NFL in London

National Football League in London

2021 NFL Falcons London

Remembering Wesseling

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The NFL lost a good friend in 2021, as NFL pundit and personality Chris Wesseling passed away after a battle with cancer.

Remembering Wesseling as part of this loveable trio of NFL fans who entertained fans from Lincoln, Nebraska to London, England every week.

An outspoken and ‘big kid’ at heart when it came to the game, Wesseling had a profound impact on not only those who covered the game, but those who played it.

A key member of the ‘Around the NFL’ podcast with Dan Hanzus and Gregg Rosenthal, Wesseling was remembered as being so passionate about the NFL, his knowledge and energy became infectious for fans to watch and listen to.

Although Chris died earlier in 2021, it has only been until now that his wife Lakisha has been able to process this pain into a memorial video dedicated to Chris and their son Lincoln.

“For our son: The story of Chris Wesseling” is a beautiful tribute to Chris and his passion for the NFL and its fans.

We encourage you to watch this video, and remember Chris on Sunday when you’re making your lineups and drafting your picks.

It’s been a tough few years for everyone, but please make sure to check yourself, keep yourself in good health, and hug your families.

Week 6 Tips

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It’s the final London game of 2021, as the Jacksonville Jaguars play host to the Miami Dolphins at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

While many bemoan this lack lustre battle of Florida, it should be noted that this is an NFL game…in London. So quit your moaning and just enjoy the fact the no longer have COVID, but we have a game.

Wade and Ryan are stoked for the all the NFL games on tap this Sunday, and have compiled their Week 6 Tips for your betting knowledge.

Wade has been on fire with his tips lately, while Ryan’s tips involve the Buffalo Bills for the most part.

So what are the big games that the guys are looking at for this Sunday?

-3.5 Dolphins (1-4) vs Jaguars (0-5)  +45.5

‘Florida Men fight it out across the pond’ would be the headline that tees up this London game at Tottenham stadium.

Both Florida teams have struggled this season, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get better for either team.

The Dolphins welcome back Tua, as he fights for his own job after a rather disappointing start after the Fitzmagic years.
Despite being down every wide receiver, Tua is fit to play, and lead his Dolphins against an ever struggling Jacksonville squad.

The Jaguars just can’t figure it out.
Every season they make new plans and directions for the future, but somehow can’t put concept to action.
Urban Meyer has been a distraction this season, and it’s hard to see if he will keep his job if the Jags bottle this one in London.

Ryan is big on the Jags here to steady the ship and get their first win of the season. He likes Trevor Lawrence to have an impressive game in the victory.

Wade thinks that the return of Tua will be too much for the Jags, as he and Mike Gesicki look to have a big game.
James Robinson might offer some running studness for the Jags, but that’s about that.

Ryan-Jaguars 28 Dolphins 24
Wade-Dolphins 23 Jaguars 18

LA Chargers (4-1) vs Ravens (4-1)  -3  +50.5

Justin Herbert has been a dream boat this season, leading his team into tough matches and coming out firing at every opportunity. They have beat big teams, and prove that they are up there as contenders down the line.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have had some downright ugly wins, but who cares…they’re wins.
Jackson is playing on another level, and he shows he is just as much of a threat running as he is peppering the ball down field.

Ryan believes that Lamar can fly, and that he will be flying all over the Chargers D on Sunday in dramatic fashion. He thinks that LA will run out of steam, allowing the Ravens to hold on for a home W.

Wade is big on the D, and thinks that the Chargers D will play the stagnating factor here. They kept it close with the Cowboys, and they should be able to do the same here.

Ryan-Ravens 33 Chargers 30
Wade-Chargers 28 Ravens 26

Cardinals (5-0) vs Browns (3-2) -2.5  +50

The Cardinals have a perfect record, yet they are underdogs heading into the dawg pound on Sunday. Could it be that the sharps know something that we don’t know?

The Browns are great at home, and their D and O line have kept them in some games that could have gotten out of hand.
Baker Mayfield was better last week, but his inconsistencies and field of vision don’t seem to be getting any better.
Nick Chubb is out this week, and OBJ is bitching that he isn’t getting enough touches.

Arizona has been on fire thus far, holding the distinction of being the only undefeated team in the NFL right now.
Sure, their secondary lets in loads of points, and Kyler still makes some rookie’ish mistakes, but they have so many tools at their disposal.

