The World Cup 2022 is fast approaching and, as we get ready for some cold-weathered-football-fun, we thought we’d spread the cheer! While we might all be used to watching the game in shorts and a t-shirt, cold drink in hand, and sweating (not just from the nerves), this is the year for all the winter lovers out there. Huddled round with friends and family, sharing the on-the-edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting, what-are-you-thinking-ref moments, celebrating all the countries in the world, but keeping our fingers crossed for England. Here are some of the best spots in Herts where you can go to watch the game, before heading back home (incidentally, where football is also going).
Be sure to book in advance where required!
The Victoria
St Albans
Cosy and warm, The Victoria is well known throughout Herts as one of the best sports bars in the county. With hearty and classic bar food, great drinks, and even greater atmosphere, you and friends can spend the evening at The Victoria, enjoying a bite to eat and cheering on the team!
White Hart
East Hertfordshire
Usually hosting live music events, DJ nights, and street food festivals, the White Hart in Hertford is the place to be this World Cup season. Lively and buzzing, there’s a great atmosphere, with lots of people coming together and enjoying the football fun!
Osinky’s
Hitchin, North Hertfordshire
There’s pool, cocktails, dancing, and (most importantly) sport at Osinky’s. Watch the football in one of Hitchin’s best bars, where you can enjoy happy hour, bottomless brunch, and food deals on selected days, all while watching the games!
The Wheatsheaf
Harpenden, St Albans
For something a bit more relaxed, why not head along to the Wheatsheaf? Cosy and friendly, you can enjoy a drink and a meal while you and the family watch the game. A classic English pub, this is the perfect place to cheer on the home team.
Doctors Tonic
Welwyn Garden City
There’s nowhere quite like the Doctors Tonic. With sharing plates, great drinks, and a warm atmosphere, this is the perfect place to spend your afternoon while watching the World Cup this year.
The Draper’s Arms
Stevenage
Join the crowd in Stevenage this World Cup at The Draper’s Arms. It doesn’t get much better than being sat with friends, sat in the buzz and excitement of a live game. So come along and enjoy the game, all the highs and the lows, all the oohs and the aahs!
Old Bell
Hemel Hempstead, Dacorum
With the timings of the World Cup, we’ll be watching some games during the day, so we’ve got to prepare ourselves for everything. The Old Bell offers an amazing brunch menu, so if you find yourself at a loss for somewhere to go to enjoy that midday match, they’ve got you covered. Fuel yourself for the excitement of the game!
The White Bear
Broxbourne
With an outdoor garden for those among us hopeful for a sunny winter day, or a cosy indoor space for huddling up to watch the match, The White Bear is ready for a World Cup of a lifetime. Having been at the same site since 1850, you can guarantee that the team at The White Bear know a thing or two about how to run a great pub! So why not make it your base for catching all the best games this year?
The Western
Rickmansworth
Enthusiasm, liveliness and warmth are at the heart of everything that goes on at The Western. With seasonally fresh dishes all year round, you and friends can fill up on a tasty meal and a crisp, delightful drink while you watch the matches this World Cup.
The Wellington
Borehamwood, Hertsmere
This rustic and warm pub is the perfect wintery place to go for watching the World Cup this year! Bundle up and sit in the welcoming (and secret!) pub garden with friends and family and get involved in the lively atmosphere of the games!