Where to watch (or avoid!) the World Cup in the Angel
Love football? Hate football?
Either way we’ve got you covered with our round-up of venues in the Angel to catch the big World Cup games, or places to go and things to do if you want to avoid the silly football in Qatar.
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in the Angel
It’s coming home… maybe! You and your colleagues may have your World Cup wall charts up and started to fill in the blanks, but if you’re not sure where to watch all the footy action in the Angel over the coming month, then here’s some super suggestions. And remember, when it comes to football watching in venues, bookings are a good thing!
O2 Academy Islington (in Angel Central) is going BIG for the World Cup and showing a couple of England’s Group Games and other matches (including the final) on their BIG SCREEN. Tickets are FREE, but pre-register to secure your space. They are also running drinks deals too! Book HERE.
Fox on the Green right in the heart of the Angel, next to Islington Green, this pub offers a multitude of screens so you can catch the action wherever you stand. You can book your spaces HERE.
The Castle on Pentonville Road is another great option for those searching for that ‘lucky’ footy venue. You can choose to watch the games on one of their three screens in the bar or head upstairs onto their terrace for that unique winter World Cup outdoor experience! Book your spaces (and drinks packages) HERE.
Valderrama’s, at 163 Upper Street, is the Angel’s newest squad member on the bar front. This sports bar has World Cup pedigree too, being named and styled after the 90’s Colombian soccer icon Carlos Valderrama. So if you’re looking for a venue with a bit of South American flair, book now HERE.
The York on the corner of Islington High Street and Duncan Street is a safe bet when it comes to watching sports. This beautiful traditional pub is a firm favourite with footy fans young and old and serves up everything from cask ales to G&Ts and of course offers a full pub menu too… Book your table HERE.
The Old Red Lion Pub on St John Street is perfect for those on at the southern end of the Angel. Known for not having an allegiance to any team, just simply welcoming all who love the beautiful game, this historical venue has multiple screens both small and large throughout its areas. More info HERE.
The Old Queens Head on Essex Road is a lively right-sided midfielder in the Angel. The Old Queens Head will be showing all of the England games across both its floors with reservations available for groups of up to eight people. More info HERE.
The Camden Head tucked away at the top end of Camden Passage is hosting a ‘feast of football’ and will be showing all the big games during the World Cup. For England’s matches booking is recommended and can be done HERE.
Where to avoid the FIFA World Cup in the Angel
Couldn’t care less about 22 men running around a patch of grass chasing after a ball? Well, there is plenty going on in the Angel over the coming weeks to give you an opportunity to avoid the football hullaballoo.
Angel Central – The Big Christmas Lights Switch On If you missed Glow in the Angel last Thursday, then there’s still an opportunity to see an array of twinkly lights being switched-on in the Angel! Tonight (Thursday 24 November) is the turn of Angel Central who have a full programme of live music, sing-a-longs and the switch-on itself being undertaken by two festive legends; Father Christmas and The Snowman. All the festive fun starts at 4.30pm. More info HERE.
Colibri Boutique – free in-store live music performance! If Saturday at 3pm holds no interest to you in football terms, then head to Colibri Boutique on Upper Street this Saturday (26 Nov) for an exclusive free live music event in-store. Hackney based singer-songwriter, poet and producer Angel SEKA transcends genre conformity and floats through alternative, neo-soul and trip-hop textures, glazed with jazz and African rhythms. They will be performing from 3pm to 5pm. More info HERE.
Sadler’s Wells – Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty If the thought of football makes you drowsy, then you’ll be sure to be awoken with a visit to Sadler’s Wells to see the incredible new production of Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty. This award-winning spectacular has enchanted international audiences throughout the UK and across the globe with its unforgettable score, sumptuous sets and costumes and of course world-class dancing. Performances start next week and run until the end of January. More info HERE.
Walking Tours – A Victorian Christmas in Islington If you’d rather stretch your legs than watch others stretch theirs, then why not go on a walking tour with local professional guide Rob Smith? These seasonal walks look at the different ways Christmas was celebrated in Islington during the Victorian period – whether it was a slice of the celebrated currant cake from Thomas’s, dancing at Henry’s Assembly Rooms or a Christmas lecture from Reverend McGuire. All walks start at Angel Station and take place on various dates in December. More info HERE.
King’s Head Theatre – Yippee Ki Yay One to watch something where the Germans definitely get defeated? Well, Yippee Ki Yay is a retelling of classic alt-Christmas film Die Hard. This joyfully funny show makes its London debut following rave reviews for its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe. Essential viewing for Hans Gruber superfans and newcomers alike. Opening on the 29 November. More info HERE.
Islington Green – Chanukah Celebrations If you want to celebrate something far more meaningful than the end of football tournament on Sunday 18 December, then head to Islington Green for the first night of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights. At the annual extravaganza in the heart of the Angel you can witness the ceremony of lighting the nine-branch Menorah, sing traditional songs and take part in Chanukah activities. There will also be hundreds of free latkes, doughnuts, Chanukah gelt and hot cocoa for everyone to tuck into. All faiths welcomed! More info HERE.
