Score the best seats along the network with London Northwestern Railway's ultimate World Cup guide
The biggest sporting event of the season is almost upon us, officially kicking off in November, and footie fans worldwide are gearing up for what will likely be tense viewing as one country is crowned champion. With the greatly anticipated tournament taking place in Qatar this year, many people will be searching high and low for somewhere (just slightly) closer to home that will make their viewing experience one to remember.
With so much choice, it’s not always easy to find the perfect spot to watch each game and heaven forbid you rock up to a place that isn’t showing the match! So, with that in mind London Northwestern Railway (LNR), has compiled a list of the best places to visit across its network, to make sure you score the best seats in the house each and every game.
Plus, to save your money for those all-important celebrations (positive thinking people) why not opt for the train? With LNR’s affordable ticket options, such as its handy Advance ticket , you’ll save money and avoid being late due to traffic or lack of parking spaces. Visit the website for information on available ticket options.
When is the World Cup?
Starting on 20th November 2022, The World Cup is kicking off with Qatar vs Ecuador at 16:00 (UK time) and drawing to a close on 18th December 2022 at the 80,000-seater Lusail Iconic Stadium. Consisting of 64 matches in total, The World Cup can sometimes get a little hard to navigate, so to make sure you don’t miss an England match during the group stage, LNR has listed the key dates below:
Group Stages - Key England Dates:
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England v Iran: Monday 21st November at 1pm
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England v USA: Friday 25th November at 7pm
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Wales v England: Tuesday 29th November at 7pm
Where is the World Cup?
Football is always a great way to get out and have fun with friends and family, but it isn’t always easy getting a seat (especially if England makes it to the finals!) Luckily, to give you a helping hand LNR has found the best places to enjoy the games, across its network, whether you’re in London, Liverpool, or somewhere in between, to make sure nobody misses out.
Places to watch the World Cup in London.
For those searching the best places in London to watch the games, all you need to do is grab the train to London Euston. If you are looking for a super convenient location, why not check out The Rocket, based on Euston Road? Located less than a five-minute walk from the station! They offer advanced bookings and with great drinks packages, they have everything you could need for an evening of footy fun.
If you are looking for a classic pub menu to keep the whole family happy during the game, why not check out The Albany? Just take a gentle 11-minute stroll from Euston, for another great convenient option! Located in the heart of Regent’s Park this well-stocked bar is sure to please anyone who fancies a drink: find a range of craft beers, wines, and artisan spirits to celebrate (or commiserate).
Finally, for those searching for a ‘proper local’ pub to take in the atmosphere, head over to The Lyttelton Arms, and appreciate all the games on their big screens. However, it’s worth noting it’s important to book in advance, as this trendy spot located on Camden High Street is sure to be a popular choice. To top it all off it’s only an 11-minute walk from the station – result!
Best places to watch the World Cup in Birmingham.
Birmingham is jam-packed with bars but how do you pick the best place to watch each game? Luckily, LNR has whittled it down for you. For those of you looking for a convenient location, head over to Digbeth – packed with lots of trendy bars to choose from so you’re bound to have a ball with your friends. If draught beer, street food and live entertainment is your thing then look no further than Luna Springs, located in Digbeth. Watch all the action from Qatar 2022 on the venue’s giant HD LED screen and make sure you and your team don’t miss a thing.
Or if you are looking for something different, why not head over to a renowned sports bar? Hennessey’s is the go-to sports bar in Digbeth as it benefits from 20 screens across five rooms, as well as the biggest and best LED outside screen in the garden bar. Making it a great location to have a ball with your friends. With such a great sporting atmosphere and surrounded by football fans you will almost feel like you are in the stadium (we said almost!). What’s more, once the game is finished it’s only a 10-minute walk back to New Street to hop back on your train.
Best places to watch the World Cup in Liverpool
What better place to have a ball than the flourishing city of Liverpool? The thriving city atmosphere and convenient transport links means this will be a popular place to watch The World Cup games. Head to Liverpool Lime Street, via the LNR line, and find the best places to check out!
Why not head to one of the best sports bars in Liverpool, Rileys. This bar is a haven for those looking to sit back and settle in for the match. Their comfortable seating options make it feel like you are sat at home on your sofa, whilst combining the fun atmosphere of enjoying a live match with other fans. With plenty of screens, including a 75-inch TV, you can make the most of the match in its full glory. What’s more, to top it all off, it is located just round the corner from the station, taking only two-minutes to walk!
