NFL in London

National Football League in London

London NFL

Week 4 Review

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What an exciting week in the NFL, made even better for UK fans as we host a London game for week 5.

Wade and Ryan are here to look back on the week that was in the NFL for week 4, in a fun and peppy podcast called the Week 4 Review.

Ryan went a respectable 7-9 in his week 4 picks, while Wade busted out an impressive 12-4 record to scoop a few pools over the weekend.

Among some of the trends and issues that the guys talk about in this one.

London Game

It’s the Falcons versus the Jets (wee!) at Tottenham in the first of the NFL games in London.

While it’s a truly beautiful stadium, the area around White Hart Lane leaves much to be desired. There’s really not much of a reason to leave anyway, with all of the bars and restaurants you can find within the stadium walls.

The NFL Store in the stadium will be happy to take your money in exchange for the jerseys of your NFL dreams.
Don’t worry about bringing a bag for all that swag, they will have legit ones available you can carry into the stadium.

Visitors to London are in for a treat, just don’t wander around too much to lose that lustre.

Also, Ted Lasso isn’t a real person, so stop asking us.

Petrol Crisis

Britain is still missing fuel, causing line ups, punch ups and neighbourhood headaches.

If you’re planning on driving to the game, be aware that fuel might be non existent, and parking could provide an added nightmare to your journey.

The Overground rolls into White Hart Lane every 15 minutes, which will give you plenty of time to plan your stadium day.

Winners

Among some of the winning teams that Wade and Ryan gush about in this episode includes:

Chiefs

Finally a win, but at what cost? Kansas City is struggling this year as they slump further down the division walls. Can they maintain this momentum to thwart the Bills in week 5?

Cowboys

If you smell something creeping up in your garden check that it might be ‘dem boyz. Dallas has put together a winning team, let’s see how long that they can stay healthy.

Cardinals

The best team in the NFL? They have certainly shown why that they might be considered. Of course it’s only week 4, so let’s hold our horses.

Losers

Lions

Detroit could be the worst team in all of football, with no direction fo where they are going. The Lions have had their mane and tail chopped, it’s hard to see where they find the motivation.

Texans

Stop, just stop. That’s all their defence has left to say.

Titans

Insults meet injuries as this team can no longer rely on Henry for the winning scores. Tannehill is struggling behind a weak line and their D can barely contain themselves.

Week 5 Parties

Don’t forget we’re throwing big parties this weekend at the Sports Bar and Grill Clapham, Old Street and the Princess Alexandra.

Clapham will be showing the Fury vs Wilder fight Sat night, while Old Street will be open until 4am with NFL action wall to wall.

Welcome to London!

 

 

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! 

Week 4 Preview

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Three weeks done and dusted so far in the NFL, and what have we learned?

Tom Brady is definitely not finished, but the Jets are. The Chiefs might struggle this year, and could be fall behind the Las Vegas Raiders.
The world needs more Frank Gore.

Wade McElwain and Ryan Cull chat all of this malarky and more, as they make their picks in this Week 4 Preview.

If you want to join the guys watching the NFL every Sunday, why not join us at the Sports Bar & Grill Old Street for all the NFL fun. It’s open until 12:30am, and you can watch ALL of the NFL games there.

London Games

We are throwing parties for the London games at the Sports Bar & Grill Clapham and Old Street, as well as the Princess Alexandra in Crouch End.

All of these places are centrally located, open late, and dedicated to NFL action-so if you are looking for a place to book in for before or after the game, please just let us know.

Also be aware of the petrol crisis in the UK at the moment, which means cars are slowly moving throughout north London, and traffic jams pop up wherever a gas station is.
If you’re planning on driving to the games, and you haven’t been around the stadium lately, we would highly recommend avoiding it.

Among some of the games the guys talk about in this episode of the podcast includes:

-2 Browns (2-1) vs Vikings (1-2)  +51.5

Everyone keeps talking about how the Vikes should be 3-0 if they didn’t yada yada yada, but they are 1-2 so there you go.

The Browns are 2-1 and are starting to show more promise as they gain momentum each week. OBJ is back, and the running game is a duel threat.

Ryan likes the Vikings to continue their winning ways with an easy victory over Baker and the Boys. He likes the Minnesota running game to gash yards over Cleveland, as well as Cousins to spread the ball around.

