Looking for the best places to watch the Women's World Cup final? This Fan Girl's Amy Drucquer has you covered...
It was hard to miss the defining visual of last summer's UEFA Women's EUROs. London’s own Lioness Chloe Kelly scoring a stoppage time winner at Wembley, lassoing her jersey around her head, celebrating England’s first major victory in 50 years, and turning hers and her team mates into household names. For lucky football fans new and old, there’s the promise of the same magic unfolding this summer as England take on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday 20 August.
There's nothing quite like watching football with others. The feeling of joy is amplified, the collective moments of terror mark memories forever - and even the losses somehow become more tolerable.
There’s a freedom that comes with women’s football too - maybe it’s the lack of pressure to know absolutely everything about the game, or the way it’s been so overtly open and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community that just makes it feel more, dare I say it, fun? That's what I realised when I founded This Fan Girl, a site dedicated to celebrating the female football fan. This Fan Girl started hosting meet ups back in 2017, realising the need for safe spaces for women who loved the game to watch together.
Where to watch the Women's World Cup final
Boxpark Shoreditch
Always one to offer a great screening, Boxpark is a staple for all our family-friendly football finals. With three locations across London, Wembley and Croydon have already sold out following the Lionesses win over Australia, but as of writing, Shoreditch still have some tickets available. Buy tickets here.
Toca Social
From private box's in the Lions' Den to tables at the Midfield Bar, Toca Social is ready for all your football needs. Lionesses on the big screens is a given, but you’ll also get a chance to try out your skills with their interactive football boards - beginner friendly options are also available. Why not make a day of it and book yourself and your pals in. Buy tickets here.
Signature Brew, Blackhorse
Baller Friends Collective was started by a group of friends who were tired of scouring the streets of London trying to find a pub showing women’s football matches. They’re passionate members of the Queer community and started out on their mission to build the fanbase for women’s football in July 2022 by hosting inclusive watch parties at a pub in Hoxton, East London for all 31 games of the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros. The event was a hit with fans queuing around the block, culminating in a packed out pub during the finals witnessing the Lionesses’ ultimate fairytale ending. They’re back again this year at new venue Signature Brew in Haggerston to host a summer Festival of Football in celebration of the 2023 Women’s World Cup! Check out tickets here.
Livelyhood group pubs
South London Laces and Tribal WFC are also hosting their own brunch watchalong in partnership with the Livelyhood group (a collection of independent & inviting pubs across South London). Offering a space of community and collectivism, both clubs brought together the whole of South London to cheer on all nations in this women’s world cup!
Both teams will be partnering with the Livelyhood group to fundraise for the future and growth of local South London teams, allowing more women the opportunity to play sports & reap the physical and social benefits of grassroots football.
The Regent Pub, Balham
The Livelyhood group will be committing to showing as much of the tournament as possible during their adjusted opening hours, offering punters a ‘work from pub’ experience for those early breakfast and mid-week matches - see fixtures here. Free entry, table bookings available.
The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea
Got a taste for something fancy? Test out the glitzy Cadogan Arms to watch the Lionesses make history, drinking a selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. There's also some new summer specials to try on the food menu - with an oysters and tiger prawns leaving this one a treat. Check more out here.
The Four Thieves, Battersea
Fancy a brunch? Then check out Battersea's The Four Thieves, where there'll be bottomless mimosas and breakfast foods from our 10:30am kick-off to keep morale high! Plus, think bingo and party games afterwards. Book here.
Outside London? Here's the best places to watch the Women's World Cup final
**In the North:
**Our friends at Bar Libero in Altrincham, Manchester, have shown every single Lioness and Ireland game. Super teeny boozer, major vibes.
This Fan Girl reps have also been busy at The Cardigan Arms in Leeds too. Word on the street is this is Leeds' best roast - just saying.
**In the Midlands:
**The creative collective and brand Art of Footballwho recently dressed Idris Elba for Wimbledon are running footie brunches at Saltbox at The Motorpoint Arena in Notts. Expect to leave with a lot less money than you came in with - Art of Football are famous for supplying the only tournament gear you’ll want to wear!
Also boasting one the best outdoor spaces in the whole of the city, The Gardenhouse Pubin Norwich is a firm fave. With good weather predicted, touch wood there'll be some glorious rays alongside a glorious game.