The American pastime has made its way across the pond.
Though the Super Bowl may be an American phenomenon, like with most things, it's made it's way across the pond. Come February 7, many bars across London will be showing the game, running USA-themed specials, and facing crowds that pill out the door. Whether you know the rules of American football or not (or are just keen to catch Coldplay at half time), here's where to grab a cocktail and join the party.
Transatlantic restaurant Balthazar is bringing the game to Covent Garden. The space will be transformed into the ultimate sports set-up, with five super-screens, surround sound, and a popcorn machine. What's more, London's leading American football team, the London Warriors, will be there. Guests will be welcomed with the Maker's Touchdown, a bourbon cocktail, before being served an array of all-American dishes—think sliders, sticky BBQ wings, triple mac and cheese, corn dogs, and toffee apple donuts.
Back for its seventh year, London's biggest charity Super Bowl party will be returning to The Social in Fitzrovia. There'll be pre-game DJs, gourmet hot dogs, craft beers from the UK and the US, and plentiful screens. Tickets cost $15 and all the money goes to SCI, a charity working to rid the world of schistosomiasis.
Brooklyn Bowl at The O2 is hosting a viewing party—a night that's sure to be about more than just football. Its 20-foot screen with "bone-crunching" sound will be airing the game (along with seven additional smaller screens), and there'll be live music from '80s party band Pop Gun. The $7 tickets include a pint—but go with a group, choose the $35 option, and get a table, food platters, and cheaper beer.
The Diner is one of London's most popular American-themed hangouts, so it makes sense that it's going large for the 50th year of the Super Bowl. The Soho branch will be hosting a lock-in party this year. Tickets cost $70 and include a giant plate of nachos on arrival, a six-pack of Founders All Day IPA Ale, shots of bourbon, and the Champion's Melt Patty—an eight-ounce burger served with various sides, including the ever-popular truffle mac and cheese. Along with the football, there'll be music and cheerleaders, too.
Roadhouse, Covent Garden's late-night American bar is going big this year, welcoming the London Cheerleaders and the London Blitz team to pump the party spirit for its annual shindig. You won't have to worry about heads blocking the view, thanks to four huge screens and nine plasma TVs all showing the game. Thirsty? Hungry? There'll be buckets of beers, happy hour, hot dogsn and burgers to keep everyone happy.
Frankie's Sports Bar & Diner on Fulham Road will be keeping its guests happy with BLT burgers and nine-inch hot dogs, as well as plenty of ice cold Budweisers. The bar is already decked out with American-themed interiors, and it has dozens of wide screen TVs for perfect viewing. Tickets for the evening start at $17 and include a drink and some food, and a raffle ticket to win prizes including drinks, and a jersey from one of the Super Bowl teams.
Throughout January, Bulleit, the award-winning Kentucky whiskey, has been running a series of soulful Sunday takeovers at Kentish Town's quirkiest neighborhood bar, Ladies & Gentleman (located on a former public toilets site). Wrapping the series in style, an all-American party will be the grand finale, complete with an Americana play list and two screens showing the game right through to 6 a.m. Expect American beers, plastic cups, and stars and stripes decorations.
Alice Tate covers London and Europe for Travel +Leisure. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