Wade favours the Brownies here given how tough their D has been playing, not to mention the pocket protection that even a nerd would be jelly of. OBJ will be a big difference in this one.

Ryan- Vikings 28 Browns 23
Wade- Browns 31 Vikings 28

Lions (0-3) vs -3 Bears (1-2)  +42.5

Detroit might be one of the worst teams in the league, but that hasn’t stopped them from being competitive every week. Goff refuses to go out as a joke, while TJ Hockenson continues to stuff balls every Sunday.

Chicago took a nut punch from the Browns last week, as it became evident Matt Nagy hadn’t bothered to prepare a Sunday plan. Fields got mown, and the total offence was offensive.

Ryan thinks Goff is better than Fields, and will be the top man on the day. If Detroit were to win a game this season, he thinks that this is the one.

Wade has faith in his Bears to turn it around after a bitter loss last Sunday. Being at home and with the fan momentum behind them, he thinks its time to right the ship. He likes the Bears to cover in this one, and show some stones in the trenches.

Ryan- Lions 23 Bears 17
Wade- Bears 26 Lions 20

Ryan has some other teams that he likes for week 4, including the Dolphins to toss over the Colts, Bills stuffing the Texans, Atlanta upsetting the Washington FT, and the Jets covering against the Titans.

Wade fancies the Giants to cover against the Saints, Panthers to cover versus the Cowboys, and the Broncos with a steady victory over the nevermore Ravens.

Make sure you listen to the whole dang podcast to hear it all.

Join us every Sunday at the Sports Bar and Grill Old Street or Clapham to watch all the games!

See you Sunday!

Week 3 Preview

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An epic week of game awaits as we head into another tasty week of the NFL.

Wade McElwain and Ryan Cull break down all their picks and predictions in this Week 3 Preview podcast.

If you love the podcast, come meet us in person this week, as we hit the sports Bar & Grill Old Street. It’s open until 12:30am, so you can watch all the games until the tubes shut.

Best of all, we’re running a DraftKings contest this week, where the winner gets 2 tickets to the Dolphins vs Jaguars at Tottenham stadium.
This is the only contest where you can win.

https://www.draftkings.co.uk/draft/contest/114108483?bypassChallPop=true

We’ve got parties on for the London games as well as all of the London locations. Get in touch if you want to book a table.

As for the picks this week, Wade and Ryan have a crazy amount of similarities in their picks, despite not having chatted about it prior.

Among some of the games they discuss in this one:

Ravens (1-1) -8 vs Lions (0-2)  +50

Baltimore is fresh off a beating of the AFC title holders, with a duke and dunk scheme by Lamar Jackson that was enjoyable to watch. Despite having a slew of injuries, Baltimore was once again able to show why they are contenders in the division.

Detroit is bad. Just bad. Goff has been saddled with a broken team and even worse, trapped in a broken vision for the franchise. What they heck are they doing there on Michigan?
The Lions are continually faded in games because anyone can score on them.

Ryan thinks that Lamar and the boys will rip another hole through the roof of the Lions, with an easy victory to continue their AFC bravado.

Wade feels that the Ravens will tear off to an early lead, but fall victim to the resolve of the Lions who will look to TJ for late points to make this close.

Ryan- Ravens 34 Lions 23
Wade-Ravens 30 Lions 24

Washington (1-1) vs Bills (1-1) -7.5 +45.5

The Bills return home to northern New York, after disappointing home fans against the Steelers in their opener. Josh Allen has been fine, but not as great as people have hoped thus far.

Washington and their new QB haven’t been given much hope, and their D has shown a lot of nope in their first two games. It won’t be easy against a Bills D that stiffs the run with ease.

Ryan is all over his Bills, calling this one by 10000 points. He does think that the Bills should handle the new QB, as well as get the ball out deep to some Diggs action.

Wade sees the Bills once again struggling at home, but this time getting the win. Washington will use this one as a chance to get the D rocking again, and Josh Allen will struggle.

Ryan-Bills 38 Washington 20
Wade-Bills 24 Washington 18

Falcons (0-2) vs Giants (0-2) -3  +47.5

The Falcons can buy a win. Matt Ryan and the boys have been beaten by two top teams on their way to a battle against an equally struggling New York.

