Top 10 Sports Pubs in the UK – Best Places to Watch the Big Game

Across the UK, sports fans flock to pubs and bars decked out with big screens, booming sound systems and lively crowds. From London to Edinburgh and everywhere in between, these venues are dedicated to airing football, rugby, cricket, NFL, darts and more. We’ve scoured existing guides and awards lists to find ten of the best sports pubs in Britain – true fan hangouts where match-day atmosphere is king. These picks include historic London institutions, vibrant city-centre bars, and friendly local pubs, each equipped to show live sport on multiple screens. The Famous Three Kings in Fulham, for example, “airs 49 sports across 22 screens in dozens of languages” and has won Britain’s Sports Pub of the Year three times, making it a global meeting point for fans. In Edinburgh, Amber Rose boasts “a fabulous number of HD screens, plus both BT and Sky Sports,” earning its reputation as a top-notch sports bar. Read on for our full list of the UK’s top sports pubs and bars to catch the big game.

1. Spy Bar – Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle’s Spy Bar is a student-oriented sports venue in the Jesmond district that lives up to its “vibrant atmosphere” reputation. It packs 11 indoor screens and 2 outdoor screens (plus 3 Sky Sports boxes) into a two-floor space, so fans can watch multiple games at once. Football is its biggest draw, but Spy Bar also shows darts, Formula 1, rugby and more. With multiple sound zones, you won’t miss key moments even when several matches are on simultaneously. The pub keeps matchdays lively with promotions like “Wings Wednesday” and burger discounts to coincide with big games. In my experience, Spy Bar’s young crowd and pub-food menu (think chicken wings, loaded fries and burgers) make it a no-nonsense spot to enjoy sports over a pint. There’s even a limited membership card that regulars snap up – it grants 40% off on key match nights. All in all, Spy Bar delivers big-screen action with a student-friendly vibe, earning it a strong following among Newcastle fans.

2. The Minories – London (Tower Hill)

Tower Hill’s The Minories is a huge multi-level sports pub and bar under Stonegate ownership, right in the City of London. With over 30 screens spread across several indoor areas and a large rear beer garden, it’s designed so that wherever you sit, you’ll have a view of the game. Major events – from Premier League football to the Super Bowl – draw massive crowds here. The pub runs themed food and drink menus on big game days (for example special platters or wings deals) and even offers table service and advance booking for very popular matches. Despite the focus on sport, The Minories also emphasises a solid food and drink offering: cocktails, craft beers and even bottomless brunches on weekends. The atmosphere is “high-energy,” with chants and cheers echoing off the stone walls – imagine a stadium-like buzz in a pub setting. In short, The Minories is one of London’s premier sports bars, perfect for fans wanting a full-match experience with quality grub and plenty of room to breathe.

3. Pinnacle Sports & Games – Leeds

In Leeds city centre, the Pinnacle Sports & Games (formerly Pinnacle Beer & Gin Hall) has been revamped into a sports pub paradise. It now features 17 screens, 20 beer taps and several Sky Sports boxes, so it covers all the big leagues – football, rugby, F1 and cricket are all broadcast here. It’s not just TV screens, either: there’s also an array of pub games (pool, darts and even basketball hoops on occasion) for patrons to enjoy during breaks. The pub prides itself on its inclusive, community feel while still catering to sports fans. Weekly promotions (like £4 pints or trivia nights) keep locals engaged, but on match-days the focus is definitely on the TV. Pinnacle’s menu leans American-style: think pizzas, burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries – hearty pub grub meant to fuel fans through a long game. The layout is bright and spacious (with much of the sports area on a mezzanine floor), and in practice you’ll hear cheers every time Leeds United or any big team scores. All told, Pinnacle Sports & Games is the go-to sports pub in Leeds for its mix of live games, drinks variety and laid-back bar games.

4. Cherry Tree – Plymouth

On the South West coast, the Cherry Tree in Plymouth has transformed into a thriving sports and community hub. It boasts 14 screens (8 inside, 6 out in the garden) along with three private Sky Sports booths, so fans rarely have to miss the action due to crowding. The pub is very family-friendly but also packed with atmosphere on big match days – you’ll often find a legion of Plymouth Argyle fans settled in for a green-and-white sea of football support. Beyond football, the Cherry Tree also hosts multiple darts leagues (over 20 teams across nine local leagues) and live music or quiz nights when sports aren’t on. In addition to the dozens of screens, there are multiple sound zones, so parts of the pub can even catch separate matches simultaneously. Community engagement is big here: the pub raises thousands for charity (for example £10,000 for a youth mental-health charity through events) and champions local ales and food. It’s “wet-led” with dozens of keg and cask beers, most sourced nearby to support local breweries. In short, Plymouth’s Cherry Tree combines hardcore sports viewing (indoors and out) with genuine local warmth – a comfortable pint-and-a-match venue during the season and a lively community hangout at other times.

5. Gardeners Arms (aka Murderers) – Norwich

Norwich’s Gardeners Arms (paired with the adjacent Murderers pub) has become an award-winning sports pub. In fact it was named Best Pub to Watch Sport in the UK (Best Pub Awards 2024) for its consistent sports credentials. The venue has 15 TVs which can be split into different viewing zones, giving it one of the most flexible screen setups in the country. Whether it’s Premier League footy, international rugby or the women’s Euros, you’ll find a match on here most of the time. The pub management even touts new high-spec screens and plans for wristband entry on super-busy match nights. A key part of its appeal is the local focus: nearly all beer, spirits and food are sourced from Norfolk and nearby producers. Indeed, the pub is central to Norwich’s “City of Ale” pub trail, and it will soon be launching an app as part of that. Still, you can expect all the usual sports-pub trappings – burgers, pizza, cheap pints – served up beside those screens. Overall, the Gardeners Arms (with the connected Murderers bar) blends deep community ties and local flavour with top-notch sports coverage. Fans here rave about the combination of “major sporting events” on every screen and the friendly, inclusive vibe.

