The best sports bars in Covent Garden

Bloodsports, launched in early 2025 by the Meatliquor team, is a divey sports bar in Covent Garden with a horror twist, featuring over 30 screens in a setting that blends a haunted diner with a cabin in the woods. It shows live sports daily, from football and rugby to darts and basketball, and when major events aren't on, it screens classic horror films, while also offering pool, arcade games, and karaoke. True to Meatliquor's roots, the menu includes American-style comfort food like burgers, hot dogs, and wings, alongside beers, boozy slushies, and an assortment of Bloody Mary variants.

The Kings Sports Bar is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts, particularly those keen on international events like the NFL or emerging esports tournaments. Located within the Empire Casino in Leicester Square, this stylish and contemporary sports bar operates around the clock, ensuring non-stop action. With 17 screens of varying sizes and an American-inspired menu served late into the night, it's an ideal spot for catching the latest games.

The Freemasons Arms in Covent Garden is a historic Victorian pub, famously known as the meeting place where the Football Association established the rules of modern football in the 19th century. Honouring this legacy, the pub displays football memorabilia throughout the venue and screens top matches and major sporting events on six HD plasma screens. Classic pub comforts such as tasty British food and cask ales are provided as well.

Waxy O'Connor's is among the most renowned Irish pubs in the city. Spanning six levels, this labyrinthine venue houses four unique bars, each with its own character. In addition to a friendly atmosphere, an extensive drinks selection, and live music nights, the Covent Garden pub also screens live sports, showing all major sports events on the many screens scattered around the venue.

Speedboat Bar takes inspiration from the lively shophouses of Bangkok's Chinatown, offering bold and vibrant Thai flavours in its ground-floor dining space. The upstairs bar is decked out with signed photos of Thailand's canal speedboat racers and provides a lively, high-energy setting for watching live sports. Though compact in size, the buzzing atmosphere only adds to the Covent Garden sports bar's charm.

Nestled between Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and Leicester Square, The Long Acre combines the contemporary feel of a stylish bar with the welcoming charm of a traditional pub. Its menu offers something for everyone, whether you're after a light snack during a shopping trip or a full evening out with friends. Alongside screening live sports, including horse racing and boxing, the venue hosts a varied range events.

If you love ping pong and a buzzing party atmosphere, Bat & Ball is the place to be. This energetic venue features championship-sized tables, along with games like beer and prosecco pong, darts, and pool, plus the option to belt out tunes in karaoke. With live sports, DJ sets, and a tempting selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and crowd-pleasing bites like pizza, burgers, and fries, it's a guaranteed good time.

Philomena's is a friendly Irish pub known for its warm hospitality and relaxed atmosphere. It serves classic pub fare alongside a selection of ales, wines, and other drinks, with a charming beer garden for outdoor seating. A favourite among rugby fans, this Covent Garden sports bar draws lively crowds for Six Nations and other major matches, shown on the big screen.

True to its name, the Maple Leaf offers a warm welcome to Canadians and non-Canadians alike. Adorned with sports memorabilia, it screens live matches on big screens, focusing on North American leagues, especially ice hockey. The menu features classic pub favourites like fish and chips alongside Canadian staples such as poutine, with the option to enjoy a drink in the outdoor seating area too.