Where to watch the Rugby World Cup in London – nation by nation

Cheer on your team surrounded by like-minded fans at these nation-centric pubs and bars throughout London. After filling up on some patriotic fodder, naturally
Bar Kick... which nationality is kicking back here?
Ben Norum14 September 2015

London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. And for that reason, it’s the best place to celebrate the world’s greatest rugby tournament this autumn.

With 17 London matches happening across just six weeks, we’ve teamed up with the guys behind Hotel Direct’s Eat, Sleep, Roar, Repeat to come up with recommendations of where to rub shoulders with rugby fans by nationality, so you can celebrate (or commiserate) together.

Here are the team’s pick of the best places to eat and roar on the top 10 IRB ranked nations. For recommendations for all 20, check out the handy tool below.

WORLD NO. 1: NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand: The Providores

EAT

Kiwis will be aware of the huge Antipodean community in London, and as such there are plenty of places to choose from. Our first pick for dining is a restaurant with one of the best selections of premium New Zealand wines in the capital: The Providores in Marleybone. Foodies hanging out in South West London should try Manuka Kitchen, named after New Zealand’s very own superfood, subtly laced through many of Kiwi head chef Tyler Martin’s dishes.

ROAR

If there's one thing for certain, all Kiwis in London will have experienced their fair share of jet-lag. Luckily though, it's not something you'll have to encounter at the appropriately titled Jet Lag bar in Fitzrovia. What you will be served up however, is a 15 foot cinema for your All Blacks enjoyment. At Riley's Victoria – as most Kiwis live in either Islington or Hammersmith/Wandsworth this is perfectly situated equidistant between the two – just make sure not to get too over excited and perform the Hakka on the pool tables.

WORLD NO. 2: AUSTRALIA

Australia: Walkabout

EAT

Forget Jumbucks Aussie Pies, you're going to need more than that to get through the England, Wales and Fiji nail biters. So head to Lantana Café for a true Aussie brunch experience, as well as some top blondies and flat whites. It's the battle of the breakfasts, as our other recommendation comes in the form of Fulham's Barossa, famed for its signature Bondi Brekkie. They also do a mean kangaroo steak.

ROAR

It's not for the faint hearted, but then what else would you expect at the ‘king’ of Walkabouts in Temple? You might be wise to book a table – as they say so themselves, the perfect spot in front of the big screen will be taken quickly, and unlike at home 'towels draped over a chair won't work.' Wallaby fans can also try The Kings Arms (formerly the Larrik Inn) in Fulham – a pub with a VW van smashing through a wall, hanging bras and surfboards and a big screen TV for sports. Yep.

WORLD NO. 3: SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa: Shaka Zulu

EAT

Springbok fans will be pleased to know there’s a lot on offer when it comes to South African food in London. Top of the pile is Jungle Braai, which came about after chef Ammo bu Ray’s spent years learning the art of Braai cooking with the Mbtumbu tribe, deep in the South African jungle. Loosely defined as flame grilled barbeque, expect hearty meats accompanied with tropical drinks. We’d also recommend heading to Shaka Zulu in Camden which serves a vast selection of exotic meats including crocodile and springbok.

ROAR

If you’re roaring on the Springboks, then our tip is to stay southwest. GJ’s in Wandsworth is the home of South African expats in London. They regularly host South African comedy nights, have a dedicated beer club, and serve up SA-inspired food to accompany your match day experience. Just a 15 min bus ride away is The Clapham Grand, where you will be greeted by a beautifully restored Victorian music hall with a monstrously large screen to watch the rugby (24 feet by 15 feet). This is a favourite haunt of Springbok fans, but watch out for All Blacks and Wallabies.

Five classic Rugby World Cup Matches

1/5

WORLD NO. 4: ENGLAND

England: Roast

EAT

You’ll need some sustenance to roar on the boys. Therefore our first choice would be Beagle – an East London restaurant with a modern twist on traditional English cuisine. For something closer to the centre, try Roast located above Borough Market serving local British produce with the motto ‘from field to fork’.

ROAR

London is home to some incredible rugby pubs. So for the true English rugby experience, you’ve got to get down to Twickenham to soak up the atmosphere. Here you’ll find The Cabbage Patch – just a stone’s throw from Twickenham Stadium, and self-proclaimed as “the most famous rugby pub in the world”. Nearby at The Aleksander expect regularly changing hand-picked ales and lagers from keg and cask, as well as the customary big screen.

WORLD NO. 5: WALES

EAT

The London Welsh community is still going strong in Llundain, and there’s no shortage of places to evoke a sense of hiraeth. And when it comes to eating, Odette’s is one such place. The creation of north Walian, Bryn Williams, our tip would be the Sunday lunch at a very reasonable £29 for 2 courses, (3 for £32) where you can sample the best Welsh lamb this side of the Severn Bridge. Also of note is the London Welsh Centre: as close as you’re going to get to a Welsh Embassy anywhere in the World. It’ll be serving up food alongside the customary Brain’s on tap for a quintessentially Welsh match day experience.

