Where To Watch Euro 2012 In London?

For those of you who get rather excited by the sight of 22 men kicking a ball around a pitch, here’s a shortlist of the top spots in London to catch all the action at Euro 2012, which is taking place in Poland and Ukraine this year (OK I admit it, I’m one of those people!).

First on the list has to be Rich Mix in Shoreditch, which is combining live screenings of the action with an Eastern European cultural festival, ‘East In East’. There’ll be Eastern European traditional and contemporary musicians entertaining the crowds, two art exhibitions, spoken-word events and local food and drink to complement your visit. You can find out more about all the activities taking place at Rich Mix throughout Euro 2012 here.

Alternatively, if you want to up your game on the drinks front, the newly-installed sports bar at Shaker & Company on Hampstead Road is a good spot to choose. While you’re sipping some of London’s most sophisticated cocktails you can play FIFA on the Wii, have a knock-about table football game or kick a ball around on their astroturf pitch! I’ll be visiting the venue on Friday to get the low-down, so watch this space!

Sporting probably the biggest screen of any London hostelry (at 4m wide!) is the Roxy Bar & Screen on Borough High St. You’ll be able to book tables in advance for all of the non-England group games, so you don’t have to muscle your way through the crowd at the bar. They have a great selection of gastro-pub food, and take it from me that the Roxy has a really buzzing atmosphere. A great place to visit with a bunch of friends to catch a game.

Finally, if you want to live ever so slightly dangerously, but really want to be surrounded by an authentic Eastern European vibe, look no further than Polsky Bar Sportowy at 88 Green Lanes, just off the North Circular in Palmers Green. It doesn’t get more real than this – the only way to get a more authentic experience would be to fly to Warsaw. When you go to the bar, to ensure that you’re clearly understand I’d suggest asking for “Dwa piwa proszę” (two beers please) and remember to say “dziekuje” (thankyou) when you’ve been served…