PN
Priya Nair
September 11, 2023

Best Bars for Watching Cricket

Cricket's appeal lies in its episodic nature—a Test match can unfold across five days, with the outcome unknown until the final hour. This demands a particular kind of bar: one built for extended engagement, proper seating, uninterrupted commentary, and the company of people who understand that cricket is as much about patience as it is about sudden drama.

From pubs within sight of Lord's and The Oval to South Asian establishments in New York where cricket runs deeper than any other sport, we've identified the bars where cricket fans gather to watch their game the way it should be watched. These are venues where the bartenders know the difference between a googly and a leg break, where the seats are comfortable for a full day of cricket, and where the crowd respects the occasion.

The Best Cricket-Watching Bars

01
The Pavilion

Steps away from Lord's Cricket Ground, this is the pub where MCC members gather before and after matches. The walls carry photographs spanning cricket's modern era. The back room is reserved for cricket during Test series, with dedicated tables overlooking the street toward the ground. Service is formal but warm.

Order: Pimm's with a Lords Pie

02
The Oval House

Directly opposite The Oval, this pub is owned by Surrey County Cricket Club devotees. During international matches, you'll find a mix of match-goers and locals. The kitchen serves traditional bar food without pretension. Multiple screens ensure every angle of play is visible. On Test days, arrive two hours early to secure a spot.

Order: Fuller's London Pride with sausage and mash

03
Leyton's Cricket House

This isn't a bar adjacent to cricket—it's a cricket bar that happens to serve excellent food. Run by former Essex players, the space hosts local club members and international cricket enthusiasts in equal measure. The screen technology is modern. The staff engage knowledgeably with every match moment. Booking ahead is essential for major matches.

Order: Masala lager with samosa platter

04
Singh & Sons Cricket Lounge

New York's most authentic cricket venue. This is where South Asian immigrants and cricket lovers gather during Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan matches. The atmosphere on match days is electric—expect crowds, singing, and genuine investment in every ball. The kitchen serves proper dhal bhat and biryani alongside bar food. Cricket is the primary focus; everything else is secondary.

Order: Kingfisher with aloo gobi

05
The Boundary Bar

A newer establishment that's gained quick traction with London's younger cricket crowd. The design is modern with professional-grade screens and sound. The cocktail menu includes cricket-themed drinks. The food is elevated gastropub standard. The bartenders have genuine cricket knowledge and enjoy engaging in match commentary with customers.

Order: Negroni with beef croquettes

06
The Batsman's Arms

Located near Edgbaston Cricket Ground, this pub serves Warwickshire County Cricket members and serious fans. The interior is casual and comfortable—you can settle in for a full day without feeling rushed. The bartender is invariably a cricket encyclopaedia. On Test match days, this is the venue where locals congregate to share the occasion.

Order: Tetley with steak bake

07
Dhaka Express Sports Bar

A Bangladeshi-owned sports bar where cricket transcends entertainment and becomes cultural expression. During Bangladesh matches, the energy is unmatched. Even when the home team isn't playing, you'll find serious cricket fans here discussing the nuances of spin bowling and field placement. The kitchen serves authentic Bengali rice dishes and fish preparations.

Order: Bengali fish curry with rice

08
The Cover Drive

An upscale cricket bar that caters to professionals and serious enthusiasts. The design incorporates cricket memorabilia from the Indian Premier League era. The cocktails are premium. The food is carefully prepared. This is where cricket fans with disposable income gather. The clientele skews toward finance professionals with subcontinental heritage.

Order: Single malt whisky with tandoori chicken

09
The Stumper's Rest

A satellite venue for Surrey County members. This pub maintains the traditions of English county cricket culture. The food is hearty and designed for sustenance during long cricket sessions. The seating is arranged to accommodate groups. On county championship days, you'll find genuine county cricket specialists debating field placements and bowling tactics.

Order: Ale with beef and horseradish sandwich

10
West Indies Cricket Club

A Caribbean-focused sports establishment where West Indies cricket carries deep cultural significance. Test matches and ODIs featuring the West Indies draw passionate crowds. The atmosphere is social without being chaotic. The kitchen serves Caribbean food that makes sense alongside cricket watching—ackee, saltfish, and roti breads.

Order: Carib beer with ackee and saltfish

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Where to Settle In

Cricket demands time. A Test match unfolds over five days. An ODI requires your afternoon and early evening. A T20 is intensive but brief. The right bar for watching cricket is one where time becomes irrelevant—where the environment supports extended viewing without pressure to turn the table.

The venues we've listed understand this. They're built around cricket culture, staffed by people who understand the sport's rhythms, equipped with the technology to show every angle, and furnished to make sitting for hours feel less like endurance and more like privilege.

Visit one during the next international series. Experience cricket the way it was meant to be watched—with knowledge, company, and proper refreshment.

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