If you are looking for somewhere quieter, why not try Yates Liverpool. This popular bar offers a casual and friendly atmosphere to relish the matches. Offering a range of great food and delicious drinks you won’t want to leave once the game is finished. Luckily, when you do decide to call it a night you only have a five-minute walk back to the station!
Finally, if you feel like venturing slightly further from the station why not check out Mccooleys Concert Square. This authentic Irish sports bar is located just a nine-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street – where you’ll be able to grab a classic pint of Guinness and hunker down alongside the game. You won’t find an atmosphere this cheery anywhere else.
Best places to watch the World Cup in Milton Keynes and Bedford.
For those of you planning to take in the game in Milton Keynes, simply hop on the train and head to Milton Keynes Central. Located just a seven-minute walk away, around the corner is a classic Wetherspoons, a great place for affordable drinks and food whilst you experience the highs and lows of each game. Alternatively, if you fancy journeying slightly further afield, take a 25-minute walk to Wing Kingz. Celebrate kick-off at this popular sports bar and grab yourselves some delicious food, including their flavoured wings! What more could you want?
If you are heading to Bedford town-centre, grab the train to Bedford station. From there you can take a leisurely 18-minute walk to The Ship pub, which will be showing all The World Cup games this winter. This friendly sports pub is the only place you’ll want to relax with your team, whilst taking in the inevitable highs and lows of the England matches!
Best places to watch the World Cup in Northampton.
For those located near Northampton, grab the train to Northampton station, just an 11-minute walk away you will find the popular chain, O’Neills. Perfect for families searching for affordable food and drink options, whilst enjoying the games. Or if you feel like venturing further afield, you need to check out Barratt’s Sports Bar. Located 25-minutes from the station, this bar will be worth the journey. The sports bar atmosphere is sure to get you and your friends in the mood. Surround yourself with football fans and celebrate together!
Best places to watch the World Cup in Rugby
Grab the train into Rugby and watch the game at The Clifton Inn. Their affordable prices and warm atmosphere make it the ideal place to meet football fans just like you! For those near Rugby, simply grab the train to Rugby station and take a leisurely 15-minute walk to The Clifton Inn – it couldn’t be easier! What’s more, the family-friendly environment means it’s the ideal place to take the kiddies to watch the match!
Best places to watch the World Cup in Coventry
Catch The World Cup in Coventry, and head into the city-centre with a quick train journey to Coventry station. The Old Clarence is sure to be a favourite destination for those heading to watch the game. Just take a leisurely walk from the station with your friends and family, to this popular pub. Available for advanced bookings this friendly venue provides the ultimate atmosphere to delight in the games!
Best places to watch the World Cup in Nuneaton
For those heading to Nuneaton, LNR has found the most convenient place to enjoy the games. Grab the train into Nuneaton station and take a short five-minute walk to The Silk Mill. This is the ideal location for families wanting to witness as much of each match as possible, as children can stay until 8pm. Grab some delicious grub and settle in, as each tense minute of the game plays on their range of HD screens!
Best places to watch the World Cup in Tamworth
Settle in for every kick, tackle, goal and penalty shootout, live at The Penny Black. Their range of HD TVs ensures you can appreciate the game, in excellent quality. Plus, with their sizeable screens and exhilarating atmosphere, you will feel like you are there in the crowd! What’s more, after the game is finished you only need to walk eight-minutes back to Tamworth station, where you can catch the train home!
Best places to watch the World Cup in Crewe
Journey into Crewe to enjoy The World Cup, at The Imperial. Just an 11-minute walk, and already taking online bookings, this pub is keen to make sure you have a great time. They are Crewe’s top sports bar, showing football all year round – making them the perfect place to get ready for the games with other footie fans. The electric atmosphere is sure to keep your energy up – and since it is so close to Crewe station you don’t have to worry about a long walk home at the end of your night.
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Well, what are you waiting for? Check your calendars, book the afternoon off work, and start planning which venue you’re planning to call home for the winter. All we need now is to see football come home for the second time this year (thank you very much Lionesses).