6. Kings Arms – Birmingham (Kings Heath)

Birmingham’s Kings Arms in Kings Heath is another stonegate site that’s been given a sports-focused makeover. It now packs 18 screens and multiple sound zones into its recently renovated space. Home to many Aston Villa and Birmingham City supporters, the pub has a loyal football crowd who come out for every big match. Managers here emphasise affordable pricing – pints and meals are deliberately kept cheap – so fans can stay for multiple rounds of footy without breaking the bank. In my visits, I’ve found the atmosphere lively yet family-friendly: live music and quiz nights happen in the bar area on non-match nights, and during games the mood shifts to focused but celebratory cheering. The Kings Arms also sponsors local sports teams, further cementing its community role. In short, this Kings Heath pub is thriving as an inexpensive, high-energy sports bar – a place where locals gather for footy on TV and a good-value pint, just a stone’s throw from Villa Park.

7. Bar Kick at The Shoreditch Arms – London (Shoreditch)

Bar Kick, housed below the Shoreditch Arms pub in East London, is a trendy two-floor sports bar that draws tech workers and creatives. Its 12 large 4K TVs ensure you don’t miss a moment of any major match. Bar Kick boldly advertises itself as “East London’s mecca for … live sport” – and it shows everything from Premier League football and European soccer to rugby, NFL and boxing on its screens. The layout is split between a downstairs area (a pub feel) and a more clubby basement – both packed with screens and tables. One unique draw is the in-house foosball area: championship-grade table football (hence the name “Bar Kick”) occupies a large part of the ground floor. You’ll also find dart boards lining the walls, plus an ample selection of burgers, chicken wings and craft beers to fuel your cheering. Patron reviews frequently praise Bar Kick’s “vibrant atmosphere” and “friendly staff”, reflecting the fact that it really comes alive when a big game is on. In practice, I’ve seen the crowd erupt on every goal and touchdown, with phones up for instant replays. All told, Bar Kick in Shoreditch combines a sports-pub vibe with bar games and cocktails, making it a modern London spot to watch sports on the biggest screens.

8. Famous Three Kings – London (Fulham)

One of London’s most legendary sports pubs, the Famous Three Kings in West London (Fulham/West Kensington) is an institution for big-match viewing. This pub routinely makes lists of the UK’s best sports bars. It won the national Great British Pub Award for Sports Pub of the Year three years in a row. Inside, you’ll find 22 screens broadcasting “49 sports” around the clock, so it’s common to see flags from all over the world on the walls. Indeed, it’s famous for airing everything from Champions League soccer to Finnish ice hockey and even niche sports, in dozens of languages. The space itself is large but cozy, with booths, long tables and an accessible layout. As an ambassador for sporting comradeship, the Three Kings attracts not just locals but international fans (and even receives shout-outs from foreign TV channels). Beer on tap is extensive and well-kept, and the kitchen serves pub classics (fish & chips, burgers, hearty brunch on weekends). In short, the Famous Three Kings lives up to its reputation: it feels like a global sports stadium transplanted into a pub setting, with an electric crowd that unites fans of every team.

9. The Director’s Box – Manchester

Right in Manchester city centre (on Booth Street), The Director’s Box is a purpose-built sports bar attracting the city centre crowd. Its modern interior is wired for sports: multiple HD screens are placed throughout the venue so fans literally can’t stand without catching at least one screen. The pub advertises itself as “one of the best places to watch live football in Manchester”, and the design backs that up – no matter where you sit, you’re just steps from a TV. It covers all major games (football, rugby, boxing, cricket and more) on channels like BT Sport and Sky Sports, and it stays open late on weekend nights to catch late kickoffs. The menu is very all-day: breakfast and brunch plates early, moving to burgers, wings and loaded nachos during games, plus a full cocktail and beer list on tap. With its central location and energetic atmosphere, The Director’s Box feels as much like a sports arena concourse as a pub – it’s popular for meet-ups before concerts or for post-match drinks. In short, Manchester’s Director’s Box delivers the formula of good food, flowing pints and dozens of screens, making it a reliable spot to gather for live sport.

10. Amber Rose – Edinburgh

Heading north to Scotland, the Amber Rose in central Edinburgh (on Lothian Road) is often cited among Scotland’s best sports bars. This cosy pub bar is “home to a fabulous number of HD screens” and carries all the key sports channels (Sky, BT and ESPN) so you can watch Premiership football, rugby internationals, or international tennis with no fuss. Its interior is fairly simple – wooden floors and stools – but the crowd and beer selection do much of the work. On big match days (think Scotland rugby at Murrayfield or a Celtic derby), the place fills up with passionate fans. Affordable food deals are another draw; the pub offers weekly specials on burgers, pizza and wings that make game-watching even more enjoyable. In my experience, Amber Rose nails the basics: the beer is cold, the games are always on (and not muted), and there’s an inclusive friendly atmosphere even for a visitor. It may not be a sprawling mega-bar, but as one guide noted, Amber Rose “has earned itself quite the reputation as a fantastic sports bar in the city centre”.

Each of these ten pubs and bars delivers on what sports fans want: big screens, a lively crowd of fellow supporters, and a solid drink-and-food menu to keep the energy up. Whether you’re in London, Liverpool, Manchester, or anywhere in the UK, you can find a dedicated venue to watch live sports with proper atmosphere. (A bonus tip: for many major matches, reservations or arriving early can help ensure you grab a table.) All of the above venues routinely top lists of sports pubs UK and best sports bars UK – so no matter which you visit, you’re in good hands.