Ryan thinks that Kyler and the boys run out of gas here, with the Browns finally stepping up to be a force in the AFC North. He likes Cleveland in a close one.

Wade likes the big red machine to keep winning. The Browns have plenty of injuries as well as locker room chaos to distract them on Sunday. The weather is going to be crap, so look for loads of runs.

Ryan-Browns 24-Cardinals 20
Wade-Cardinals 30 Browns 28

London After Party

What are you doing after the London games? Want to join us and party NFL style Sunday night?

Sports Bar and Grill Old Street is quite sold out, but we have added more standing room. It’s open until 4am, and will have all the games on plus Redzone.

Sports Bar and Grill Clapham has a few tables available, but you will need to contact them now to book in. They are open until 11pm Sunday.

The Princess Alexandra in Crouch End is open until 12:30am, and has plenty of space. Book ahead to guarantee your seats.

Enjoy the game, stay safe, and hopefully we will see you at one of our NFL parties this season!

Here’s the flyover from the fighter jets from the 1st game!

London To Do (Oct 8-10)

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The wait is over NFL fans, the game officially returns to London this week, and we are giddy as all heck about it. 

We’re excited about the October NFL game between the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons at Tottenham stadium, so we compiled a fun list of London To Do (Oct 8-10).
A few of our choice pieces of advice to make your weekend in London that much better.

With COVID in the rearview mirror, we can finally get back to cramming in close proximity to each other, screaming at the top of our lungs and drunkenly befriending strangers wearing the same jersey as you.
Isn’t it glorious?!?

If you’re going to the big game, watching at home, or hitting all the venues we are supporting on Sunday, we have tricks and treats a plenty this weekend to keep you entertained every night and day.

Petrol and Blockages

For anyone planning on driving to London, or around it, you should be aware of a petrol crisis going on in London at the moment.
Most stations in north London are still out/short of fuel and prone to getting massive lineups and becoming quite chaotic.

As a result areas around the stadium might become a bit more tedious to get around, or even park around, as people queue to fill up their tanks and streets. 

This has also had a knock on effect to food as well, with many supermarkets bereft of goods on the shelves thanks to supply line issues. Best to eat in advance than rely on a Tesco. 

London might start to resemble Moscow in the 80s’, but at least we have NFL on this Sunday!

Uber

London lost half of our Uber drivers during lockdown, leaving the city a little scarce when it comes to getting a taxi out. 

As a result, prices have almost doubled within the past year, and trying to get a late night ride from some locations can take hours. 

If you’re planning on blasting out of the stadium in an Uber to central London be ware that prices might be loopy, and given that it will only be 6:30pm, you still have loads of time to get the tube and train out of there. 

Thursday

Thursday was traditionally a big drinking night in London, but with the many changes of COVID, now every night is a drinking night. 

Many people partying in London on a Thursday night are quick to make it back before the trains and tubes shut, so be aware if these times, as the joint really empties out quickly, leaving you to pony up for a big taxi ride. 

Downstairs at the Kingshead Comedy

One of the oldest running comedy nights in the WORLD, this new act night is one of the hottest tickets in town, with big telly stars popping in to do guest sets.
Located in leafy Crouch End, this comedy club hosts shows all weekend.

http://www.downstairsatthekingshead.com/

Thursday Night Football

Unfortunately London is NOT a late night city, so the game will not be shown in public as everything will be closed. 

If you’re staying in a hotel, there’s a good chance that they might put in on for you at the bar or lobby, but with a 1:20am kickoff, you might want to wait until the morning.

Watch it on Sky Sports or NFL Gamepass.

Carnaby Street

Just off of Oxford Circus, this bustling side street boasts bars, restaurants, shops a plenty and potentially some NFL action.
Not to far from the bright lights of Regent Street, Carnaby street is a great place to wander around people watching and to do a spot of shopping. 

Niketown is around the corner if you want to pick up some NFL gear while you’re here. 

https://www.carnaby.co.uk/

Friday

If you’re just getting into town, welcome to London! The weekend officially begins!

