Latest News

England are in the Semis! But where can you watch the big game on Wednesday 11th July?

Posted on: 10 Jul 2018

---

From a cautious entry to Russia 2018 to a pretty much unanimous feeling that football is definitely coming home this Summer, England's performances and results so far have stirred the country into a frenzy of support at a World Cup for the first time for a long time. There's a real feeling that this side can make it all the way this year, and their next challenge comes in the form of a strong Croatia side in the Semi-Finals on Wednesday 11th July. Win that, and they'll have booked their place in the biggest game in football: the World Cup Final! Scroll down for a comprehensive list of the best Bristol boozers to cheer on The Three Lions tomorrow at 7pm!

Off the back of two hugely disappointing campaigns in South Africa and Brazil respectively, in which England failed to win a single knockout game, fans and pundits went into this year's tournament with a reserved optimism that we might see our side at least progress through the group. Expectations were low. 

 

But, having impressed in the group stage and now seen off Colombia and Sweden in the last sixteen and Quarter-Final stages, England now find themselves in the Semi-Finals for the first time since 1990. Croatia await at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, who have themselves been one of the standout teams of the tournament, most notably thrashing Argentina 3-0 in the group stage. 

 

So the stage is set: get past Croatia and England will find themselves in the World Cup Final for the first time since 1966. As good as this Summer has been so far, there's every chance it could get better still. But where's the best place to watch the match in Bristol? Check out our list below and make your own mind up - you certainly do not want to miss this one.

 

The Fleece

Two huge screens, a huge indoor space, FREE entry, and, apparently, no dickheads. What more could you ask for? The Fleece is certainly the spot for you if you're looking for a big crowd and an even bigger atmosphere.

The Fleece, 12 St Thomas Street, Bristol, BS1 6JJ

 

Flipside Cocktail Club

Realistically, none of us expected England to get this far in Russia, and so we certainly didn't expect to be drinking so many pints of lager in such a short space of time. If you're getting sick of beers at the football, or just fancy somewhere a bit different, get down to Flipside Cocktail Club where they'll be showing the game in full on a large-screen TV in their fantastic garden.

Flipside Cocktail Club, 109 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol BS8 2PB 

 

Steam Bar

Right up there with the best pub venues in Bristol to watch sport, Steam is showing the World Cup in its entirety this year. Their celebrations include screenings of every single England game on their large outdoor screen, matchday BBQs, a large fanzone terrace, drinks promotions and more!

Steam, Clifton Down Station, Bristol BS8 2PN

 

The Golden Guinea

If Blackbeard the Pirate was still knocking about, this is where he'd be going to watch the England game - you can't get many better endorsements than that. Brand new 50" TVs installed specially for the tournament, a huge range of craft beers and the option of beer, chicken and chips for a tenner. Get in.

The Golden Guinea, 19 Guinea St, Bristol, BS1 6SX

 

Gloucester Old Spot

In weather like this, watching the game outside is a real gift. And, when it comes to beer gardens, the Gloucester Old Spot pretty much reigns supreme in Bristol with its huge outdoor space with ample seating and huge TV screens. Boasts a great range of ciders to beat that Summer evening heat.

Gloucester Old Spot, 138 Kellaway Ave, Bristol BS6 7YQ

 

The Crown

Get yourself down to The Crown and choose one of their eight (!) huge screens to watch the game on. Locally stocked beers and ciders as well as a kitchen open until 9pm (in other words, it'll be open at half time).

The Crown, 10 All Saints Ln, Avon, Bristol BS1 1JH

 

Motion Bristol

Join the Motion team this Summer as they show each and every England fixture on a huge outdoor big screen. Bristol's number one party hosts clearly know their way around a good time, so Motion should definitely be on your list if you're looking to sink a few beers and have a sing song. Tickets cost £6 and include a complimentary drink.

 

Ebenezer Church

Ebenezer Church on Filton Avenue has been screening all of England's games at major tournaments since Euro 2000. In most competitions from 2000 onwards, they haven't had a huge number of games to screen, since England have famously won a very small number of knockout games, but this year, as we all know, things have panned out slightly differently. Catch the Semi-Final (yes, Semi-Final) live on the church's big screen, with doors open at 6.30pm.

Ebenezer Church, ?286 Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0BA

 

Ashton Gate Stadium

Bristol's official 'fan village' for Russia 2018, Ashton Gate stadium is capable of catering for thousands of fans, with one outdoor and one indoor screen allowing you to bask in the sunshine or take a bit of refuge when kick off comes around. Regular tickets for the Semi-Final are unfortunately sold out but VIP packages are still available - check out the Ashton Gate Stadium Facebook page for more information. 

 

Have we missed out your favourite World Cup viewing venue from this list? Let us know! Contact us here and we're ready to amend the list where applicable.

 

---