Soho during the World Cup hits differently. Literally, given the 40-degree weather that is certainly hitting us all. The air crackles with raw energy, and the silver lining of the mismatched time zones is that games are forgivingly being played as the sun goes down.
West End pub culture is as historic as it is passionate. International fanbases from the multicultured London gather to share a festive space for the world’s greatest sports tournament.
The classic pubs leading the West End atmosphere
You can walk down any neon-lit side street and hear the roaring choruses of politically incorrect singing. Soho’s historic drinking dens have spent generations perfecting the art of the matchday experience. It’s tight, and it’s loud. You will spill half your pint when someone scores, but that is a feature, not a bug.
Venues here lean into their heritage, optimizing space so that every corner gets a clear line of sight to the action. Local landmarks like The Green Man are major hubs for central fans, balancing great local casks with screens. But, we must remember to get a ticket early on - there are very few places you can just walk in an hour before kick-off and expect to get a seat.
If you go in for a quieter game (i.e., not Engalnd) then the World Cup odds from the likes of William Hill can give you a quick snapshot of the context. Who the underdog is, who the lesser-known stars are.
Ticketed fan zones near Soho and what they cost
BOX Piccadilly sits right in the heart of the West End with a 550-person capacity. This shows all tournament matches across its many screens, though be warned, England group stage tickets there have already been snapped up, so move quickly for knockouts.
Just around the corner on Shaftesbury Avenue, The Three Lanterns has 4K screens and is consistently rated as a top Central London option. Again, it’s going to be fully booked, so get there quick for the knock outs.
For a livelier, event-style atmosphere, Kick Off Club's Outernet London venue in the West End has the city's largest indoor screen with a surround sound system. Tickets are required and go quickly for England fixtures. Market Halls on nearby Oxford Street runs group packages from £8 per person (minimum six guests), with beer kegs on every table and a promise of 100 pints for £1 if England win.
How far in advance must you book
England vs Croatia tickets at BOX Piccadilly and Flat Iron Square were gone long before the ball was kicked, and Between the Bridges on the South Bank had its opening England fixture sell out almost immediately after going on sale. For England group games, you should realistically be looking at booking four to six weeks ahead. So, for the knock outs, it will be a frantic free-for-all.
But, this should encourage you to go to some non-England fixtures. These are easier to get tickets to and can be a great atmosphere too with local diaspora. Many are free entry, and it would be a good chance to try some smaller pubs. BBC Sport can help track what the important games are, rather than accidentally going to a dead rubber.
