3. Passing Clouds
Having gone to Passing Clouds during the Euros, I had to go back for the World Cup. Granted, this time round it wasn't England playing in the semi-final... it was for a pretty mundane USA vs. Wales ...
The drinks kept coming and, though it's no England atmosphere, the atmosphere was very much alive from England playing the previous match. The staff are friendly and the screens are fabulous. We sat in the room that overlooks the rest of the bar and did not feel like we were missing a single part of the action - except the part where people stand on your toes. I'm not fussed about missing that part out though!
Their drinks menu consists of anything, from beer, to cider, to cocktails. I stayed on the cocktails for the match - each time getting a different one, and each one being as delicious as the last. I would highly recommend trying to go here for a drink - even for a quieter game.
I would highly recommend trying to go here for a drink - even for a quieter game.
2. The Lonsdale
Where would I be without The Lonsdale? As a regular, I could be slightly bias with this recommendation; however, the atmosphere, staff, drinks, and 20% student discount all add up to one good drinking session.
Due to there being no tickets and just being the usual walk-in service, if you want a table for the matches - you have to get there early. I wouldn't even recommend getting there an hour before kick off; for the England vs. USA match, we got there for 2pm - yes we did realise KO wasn't until late evening, but we were not taking any chances. This chance paid off!
We had our table, with a chair for everyone, and watched as the pub filled up for the England KO. The atmosphere grew as more and more people entered, and more and more people started to drink. There definitely felt like there was no other place to be and time had stopped. It was so good to spend to watch the match with close friends!
The atmosphere, staff, drinks, and 20% student discount all add up to one good drinking session.
For me, this is an obvious winner. It may not be for you. A table for 4 people was on the expensive side of £10 for the England vs. Wales match, but the England vs. Iran match was £5pp.
There are many different tickets to upstairs seating (which I got for both the England matches mentioned above), upstairs standing, and downstairs. For the Iran match, downstairs was free.
The atmosphere was the best out of the three places mentioned - by far! Football anthems being belted by the speakers, and the football fans, meant the excitement was constant. Also, being able to go for the KO, rather than hours before meant my bank account was a lot healthier going here, as I knew I was able to get in, get to my table, and sit down.
The best part about getting a table means you can see plenty of screens because there is no one standing around you - those who stand have their own designated area.
The bar was quiet during the match (there are, again, plenty of screens behind the bar, so I didn't miss any action), which meant I was regularly being served drinks, from cider, to steins, to their amazing Cherry Coca-Cola cocktail (trust me it's yummy).
Food can also be served during the match to tables; however, during the Iran match they did run out of pizza, burgers and hanging kebabs... so... sides were the only option when I went to order. The chips and onion rings were worth it though - the food is always incredible at Wonderbar.
The best part about getting a table means you can see plenty of screens because there is no one standing around you - those who stand have their own designated area.
Note: No deals at any bars/pubs during matches, that I've been to.