Louche

This hip and trendy Soho bar is opening for the first night at its swank Greek street location.
If you’re looking to class up the evening a bit with some cocktails in a wicked new location, get in touch with Louche to book a table now to kick off your Friday. 

https://louchesoho.com/

The Brig

Billed as London’s ‘smallest bar’, this cool location near Bow is a fun night of drinking and intimacy while you get to learn more about London.
Book the space now, and get your own bartender and all of your drinks.
Pack the Tylenol for the next day on this one.
https://merchanthouse.bar/rooms/the-brig/

BackYard Comedy Club

East is the beast when it comes to live entertainment in the capital.
Head to the hip Bethnal Green hood for a weekend of great comedy shows at the Backyard Comedy club.  You never know who might pop on stage!
Booking ahead is recommended as tickets sell out quickly. 

Saturday

Premier League

If you’re looking to catch some ‘soccer’ while you’re in the UK, make sure you pop in to one of the many Saturday sessions at the pubs.
Both the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street, and Clapham will have games on all day, so just book yourself in for an afternoon of fun.

Joshua vs Wilder

Boxing fans will be gushing over this one, as the best of the UK faces the best of America.

The fight won’t start until at least 3am GMT, so not many places will be showing it without a cost. 

The Sports Bar & Grill Clapham will be showing the bout, so make sure that you book in early to guarantee yourself a seat.
https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/clapham/party-booking

Bond

Super spy James Bond is back this week, and what better way to get those British feels than watching 007 chase down the bad guys.
Can you even use the phrase ‘bad guy’ anymore or is that too offensive?

Go nuts for the movie, put on some tuxedos and infuse with gin.
Find that here.
https://www.the-distillery.london/products/the-distillery-presents

Balls Balls Balls 

When was the last time you got drunk in a ball pit?
Never?
Well head down to Ballie Ballerson’s, the first cocktail joint where you can feel like a kid again by getting stuck in a ball pit. 

Definitely a memorable experience, book your friends in now to get your balls on!
https://shoreditch.ballieballerson.com/

Sunday

It’s gameday!
Remember that the game kicks off at 2:30pm GMT (9:30am EST), so don’t get too wasted on Saturday.

Sunday’s are notoriously slow in the UK for travel (replacement buses everywhere), so give yourself a bit more time to get around. 

Double check your route using CityMapper so that you know exactly what your options are for getting to and from the game. 

PreGame

Looking to soak up the beer in advance by filling up?
Head to the Sports Bar and Grill Old Street, Clapham or the Princess Alexandra in Crouch End for breakfast, or beers prior to kick off. 

All 3 pubs will be showing the NFL game between the Jets and Falcons, which also be broadcast on BBC. 

The Princess Alexandra is a direct bus ride to the stadium, and there is plenty of parking in Crouch End around Priory Park if you’re looking for a direct route/ option to the game. 

Gametime

New York Jets face the Atlanta Falcons at Tottenham Stadium at 2:30pm GMT, so give yourself a bit of time to get to the stadium and go through the security protocols. 

Check ahead with the stadium to make sure that you don’t bring TOO MUCH.

The forecast for Sunday October 10th is partly sunny with a high of 19c (68f). 

After Parties

London is NOT a late night city, so make sure you plan ahead if you want to avoid going from closed door to closed door in shady parts of London you don’t know. 

Sports Bar Clapham

South London will be full tilt with action, as the SB&G Clapham will host south London’s most epic after party. 

With ALL of the NFL games on plus Redzone, the bar will be open late to make sure that you and yours can watch all of the NFL games. 

Loads of TVs, cold beer and hot wings will make this your best Sunday Funday option south of the Thames. 

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/clapham/party-booking

Sports Bar Old Street

The OG of sports bars, this Old Street location will be open until 4am Monday, so that you can get your NFL on for the big game. 

With over 50+ TVs and room for 300 people, this bar will get packed quickly, so make sure you book ahead first. 

We will be accepting people on the door, although there will be a cover charge and seating isn’t guaranteed.
The pub has a late license until 4am, so you can stay for as long as your coherent, and be back in bed late if you want to avoid the rush. 

Book here now!

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/oldstreet/party-booking

Princess Alexandra

Jump on the W3 bus near the pub, and you’re dropped off directly in front of White Hart Lane. 

An easy 15 minute journey will see you avoiding the direct traffic and at the stadium every 10 minutes. 

To get out of the stadium, just grab another W3 bus just across the road, and you’re back at the pub in time for the 6pm kickoffs. 

https://princessalexandran8.co.uk/

Areas to Explore

Shoreditch

Not too far from Old Street, the area of Shoreditch is an up and coming feast for the sense.
Dishoom dishes up some of the greatest Indian food you will ever have, while the Boxpark is a fun place to grab a drink and check out the hipsters. 

