at the biggest bar in the UK?! BrewDog Waterloo is massive.  In addition to a whopping 17 TV screens, there are a variety of other attractions that include duckpin bowling lanes, a microbrewery, a secret cocktail bar and the famous BrewDog slide. Despite the size, it is still worth booking ahead to secure a table on big match days.

BrewDog Waterloo is the central London hub for Sky Sports and TNT screenings, meaning there's a broad range of sports available to watch including Premier League football, the F1 Championship,  American football, international rugby, EFL trophy matches and golf. Check out the latest screening schedules here.

The Thirsty Bear

Located on Stamford Street, a short walk from the Oxo Tower and Blackfriars Station, The Thirsty Bear is a friendly sports pub with eight TVs and a large projector showing all the big sporting events. If you can't miss a minute of the game, the pub also has a handy ordering system with iPads installed on the tables so you can place an order from your seat. The Thirsty Bear is well known among locals as a late opening pub, handy if the match you are watching is heading to extra time, or you want to stay out that little bit longer after the game to celebrate.

Passyunk Avenue

Enjoy the relaxed vibe and frank and friendly service of this all-American Philly dive bar, located inside one of the arches in the Leake Street graffiti tunnel. A popular venue for American expats to come together and guzzle down some all-American beers and wings while watching all the biggest sports live from the US – especially NFL, college football, basketball and baseball – on a huge screen. And yes, that means they open late for those red-eye matches too! Their annual Super Bowl Sunday screening party, which sees an extra big screen erected inside the Leake Street tunnel itself, is always a fun event, especially if you are a big NFL fan.

Fountain & Ink

This stylish modern pub is an airy hangout that attracts the crowds for its large craft beer selection, tasty gastropub grub and buzzing after-work atmosphere. There’s also a selection of TVs showing the biggest matches and on Tuesdays and Thursdays (which are, in case you hadn’t noticed, the new Fridays!) this pub is an especially lively spot. In particular the pub screens the biggest Premier League fixtures and the Six Nations as well as international football tournaments such as Champions League, the Euros and the World Cup.

Hole in the Wall

Opened in 1947 in a railway arch opposite the entrance to Waterloo Station, the Hole in The Wall is a local institution. A firmly independent pub, they offer one of the most interesting cask ales selections, while their old-fashioned decor gives it a quirky and charming dive bar feel.  If you are a rugby fan you'll find good company here. Despite being firmly Not a Sports Pub (there's only one small screen!), the pub has become an infamous pitstop for rugby fans hopping on trains to and from Twickenham.

Doggett’s Coat & Badge

For a classic pub experience right on the river, Doggett's Coat and Badge next to Blackfriars Bridge is the place. There are plenty of TV screens to catch the biggest England matches live and a courtyard terrace out the back for taking a breather. The name is a tribute to Thomas Doggett, the organiser of the London Bridge to Chelsea rowing race. First held in 1715, it is said to be the oldest continuous sporting event in the UK. A Nicholson's Pub, Doggett's has a decent range of cask ales on tap and a classic pub food menu. Like other nearby pubs, when it comes to showing sports the emphasis is on international tournaments (including the Six Nations and Wimbledon) and major Premier League clashes.

The Mulberry Bush

Situated just behind Gabriel's Wharf and a stone's throw from the river, this colourful local pub is known for its proper British roast lunches served on Sundays with the fluffiest yorkies, crispy roasties and of course lashings of proper gravy. The Mulberry Bush is a Young's pub and behind the bar is a choice selection of Young’s cask and local ales. It's also dog friendly, so bring your pooch along with you to watch the big match!

Victory Pub

A great spot to meet for drinks before or after a train journey, this is a chic, lively and spacious pub with a broad choice of wines, spirits and all the most popular craft beer options. For sports fans there are lots of TV screens and a huge bar, meaning that wherever you sit you will always be close enough to the action. The Victory shows sports year-round, with a particular emphasis on the Premier League and international football and rugby.