ROAR

If you deem waking up to a sea of red as a good thing, then you’ll be needing someone else to scream Bread of Heaven with come matchday – if your fellow countrymen aren’t in the Welsh Centre, you’re sure to find them at The Famous Three Kings in West Kensington. Expect Stereophonics, Catatonia, Sir Tom and a lot of emotional rugby fans. For something nearer Twickenham, try London Welsh RFC, which offers brilliant hospitality and a great match day experience. Advanced booking advised!

WORLD NO. 6: IRELAND

Ireland: Porterhouse

EAT

Standing shoulder to shoulder requires strength. So for your fix of traditional porridge oats, Irish potato bread or Guinness-battered fish, head to Philomena’s Irish Bar & Grill in Covent Garden. Then for an almighty selection of beers with traditional bar food head to The Porterhouse, a gigantic three-floored warren of a venue sure to be engulfed in a sea of green shirts.

ROAR

If you want an alternative to the aforementioned options, try one of London's liveliest and most authentic Irish bars Waxy O’Connors. It serves a great selection of Irish beers on tap as well as the customary whiskies and is well-known for its traditional Irish music sessions.

WORLD NO. 7: FRANCE

France: The French House
Peter Clark

EAT

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there’s a huge French expat community in London and unless you’ve been sleeping under a rosebush, you won’t fail to have noticed at least five French restaurants within a 1km radius of wherever you are in the city. If you’re sticking central, try grand but relaxed Brasserie Zédel, a beautiful art deco venue that brings a slice of Paris to Piccadilly Circus. Alternatively try one of these other French fancies across town.

ROAR

Put simply, The French House will be the home of Les Bleus for the next two months. And with thirty superb wines and Champagnes by the glass, accompanied by a fairly straightforward group stage of matches, get set for a celebratory atmosphere like no other. For something a little more subtle, head to London’s Little France (Kensington) and The Builders Arms, a vibrant bar with a touch of glamour.

WORLD NO. 8: ARGENTINA

Argentina: La Patagonia

EAT

Steak, right? Well, yes. But there's also a lot more on offer these days. At La Patagonia, a traditional Argentinian "barrio" restaurant in Camden, it's easy to go off-piste with other non-steak but equally carnivorous dream food such as parrillada pampa (a mixed grill of beef ribs, beef skirt, chorizo, black pudding and bondiola pork). At Constancia, just off Tower Bridge, you’ll be tempted by the prime steak cuts, but also of note are their freshly baked empanadas and an extensive selection of Argentine wines.

ROAR

Not every nation has a huge enclave of expats and where Argentina does exceptionally well for restaurants, there are a lack of themed pubs that make the grade. Try The Waterfront, a perfect London venue for the rugby that comes with a great selection of beers, big screens and a view over the Thames – Puma fans, why not make it your venue?

WORLD NO. 9: FIJI

Fiji: Bar Kick

EAT

Fancy a flavor of the tropics? Then head to The Shoreditch. You’d be forgiven for thinking this was your average boozer, but it’s not. Behind the façade is a dazzling tiki bar serving cracking Pacific-inspired food and drinks. Then there’s Kanaloa Club near Leicester Square, which offers up the ultimate in tiki-inspired nights as well as a dedicated menu jam-packed with tropical flavours. Bring your Salusalu.

ROAR

Kerea mada e dua na mequ bia? Why, yes you can! There isn’t an abundance of Fijian bars in London but The Ship in Wandsworth is a centre for Pacific-born expats, has a scenic river view and all the rugby on a 70 inch outdoor screen. Or if you’ve just been at The Shoreditch, head to nearby Bar Kick where you can take out any pent-up nerves about the ‘group of death’ on the many table football tables.

WORLD NO. 10: SCOTLAND

Scotland: Boisdale

EAT

Where better to enjoy a taste of the Scottish Highlands than Boisdale of Belgravia, serving a great selection of poultry and haggis, Scotch whiskeys, a cigar terrace and live jazz music. Alternatively, Fitzrovia newcomer Mac and Wild has a focus on wild produce with venison of particular note.

ROAR

Unfortunately most of the Scottish pubs in London have either closed or been taken over: Marylebone’s William Wallace, Bermondsey’s London Scotia and The Rob Roy in Paddington to name a few. Have no fear, however, as Scottish fans in London will provide a great atmosphere in any pub in which they congregate. Richmond is one of the most popular areas in London for Scottish renters, so it’s a good bet. The Orange Tree even offers a dedicated bus service to take you to Twickenham stadium.

THE OTHER BIG-HITTERS

Use the handy tool below to find the best places to cheer on all the teams outside the IRB top 10. Click a flag from the dropdown menu to view each country.

Follow Ben Norum on Twitter @BenNorum
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout

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