Smithfield Market is a must go on the weekend, so make sure you go on an empty stomach to savour all of the stalls and their selection of global treats. 

Islington

North London truly is the coolest part of the city, and you’ll see why when you wander around the streets from Angel to Highbury and Islington, with all of the madness in between.
Wander the endless streets of bars, shops, theatres and look-in laneways that make up this trendy neighbourhood. 

Bars like the American themed Slim Jim’s are cool to listen to some rock and roll and a whisky, while Angel Comedy will keep you laughing all weekend long. 

Clapham Junction

The leafy greens of Clapham make this hood a worthwhile place to visit when you find yourself in south London. 

Served by both Clapham Common & Junction rail & tube lines, this area of the city is easy to get to and fun to explore in sun and rain. 

The high street has oodles of bars and pubs to pop into while you doddle along the green and beyond as well as a trendy group of locals who are friendly and fun to encounter. 

Avoid walking the green late at night and alone though, but that should be ‘common’ sense.
Get it? 

Ares to Avoid

Leicester Square

Once the playground of tourists and locals alike, Leicester Square has sadly gone downhill in the past few years. 

Now the abode of hustlers, gimmicks and grifters, the square is a place where you’re more likely to lose your wallet than gain anything other than a hatred for humanity. 

Daytime you’re fine, but it gets very busy with gawkers.
Late nights are not recommended as the side streets are the domain of gangs who would love to have your possessions. 

Knightsbridge

The hotels of Knightsbridge have been hit by the ‘VID, and it shows in the dead streets of Chelsea. Once the streets were alive with shops, pubs and fine car racing, but the knock down of effect of lockdown has taken a toll on this once lively area.
Weekends are particularly sad here, but help out any local business you can…if you can find them. 

Tottenham

10 years ago, venturing outside to the side streets of Wembley would be lunacy.
Today the stadium is safely surrounded by a skyline of condos, busy franchises, and a bustling new community. 

Tottenham is Wembley 10 years ago.
The area is still very rough on the surrounding streets, and gentrification has yet to take hold , allowing Tottenham to maintain a tough, local vibe.
White Hart Lane is a notoriously rough area, and even less desirable at night. 

Get to the game and get out while the sun is still out, the Spurs vampires await. 

That’s it for this write up of what to do in London, have fun, enjoy the game and stay safe. 

See you Sunday at one of our NFL in London events! 

Old Street Sundays

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If you’re looking for the best place to watch the NFL in London, you need to head to the Sports Bar & Grill for Old Street Sundays!

Located directly across from the fabled Old Street tube station, the pub is centrally located with access to the Northern Line, Network Rail, and oodles of late buses across the capital.
Best of all, it’s open late on Sundays and not as stabby as Leicester Square.
https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/oldstreet

If you’re trying to find the exact location, it’s:

174-180 Old Street, London – Old Street, EC1V 9BP
020 7336 8310

History

We have a storied history promoting the NFL at the Sports Bar and Grill’s, going back to 2007 at the olde Marylebone location.
Those of you who joined us back then might remember how difficult it was to stream games, not to mention dodgy wifi, leaky toilets, and a tiny room where we jammed Madden tournaments.

Martin the manager is back though, so all feels right in the world again as we look ahead to another great season of the NFL.

Sundays

Sunday funday brings us the NFL, as well as the inconvenience of the 4:30pm Premier League games.
Luckily, the SB&G has dedicated NFL areas for fans not into watching the north London teams taking a beating from a south London rival.

Don’t want to hear a Spurs fan moan? Move to the NFL side where the games are about to kick off.

Football is still the life blood of England, which means the 4:30pm match will still be on when the NFL kicks off.
Not to worry though, the bar still has a great selection of games, and once the match is over, EVERYTHING gets switched over to the NFL.

So if you walk and everything feels very ‘soccer-y’, have no fear, the games will be on shortly after.

The bar will show all of the 9pm games, with a 12am last call.
Make sure you get your booze orders in prior to then so that you can enjoy the end of the matches.

Food and Drink

The Sports Bar & Grill Old Street has a vast menu of fare to keep your stomach happy all night.
Add to that some cold pints on tap, and your Sunday just got a lot more chill.

