If you're a dedicated sports fan, then a friendly pub with good TVs showing all the sports is an essential venue to have on your radar wherever you happen to be in London.
Happily, there are plenty of great venues in South Bank to catch all the action live on the big screen.
Centre Court comes to the South Bank this summer with free open-air screenings at The Understudy in front of the National Theatre. For two weeks, a Wimbledon big screen will pop up on The Understudy terrace and keeping things perfectly to theme, they're adding Pimm's and strawberries and cream to the menu! Wimbledon 2025 takes place from 30 June to 13 July.
Sports shown: Premier League, EFL, Champions League, Formula 1, international cricket, rugby, golf and football
Where better to find a spot to cheer on your team than at the biggest bar in the UK?! BrewDog Waterloo is massive, boasting a whopping 17 different TV screens. Despite the size of the place, 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 that if there's a big sporting clash happening - chances are they'll have a TV showing it. Check out the latest screening schedules here.
Sports shown: Premier League, international tennis, rugby and football
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. The pub is well known among locals as a late opening spot (closing at 1:30am), 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.
Sports shown: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS
Enjoy the relaxed vibe and frank and friendly service of this classic Philly dive bar, located inside one of the arches in the Leake Street graffiti tunnel. Super popular with American expats, they serve an all-American menu of beers, wings, cheesesteaks and sport. A dozen screens scattered across the venue show all the biggest sports live from the US – especially NFL, college football, basketball and baseball. And yes, that means they open late for those red-eye matches too!
Their annual Super Bowl Sunday screening party also sees the tunnel itself used as a venue for a huge pop-up screen and pre-match tailgate party.
Sports shown: Premier League, international rugby and football
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 live. In particular, the pub favours football and rugby screening the Premier League, Six Nations, Champions League, the Euros and the World Cup.
Sports shown: international rugby and football
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.
Sports shown: Premier League, international rugby, football and tennis
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 matches live and a courtyard terrace out the back for taking a breather.
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.
Sports shown: Premier League, international rugby and football
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, central location and friendly mix of local residents and office workers.
The Mulberry Bush is a Young's pub with a choice selection of Young’s cask and local ales behind the bar and during big tournaments like the Euros or Six Nations they often have special promotions running. It's also dog-friendly, so bring your pooch along with you to watch the big match!
Sports shown: Premier League, international rugby and football
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.
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great day out sightseeing in South Bank.
