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.
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.
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!
