England v Croatia, 9 PM UK, Wednesday 17 June 2026. By the morning of the match, every London pub will be sold out. This is what you do.
1. Get there at 5 PM
Yes really. The window between 5 and 6:30 PM is when sober regulars are leaving and the early big-game crowd is arriving. Walk in, order food, claim two stools, hold the territory. By 7 PM the queue forms outside.
2. The pubs that take bookings
Most don't. The exceptions: The Angelic (Islington), The Sebright Arms (Bethnal Green), BoxPark Wembley, The Wenlock Arms. Book by 1 PM the day of the match or you're out of luck.
3. The fan zones
Westfield Stratford has an open-air screen. So does BoxPark Croydon. Hyde Park usually does fan zones for England matches; check the Royal Parks site closer to the date. Free entry, decent atmosphere, no booking.
4. The neighbourhood pubs that aren't on lists
Walk 10 minutes outside any tube station. The local that's full of regulars but not advertising the match — that's your spot. The atmosphere is better than the rammed sports pubs and the queue at the bar is shorter.
5. The home option
If you're not getting in anywhere, host. Read the watch-party guide →
What to wear
Whatever you wear, your prediction goes on it. Build the England v Croatia shirt →