London Pubs & Football

Our Local Expert Says:

Not your regular drunken football crowd, the best place to take a family for a dose of English football

Description:

For years this venue has been making headlines as much for the action and antics in the stands and by the fans as for the sports on the field. Home of the Fulham Football Club since 1896, football fans from all over England make their way to Craven Cottage for regional, national and international games. Capacity is over 22,000. Guided tours are available of the historic grounds; check website for dates, times and prices.

Our Local Expert Says:

Crème de la crème of the English Football tradition. Scoring tickets is difficult if you are not a season ticket holder. Beware to fake tickets from touts & expect to pay up to £100 per ticket for a big match.

Description:

Officially opened in 1877, Stamford Bridge has been the home of the Chelsea Football Club since 1905. The stadium is located at the site of one of the most famous battles of King Harold's reign in 1066 against the Vikings. Now, the battles have moved to the football field for over 42,000 spectators to enjoy. Fans from around the world stop by Stamford Bridge to check out national competitions at one of the best and largest football stadiums in Europe. The stadium is located in the west of London approximately 5km from the city centre. Guided stadium tours are available; check website for more information.

Description:

The foundation of this carefully preserved building was laid in the 13th century, and it holds the most famous of the old City chophouses and pubs. Established in 1667, it claims to be the spot where Dr. Samuel Johnson entertained admirers with his acerbic wit. Charles Dickens and other literary lions patronized the place. Later, many of the ink-stained journalists and scandalmongers of 19th- and early-20th-century Fleet Street made it their watering hole. You'll find five bars and two dining rooms here. The house specialties include "Ye Famous Pudding" (steak, kidney, mushrooms, and game) and Scottish roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish sauce. Sandwiches, salads, and steak and kidney pie are also available, as are dishes such as Dover sole. The Cheshire is the best venue to introduce your children to an English pub.

Description:

This popular and acclaimed gastro pub is owned by Rupert Clevely of Veuve Cliquot, and is part of the Geronimo Ltd group, which also comprises the Duke of Cambridge in Battersea and the Queens gastro pub in Primrose Hill. Superior contemporary British food is served in casual, relaxing surroundings that resemble a wine bar. The food, however, is something else. Pluck from the ever-changing menu a simple grilled steak, or sample the salmon fish cakes. Everything is prepared freshly and brilliantly. The desserts are very sweet and very delicious, so save room.

Description:

The Chelsea Ram has gained a reputation with the locals as the place for Sunday lunches. Be prepared to get there on the dot at noon to be assured of a place, as there is no booking. If watching sports is not your thing, sit at the back of the restaurant, or avoid the place on match days. The menu changes regularly, with the rustic decor providing the setting for equally rustic cooking. Game features highly on the menu, as do traditional British dinners. The Angus beef (with Yorkshire pudding) is a clear favorite, but if you want it rare do ask! A reasonable wine list ensures that this is pub grub of the highest class.

Description:

Finnegan's Wake is a decent Irish-theme pub with no obvious flaws or points of distinction. The clientele are mainly business types and tourists during the day and a younger crowd, including students from nearby Imperial College, in the evenings. The interior is primarily wooden with a minimal amount of Irish paraphernalia adorning the walls; it's a bit like an O'Neills really. The pub food menu is extensive, and offers snacks, burgers, fry-ups, salads and so on. Main meals are simple and service is quick, so it makes a good lunch stop.

Description:

The oldest established walking tour company in London has great walks and great guides. Popular routes include both central London and Greater London sights (in which case you must pay rail fares yourself), but custom walks are also available. Shakespeare's London, the British Museum Walk, The Old Jewish Quarter Walk, London's Secret Village, Pub Crawls and Winnie the Pooh's England are just a few of the choices. Some of the walks are not pure pounding of the pavement. For example, the London Panorama tour includes a boat ride. Private and seasonal walks (like Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol Walk) are also offered.