Ιf you are not willing to call it a day even after cheering for your favourite team throughout the Rugby match, here is a list of where you should go to celebrate the win or forget the loss of your team!
Olympic Stadium, London
The vast Westfield Stratford City sits between the Olympic Stadium and the tube station and is packed with post-match options, from The Cow, with its views of the stadium and decent pub grub, to Tap East with its on-site microbrewery (try the Jim Wilson Bitter). For something more traditional, head into nearby Stratford and the 19th century King Edward VII with its etched glass windows and open fires.
Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton
The games may be out in Falmer but the after-party will be in the city centre, so jump straight on the train to Brighton Central. The official Fan Zone will be on the beach itself but we recommend the very-Brighton Robin Hood, Britain’s only charity pub, where all proceeds go to local good causes and handmade pizzas are always available.
Twickenham, London
Few venues rival Twickenham for atmosphere, and few pubs rival the nearby Cabbage Patch for rugby passion. This upmarket sports pub hung with rugby memorabilia is sure to be packed on match days but the six bars (inside and out) keep the beer flowing, including plenty of local London Pride. Alternatively head to riverside Richmond, where you’ll find rugby-mad pubs aplenty. The Orange Tree and The Sun Inn are top picks.
Manchester City Stadium, Manchester
It may only be hosting one match, but it’s an England match and it’s on a Saturday, so expect a massive party in Manchester. It’s a 5 minute train journey into the city where the Northern Quarter is the place to be, perhaps at classy sports bar Tib Street Tavern for a locally brewed Ticketybrew Pale Ale or at Black Dog Ballroom for a game of pool and a late-night dance.
Sandy Park, Exeter
Sandy Park is out by the M5 so there’s nothing to see here. Instead, hop on the train and head for the Fan Zone in Northernhay Gardens, right next to Exeter Central, for a family-friendly party atmosphere. Alternatively, check out the pub said to be Sir Frances Drake’s favourite, the Ship Inn on Martin Lane, or head to Timepiece nightclub, set over three floors with everything from a beer garden to a burger bar.
Villa Park, Birmingham
More than just another matchday pub, the Aston Tavern in the shadow of Villa Park recently reopened after two decades of sitting derelict. Expect hog roasts and all-you-can-eat barbecues in the beer garden as well as afternoon teas and real ales in the cosy 1904 interior. Afterwards, jump on the train into Birmingham New Street to check out the official Fan Zone or up and coming Digbeth, where The Rainbow hosts the city’s best DJ sessions.
Kingsholm, Gloucester
It’s just a mile into the city centre from Kingsholme so take a hike after the match and seek out Gloucester’s best pubs. Traditionalists will love the New Inn, a grade I listed pub that is Britain’s most complete surviving example of a medieval courtyard inn with galleries, while just a few steps away the Fountain Inn is a 16th century coaching inn with regular gigs and great real ales.
StadiumMK, Milton Keynes
There’s not a lot around this purpose built stadium so instead, head into town on the shuttle bus. It drops off right outside Wetherspoons on Midsummer Boulevard, the main pub on the main drag. This large pub is in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and always has a good selection of ales on tap. Afterwards, head to Xscape for late-night dancing at Wonderworld nightclub.
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
The Millennium Stadium is right in the city centre so options are aplenty. Just outside the stadium, and with views back to it, Zerodegrees not only brews its own beers (try the richly malty Pale Ale) but also serves up wood-fired pizzas and king-sized pots of mussels. Stomach lined, continue on to Clwb Ifor Bach for a proper Welsh night out with live local music and bilingual staff.
Wembley Stadium, London
Feeling lazy? Head to the Green Man, just five minutes walk from Wembley with its big screens and even bigger beer garden. Feeling adventurous? Embark on a rugby pub crawl around London, from the Famous Three Kings in West Kensington (particularly popular with Welsh fans) to the Barrow Boy and Banker near London Bridge and on to the Faltering Fallback in Finsbury Park.
Source: skyscanner
