Where to watch the Six Nations in London

Finding a decent spot to watch the match from can be trying: it's a nightmare field of flat beer, dodgy TVs and football fans demanding the channel is switched, which really is crossing the line.

Still, there's no better way to kick-off the Six Nations than by finding a new favourite local: whether you're hoping to find like-minded supporters or just want the largest screen imaginable, we've rounded-up our favourite spots to watch all the matches. The tournament kicks off this year on Feb 3.

The Cabbage Patch

Best for England fans

You're as close as possible to the match without actually being in the stadium at this pub, which calls itself "the most famous rugby pub in the world." It offers fairly traditional fare, but rugby fans flock in their droves and the atmosphere is hard to top: you'll find plenty of high spirits and match chats. Beware that, as it's so close to the stadium, it often empties out during the games themselves as punters go to see things in the flesh. Still, for pre-or-post atmosphere, it can't be topped. During the match itself, the Sun Inn in Barnes is decent, and their food's pretty good too.

67 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3SZ, cabbagepatch.co.uk

The Orange Tree

Best for Scotland fans

Scottish pubs are few and far between in the capital, so your best bet is to find an area where you're likely to bump into like-minded fans. The Orange Tree has two drop down screens inside, and a 65" screen for those who fancy braving the outside patio terrace. They're big on food here, too, so make a day of it and eat. If you haven't been, be sure to see what's on at the Orange Tree Theatre next door, too.

45 Kew Rd, Richmond, TW9 2NQ, orangetreerichmond.co.uk

Famous Three Kings

Best for Wales fans

Better looking than the usual sports bars, the Famous Three Kings boasts 16 screens and, though they're known for favouring the Welsh, they'll be screening every match of the tournament.

171 North End Rd, Fulham, W14 9NL, f3k-london.co.uk

The Faltering Fullback

Best for Ireland fans

No prizes for guessing where this pub's allegiance lies, wandering into it's couldn't-be-more-Irish decor. Plenty of decent ales on tap, a surprising amount of space given how cosy it all feels, and a menu offering up Thai food for those who fancy it. And, with the likes of guitars, scarves, accordions and aeroplanes hanging from the ceiling, you can always play eye-spy, if the match is proving to be especially uneventful.

19 Perth Rd, Stoud Green, N4 3HB, falteringfullback.com

Bar Italia

Best for Italy fans

Another Soho favourite, this 24-hour cafe has long been a thriving hub, but it really packs out when Italy have a sporting fixture. The place may be a little too small to really watch the entire game, unless there are just a couple of you, but it's the go-to if you're wheeling around Soho and want to check in on the score. They do a decent coffee too, so it's always worth a visit between pubs whether you're paying any attention to the match or not.

22 Frith St, Soho, W1D 4RF, baritaliasoho.co.uk

Those following the French squad will struggle to find a French pub in London showing the games, but once the match is over, head to The French House to celebrate (or not), which is one of Soho's best pubs.

The Loft Bar

The Loft Bar is the highlight of Chelsea's Jam Tree, a cute spot with charm to boot. They'll be screening the matches on a giant screen, with surround sound doing its best to fool you into a stadium atmosphere. Settle into one of the comfy sofas and enjoy. If the match is rubbish, go play ping pong instead.

541 Kings Rd, Chelsea, SW6 2EB, thejamtree.com

Bookcase Bar at The Jam Tree, Clapham

Like their sister in Chelsea, the Bookcase Bar will be offering the match on a large screen with surround screen. Well worth a visit, if only because to enter the bar, you have to fulfill a childhood dream and walk through a bookcase.

13 - 19 Old Town, Clapham, SW4 0JT, thejamtree.com

Crown & Shuttle

Six screens will have every drop, tackle, scrum, maul and try in vivid detail as they show every single Six Nations match, with their food truck on hand to keep energy levels up. Naturally, there's plenty of craft beer kicking around in this east London hangout.

226 Shoreditch High St, E1 6PJ, crownandshuttle.com

The Alma

Named after the bloody battle which kicked off the Crimean War, few places display the hostile rivalries of the Six nations better than The Alma. This Young’s pub is home to one of the best matchday atmospheres west London pubs have to offer.

499 Old York Road, Wandsworth, SW18 1TF, almawandsworth.com

The Hemingford Arms

Do not be deceived by its mammoth ivory exterior; this watering hole takes its rugby as seriously as its style. The Islington-based pub will be showing every single match on its big screen, and it even offers the obligatory Thai curry which comes with a rugby day out.

158 Hemingford Road, Islington, N1 1DF, hemingfordarms.com

The Zoo and Bar Club

Whether it's celebrations or consolations, the Zoo Bar and Club lets rugby fans party late into the night after the final whistle. If you're looking to watch a game with fewer real ales and more cocktails, this venue with sport screen dotted all around the room is just off Leicester Square.

3-17 Bear Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7AQ, zoobar.co.uk​

The Ship, Wandsworth

Perched on the Thames, this rugby favourite draws in big crowds on game day. Luckily for those wanting a breather from the anger and despair, the Ship has an outdoor area with some more tranquil riverside views.

41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1TB, theship.co.uk

Wetherspoons

No, really: London actually has some rather decent Spoons (alongside the occasion dreadful spot). We like the Knights Templar the most: high-ceilings, rather well fitted out, a decent choice of drinks and oh-so reasonable. The William Webb Ellis in Twickenham is perhaps a more rugby-centric choice, but all the Wetherspoons pubs will be broadcasting the matches, so simply choose your favourite, grab a guest pint and while away your afternoon.

Across London, jdwetherspoon.com

The Bedford

The recently reopened Bedford pub is another lovely spot to swing by. All the matches will be show on the Balham venue’s 12 foot projector screens. If you're in a group, they've private rooms for hire too.

77 Bedford Hill, London, SW12 9HD, thebedford.com

Greenwood

Victoria sports bar Greenwood is going all out for the Six Nations this year. As well as showing on their big screens downstairs, the bar is also hosting a luxurious Guinness lounge, where fans can enjoy a ‘stadium atmosphere’ and VIPs are served by their own personal bartender. If fans feel like enjoying an even more exclusive experience, the venue is offering the chance to enjoy lunch with rugby legends including Andy Goode, Stephen Ferris, Andy Powell and Jim Hamilton.

Greenwood, 170 Victoria Street, SW1E 5LB, greenwoodlondon.com

Rotunda King’s Cross

Every sixth beer at King’s Cross haunt Rotunda is free on match days — which could end up saving larger groups a pretty penny. Guests can enjoy the a la carte menu during games at the King’s Place bar and restaurant, which includes hearty steak and kidney pies, slow-cooked Texel lamb shank and the Rotunda beef burger.

Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG, rotundabarandrestaurant.co.uk

Guinness Flat Iron Square

Guinness has launched a pop-up village at Flat Iron Square in London Bridge, hosting a series of events and screenings throughout the tournament. England world cup winner Will Greenwood will commentate on select games live from the site, with in-house podcasts recordings with Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton also due to take place. Tickets are priced at £5, while access to the Guinness clubhouse is priced at £10.

64 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU, thesixnations.seetickets.com