The Giants have all the hype, but no winning wipe. Daniel Jones is running from the devil every week, and it’s only a matter of time before that turns into an ugly scene unless he gets protection.

Ryan is believing in Atlanta one last time. He utters this phrase every season, but at varying intervals. This year we get it at week 3. He thinks that they can overcome the sad Giants to an upset.

Wade likes DJ, and is down on the home squad. Sterling Shepherd is on the fantasy list this week, as the Falcons will be forced contain a whole host of passing options.

Ryan- Falcons 27 Giants 23
Wade- Giants 24 Falcons 20

That’s it for this week, listen to the whole podcast to get all out picks and predictions.

Join the DraftKings contest and we’ll see you on Sunday!

Week 2 Review

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Another batch of games is done and dusted (as are quite a few quarterbacks), in what proved to be some exciting matches in an epic week 2.

The Raiders move to 2-0 after a dismantling of the Steelers, Buffalo kicks the fish, Trevor Lawrence continues to lose, the Bears survive, and TB12 looks better than ever.
All this and more in our Week 2 Review.

Wade and Ryan both went an okay’ish 8-9 last week after suffering some picking poisonings in the week 2 games.
In fact, it seems that the teams that were more injured, played better than some of the healthiest teams.
Go figure.

Ryan lost on the Chargers & Chiefs, while Wade made out with his picks on the Panthers, and Titans.

Amongst some of the thoughts on this podcast:

NY Jets

Despite making all the trades, new coaching hires, and adding Zach Wilson, the Jets still look like the same old Jets.
Wilson was welcomed to the NFL with 4 INTs and was hassled at every snap.
Many pundits thought this was the year that the Jets might finally be able to poke their way to the playoffs, but all indications point to no.

Raiders

Las Vegas is on a tear, and they don’t care!
The Raiders are 2-0 thanks to beating down the Ravens and the Steelers, a pretty notable start to the season.
Fans can remember Raiders implosions in recent years, building up a streak of wins, only to slide into a losing autumn, with their make-up smeared from tears.
Carr is desperate to prove the critics wrong, even if he sacrifices his body in the process.
How long will this train ride go on?

Cardinals

Pocket rocket Kyler has been chucking loads of deep balls to start the season.
Arizona looks fun, and the addition of JJ Watt and some D line makes them a heavy contender going forward.
The Cardinals also have suffered from playoff gout, so all eyes will be on them if they can keep up the consistent play, or if they leak as many points as they can score.
Arizona has definitely added a fun factor to their games, which has been missing for a few years.

Eagles

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles came out flying in week 1, only to get stymied by the 49ers in week 2.
Despite outgaining San Fran on the field, and a series of dropped balls, the Eagles couldn’t finish them off.
Hurts is still new, but has the benefit of having played some games last season to give him an advantage over true newbies like Lawrence, Wilson and Jones.
Philly might only be getting started.

DraftKings Contest

How would you like to win tickets to the Miami vs Jacksonville game at Tottenham stadium this weekend by playing DraftKings?

Join in our $5 contest and the winner will take home the top cash prize as well as two tickets to the battle of Florida in North London.

The contest is open to UK residents, so make sure you get your entry in now!

Week 3-Old Street

Join us week 3 at the Sports Bar and Grill Old Street, as we celebrate the season and launch our DraftKings event in style.

We will have the contest blasting up live on one of the TVs so that you can watch as your entry rises up the charts.

Do you have the DFS skills required to win this Sunday contest?

London Games

Just an FYI that we will be throwing pre and after parties for both London games.

The Sports Bar & Grill Old Street will be open LATE so that you can party until the wee hours on Monday. Get in touch if you want to book a table.

The Sports Bar and Grill Clapham is the perfect place to grab a pint and some nosh before heading to Tottenham. The pub will be open until 11pm on Sunday so that you can still catch all the action.

The Princess Alexandra in Crouch End is a mere 15 minutes to the stadium and a direct bus ride to Tottenham (W3). Also open until very late, the Alex is a Crouch End boozer with a storied history.
Get in touch so that we can book you in there.

Here’s the Week 2 Review podcast!