The 2022 FIFA World Cup is starting soon (November 20), and it’s looking like one of the weirdest we’ve ever seen already. Where previous tournaments had us cramming into beer gardens, embracing the warm weather and celebrating (and crying) in the sunshine. Not so this year.
The World Cup in Qatar is happening over the winter, which means we’ll have to wrap up warm and squeeze into any pub with a lit fire. We’ll see a lot more football scarves than shirts this year for sure. But while we can’t predict exactly what a winter World cup will be like, some things never change. Expect beautiful goals, flagrant tackles, daft hairdos and England losing a quarter final on penalties (If we’re lucky).
Of course, nothing beats celebrating with a crowd, which is why we’ve rounded up the best places in Bristol to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup throughout November and December.
1. Bambalan
The sporting events company, 4TheFans, will take over Bambalan in Bristol throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Up to 300 England fans can come together and roar on their team in Qatar. For each of England’s games, a footballing legend will be in attendance, with an interactive show too, as well as DJ sets, food and drink. Tickets for England games start at £30 per person for a table of six, with VIP table options at £50 per person. But all over games will be available to watch at Bambalan for free this Winter on their anti-glare screen.
Bambalan, Podium Level, Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE
2. Propyard
You’re going to want a big screen to watch the FIFA World Cup and there’s no bigger in Bristol than the screen at Propyard this winter. Its giant, seven-metre screen means you won’t miss an inch of action – you’ll see the tears on the losing side’s face. Supporting all of Bristol’s diverse nationalities, it will be showing as many games as possible, including Portugal, Poland, Spain and Brazil matches. All England games will be priced at £10, but all other games will be free to watch. Pizzarova will also be selling your half-time meal, for that extra boost of energy to keep celebrating! See here for more details.
39-46 Feeder Rd, Bristol BS2 0SE
3. King Street Brew House
We love King Street. No what you’re after – from live jazz bands to techno raves – one of the many pubs on the strip has you sorted. So what about football? Well King Street Brew House has the hattrick of serving cold pints, plenty of space, and the footy always on – and of course they’re screening the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Bristol this winter. Don’t think you can book, however, walk-ins are available on a first come, first serve basis. The matches will be shown on a number of screens dotted throughout the venue, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the taproom while watching the games live.
King Street Brew House, 13 Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4RR
4. The Cider Press
Among the best cider spots in Bristol, The Cider Press on Gloucester Road has you covered with 32 draught options. So scrumpy lovers can enjoy the World Cup this month just as much as the rest of us. Not only that but The Cider Press has a whopping eight screens alongside two HD projectors. If that’s not enough, there are pool tables to keep you entertained between games, as well as a lot of bar food like wings, burgers and nachos to fill you up. Plonk yourself down, and you won’t have an excuse to go home all tournament. ‘Don’t take me home…’
The Cider Press, 86-90 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8BN
5. The White Harte
One for the students: located near the top of Park Street, The White Harte is providing those scrambling from the University to get their World Cup fix. You’ll find screens and a pool table for some pre or post-match entertainment. No matter who you’re supporting, or which team you got in the sweepstake, you’ll never miss a minute of action here. You can book your place on The White Harte website and the pub even has some food and drink packages.
The White Harte, 54-58 Park Row, BS1 5LH
6. Walkabout
Is anyone thinking the Lions might go all the way this World Cup? We’ve had some successes at recent tournaments, yes, but our current form is shocking. Win or lose, we’ll be heading down to Walkabout to watch every pass, tackle and goal either way. Surround yourself with like minded supporters, and cheer on your country on the bar’s massive HD screens with a refreshing cold pint in hand. You can catch all the games at Walkabout, however booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Walkabout, 40 Corn Street, BS1 1HQ
7. The Independence Sports Bar
If you’ve been a follower of football at all in the last six years, or simply an avid lover of memes, you might recognise The Independence Sports Bar at Ashton Gate. It’s the location of the iconic Bar Goes Wild meme. It’s the place everyone will want to be if England does well again at this 2022 FIFA World Cup. All of England’s games will be screened here, with standing tickets available for £6. Tables of four, six and eight are also available to reserve for £10 per person. There is a complimentary drink with every ticket!
Ashton Gate Stadium, Winterstoke Road, BS3 2LQ
8. The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is just one of the best footy pubs in Bristol all-year-round. This Gloucester Road pub is always showing Premier League and Champions League games. So you know it’ll be a great atmosphere for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. If you’re after a refreshing pint and some pub grub whilst watching the football, The Royal Oak has you covered. Every game will be playing on its HD screens. It’s bound to get busy, however, so book your table now.
The Royal Oak, 385 Gloucester Road, Horfield, BS7 8TN
9. The Bay Horse
The newly-renovated pub found on Bristol’s Lewins Mead, The Bay Horse serves up cold pints with plenty of space to watch the footy. It’ll be screening as many games as it possibly can from the 2022 World Cup. At this Bristol bar, guests can expect tons of beers and ciders on tap, as well as English pub grub and a proper atmosphere.
The Bay Horse, 1 Lewins Mead, BS1 2LJ
10. SWX
We know what you’re thinking, isn’t SWX a superclub? Yes, but where better for a super-screening of the FIFA 2022 World Cup? They’ll be showing all three of England’s games with space for over 1300 of you. And in keeping with the venue, there will also be a pre-match party with live DJs. It’s bound to be some boisterous celebrations. Tickets are £5 and can be snatched up here.
15 Nelson St, Bristol BS1 2JY