Where to watch World Cup 2022 in Bristol

Where to watch World Cup 2022 in Bristol

Posted on: 08 Nov 2022

The World Cup is, weirdly, just around the corner and it's time to start making plans for where to watch it, so we've taken a look at some of the best Bristol pubs and bars showing all the action live from Qatar.

 

Let's be honest, this World Cup is not going to be the same as the others. All other issues aside, rather than watching the games in the blazing sun with a refreshing lager or cocktail, we're going to be huddled in a cosy pub sipping a Guinness - but that doesn't mean we cannot enjoy it, however.

 

Whether you're hoping to roar on The Lions at a massive sports bar surrounded by fellow fans or looking to enjoy Uruguay versus South Korea at a quiet local, we've curated a rundown of some of Bristol's top spots to catch the world's biggest event. Remember what happened when England faced Wales back in 2016...

 

 

From rooftop bars to high-capacity music venues, here is the 365Bristol guide to watching World Cup 2022 in Bristol...

 

Bambalan | Beacon Tower, Colston St, BS1 4XE

 

Known more as a summer destination thanks to its rooftop location, Bambalan have big plans for World Cup 2022. Football fans will be ‘walking in a football wonderland’ as 4TheFans take over the venue, bringing the Christmas spirit to the World Cup with the space being transformed into an Arabian Wonderland.

 

Football fans will have the opportunity to sample food from around the world, take part in football-focused games with prizes on offer, and join a table to watch the games on big anti-glare screens. Bambalan's coverage is booking only so secure your spot here.

SWX | 15 Nelson St, BS1 2JY

 

Newly reopened after a lengthy enforced closure, SWX is right back in the swing of things, announcing that their World Cup Fan Zone would be returning later this month. Showing all the England games, football fans can expect nothing less than 1,300+ Fans and the biggest screen in Bristol as well as a huge pre-match party.

 

If you've been to one of SWX's fan zones before you will know that tickets aren't around for long so grab yours here.

Ashton Gate Stadium | Ashton Rd, BS3 2EJ

 

The World Cup Fan Village is returning to the home of Bristol City and Bristol Bears, the Ashton Gate sports bar was the setting for the ‘bar goes wild’ meme when England famously beat Wales at Euros 2016. Fans will be able to watch England take on USA (Friday 25 November) and Wales (Tuesday 29 November) on the big screen at Ashton Gate’s concourse fan village.

 

Tickets are £10 per person including seating on shared benches and a drink, buy tickets here.

The Memorial Stadium | 33 Filton Ave, BS7 0BF

 

Bristol's other football hub, Bristol Rovers' Memorial Stadium is also screening the World Cup with the club's Seat Unique Suite providing the ultimate lunchtime venue for England's opening lunchtime clash with Iran, serving a pie and pint from 12 PM, with the game on all smaller screens as well as the special jumbo screen.

 

For the two proceeding evening fixtures, fans will also have the choice of the Thatchers and Bristol bars to come and watch the games. Tickets can be found online here.

The Shakespeare | 1 Henry St, Totterdown, BS3 4UD

 

Moving away from the larger venues for a minute, The Shakespeare in Totterdown is also showing the tournament. While not normally a sports pub, The Shakespeare will be showing all the games with a selection of drink and food specials on offer throughout the tournament.
 

Regularly hosting live music, comedy and a pub quiz, the popular South Bristol local has a great atmosphere, perfect for the upcoming World Cup.

 

The Old Fish Market | 59-63 Baldwin St, BS1 1QZ

 

Next on our list is a pub that was recently announced as the winner of Fuller's Best City Pub award. The Old Fish Market is situated in the nucleus of Bristol's old town and features a busy schedule of live music as well as all the biggest live sports events.

 

Boasting plenty of floor space and massive screens, the popular pub is sure to prove one of the most popular city centre venues for the upcoming tournament.

Green House | 37 College Green, BS1 5SP

 

Another venue situated amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the people at Green House are promising an exhilarating football atmosphere, refreshing beer in the taps, and great offers on a wide selection of food and drink. Known for its vibrant atmosphere at Euro 2020, this is sure to prove a boisterous affair once again!

 

Bookings are now open on the pub website for all of England's group matches.

King Street Brew House | 13 Welsh Back, BS1 4RR

 

Love football and beer? Well, if the answer is yes, then King Street Brew House seems to be a safe bet. Situated amongst the hustle and bustle of King St, the bar features a microbrewery on-site and a great selection of cask and keg beers as well as a delicious pizza menu with vegan and gluten-free options available.

 

Tables are first come, first served, so get down early to find a spot on (particularly England) match days.

The Fleece | 12 St Thomas St, BS1 6JJ

 

Fancy cheering on Gareth Southgate and the boys from one of Bristol's most renowned venues? Look no further than The Fleece, with five screens onsite (including a giant one across the whole stage) and, of course, an epic sound system fully equipped for a last-minute winner.

 

 Tickets are currently on a limited Early Bird sale, priced at £5 and including one free beer. Tickets can be found on The Fleece's What's On page.

O'Neill's Bristol | 7-9 Baldwin St, BS1 1RU

 

As an Irish-themed bar, O'Neill's does not have a horse in this World Cup race, but that won't stop the Baldwin Street venue from screening all of the action from the first-ever winter World Cup - it's sure to prove one of the best spots to take part in all the World Cup banter while enjoying the best O’Neill’s food and drinks.

 

Booking enquiries can be made here along with drink package pre-orders.

Brewers Fayre | Lewins Mead, BS1 2PY

 

Nestled right within the hustle and bustle of the City Centre, Brewers Fayre is a prime location for sports fanatics. With premium HD wide screens, refreshing pints and proper pub grub, it’s a prime location to relax and enjoy the World Cup action.

For the clash between England and Wales on Tuesday 29 November, Brewers Fayre be running raffles during the match. Entrants could win a football shirt of their choice or some Coca-Cola goodies - winners will be picked at the end of the game. More information can be found here.
 

The Open Arms | 24 St Michael's Hill, BS2 8DX

 

Rounding off our rundown of the best spots to catch the World Cup 2022 is something of a hidden gem in terms of watching live sports. Previously named The Colston Arms, this pub boasts large screens inside as well as one in the picturesque garden, perfect for large groups - even if you do have to wear an extra couple of layers.

 

This is a relatively small boozer so football fans would be advised to get down early to grab a table.

The World Cup is the biggest sports event in the world and will be shown at almost every pub/venue around Bristol so this is only a drop in the ocean of all the lovely locations to watch all the action. Do you think we've missed out on a key spot? Do you own or work somewhere screening the tournament? Get in touch with us here.

Read more:

 

Article by:

Stanley Gray

Stan is a born and bred Bristolian, recently graduated from studying English Literature in Sheffield. His passions are music and literature and he spends the majority of his time in venues all over the city, immersing himself in Bristol’s alternative music scene. A lifelong Bristol City fan, Stan’s Saturdays are spent watching his team both home and away.