Order from one of the friendly servers, or simply download the app to make your night convenient.

Reservations

If you are looking to bring a group, we do recommend making a booking ahead of time.

With many tables having their own TVs, fans are quick to book ahead so that they can watch the game they want, where they want it.

If you want to book in with one of the staff, just click on this link here and you are on your way to getting your own piece of Sunday Funday in Old Street.

https://www.sportsbarandgrill.co.uk/oldstreet/party-booking

Games

Got a particular game you and your friends want to watch?
Get in touch ASAP and we will work to get that game across as many screens as possible.

With over 45 TVs, you will ALWAYS be able to see a screen from anywhere in the pub.

The TV schedule is planned ahead of time, so that the bar is set up so that fans get a healthy selection of games and Redzone.

London Games

Looking for place to party before and after the London games?
Join us at the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street!

The bar has a late license for the night, which means that we will be able to host an NFL party all night long!

We are planning on crazy busy nights, so make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Clapham

Can’t make it to the Sports Bar and Grill Old Street?

No problem! We also throw NFL parties at the Sports Bar and Grill Clapham.

Every Sunday the pub shows games until 11pm, so that you can catch the first series of games.

Get in touch if you would like to book a table at Clapham!

This Sunday at the Sports Bar & Grill, we are giving away a set of tickets to the Jaguars vs Dolphins at Tottenham.
All you have to do is enter our DraftKings contest to win big!

See you Sunday!

 

Sky Week 2

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For those of us that live in the UK, there is a tinge of sadness that we don’t get to watch all the NFL games.

To find out which games will be blacked out in England, we point you to the games on Sky Week 2.
Luckily, some of them stink so there are others to watch.

A true NFL fan abroad will invest in Gamepass, which is a way to watch MOST of the NFL games, as well as a whole host of replays, options and other programs.

Sadly, if Sky Sports is showing a game, it will be blacked out on Gamepass, forcing viewers to either fork out money for Sky Sports, watch another game, or just flip on the VPN.

The gang on Sky Sports bust their humps every week to push out of a broadcast from their Osterley studios.
For many viewers, they are a UK institution…for others….well, just read the forums.

TNF

Sky Sports shows TNF, as does Gamepass and Amazon.
To be honest, Amazon offers the bets show here, as the streaming quality and broadcast team are heads and tails above the rest.
With rumours circling that Amazon is planning on buying ALL the NFL rights, it seems logical that they play around with it to get it right first.

49ers vs Eagles

6pm GMT

20 years ago, this would have been one heck of a contest…in 2021…not so much.

Both teams are coming off of wins, but also coming off of a playoff less season.
Everyone is throwing heat at these two franchises early on, forgetting what a steaming pile that they both were only a few months ago.

In week 1, both of thee teams won…beating Detroit and Atlanta…dumpster fire central in terms of franchises.
Now they get to beat up each other…except it won’t go as easy, and as fun to watch as last week.

Sky Sports will be showing this game which looks to be a defensive battle of few points, turnovers and oodles of penalties.
Given this, there should be plenty of commercial breaks, which gives the Sky team a little more face time.

Like a child’s drawing, this looks good on paper, but there’s nothing else really to do with it.

Cowboys vs Chargers

9pm GMT

Dak & the boys head to the coast to take on the fast paced LA Chargers in a half empty stadium, in a game that really isn’t the best of the rest.

After getting humbled by TB12 & the Bucs last week, the Cowboys will be looking to use that extra time to plug some holes that Tommy boy shredded through their back side.

Justin Herbert and the boys will be smarting from a tough Washington game last week, that saw them rip Fitzmagic from the fabric of space, time and shoulder.
Joey Bosa and company are going to make Dak’s life hell for the second week in a row.

If you DO want to watch this game, just an FYI that it is on Sky Sports, and you WON’T be able to access it regularly through Gamepass UK.

Chiefs vs Ravens

1:30am GMT

Who stays up at this unGodly hour?
True NFL fans!

There won’t be too many places that show this game live in London on a Sunday night, and if you go, you might be missing an internal organ or two.
(Central London late at night gets stabby)

This game is also on Sky Sports as well as Gamepass.
You won’t have a delay on Gamepass.

That’s it for the Sky Sports schedule this week for week 2.

Hope you join us this Sunday at the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street for 40+ TVs of NFL action.

See you Sunday.