Just in case your road doesn’t lead to Wembley

Brazil may be on the final countdown before it parties its way through this summer’s World Cup, but we’re still nostalgic about the FA Cup final. It might not be a London Derby, but with Arsenal VS Hull in action at Wembley at 5pm on Saturday 17 May if you haven’t got a ticket we reckon the best place to catch the action is at one of these fantastic London pubs. Here’s 12 of the best…

As recommended by our Ealing office

1. Drayton Court Hotel, 2 The Avenue, Ealing, London W13 8PH
tel: 020 8997 1019

We’re not stereotyping, but if not everyone in the family is as keen on the glorious game, The Drayton Court Hotel could be your perfect hangout. Yes, it’s a hotel and you can stay over, but this venue is known better locally as a pub. With a dedicated sports bar, plus plenty of quiet areas to sit and chat with friends and a playground for the kids, everyone’s happy. Sorted!

As recommended by our Highgate office

2. Dukes Head Yard Pub, 16 Highgate High Street, London N6 5JG
tel: 020 8341 1310

If you know and love your tipples, may we suggest this discerning pub. Serving craft beers and ciders from independent brewers, fine wines and whisky, there’s also equally fabulous food. Opens at 12 so why not head in for a long, long lunch and then settle in for the footie – well, it would be rude not to.

As recommended by our Imperial Wharf office

3. The Waterside, Bar and Kitchen, The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf, Fulham, London SW6 2SU tel: 020 7371 0802

If bold is your thing, we reckon The Waterside will be right up your street. Set in a stylishly renovated industrial space, no comfort has been spared with huge comfy booths on the outdoor deck overlooking the Thames. Sports fans will love the 42” screen that’s guaranteed to deliver an authentic ‘be part of the action’ experience. Gooooooooal!

As recommended by our Knightsbridge office

4. The Sporting Page, 6 Camera Place, Chelsea SW10 0BH tel: 020 7349 0455

There are sports-themed bars and there are sports bars. Consider The Sporting Page in the latter category. Self-confessed sports nuts, the bar has an amazing collection of sporting memorabilia and an illustrious clientele, including Mick Jagger and Princess Margaret in the 70s. Centrally located, it’s a bus hop from Sloane Square, Kings Road and South Kensington.

5. The Sydney Arms, 70 Sydney Street, Chelsea, London SW3 6NJ. tel: 0207 352 7924

An independent with a difference. With an intriguing blend of international chefs, the food offers something different from the usual pub offerings – try the duck Scotch egg for example. Although we’re heading in for the football, enquire about The Sydney Arms’ Racing Club, which syndicates shares in racehorses and hosts pop up events at racecourses around the UK.

As recommended by our Beaufort Park office

6. The Beaufort, 2 Heritage Avenue, Off Grahame Park Way, Hendon, London NW9 5TW tel: 020 8205 6198

“Broadsword calling Danny Boy…” Forgive our Where Eagles Dare moment, but there’s something about The Beaufort’s proximity to the RAF Museum that gets us all nostalgic. Bring your perspective bang up-to-date and hang-er (sorry) out at this welcoming and stylish Young’s pub.

As recommended by our Canary Wharf office

7. The Ledger Building, 4 Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, Docklands, London E14 4AL tel: 020 7536 7770

Talking of history, go east young man (and woman) to this renovated space which used to house the ledgers of shipments to and from the area’s West India Docks. Plus, with Saturday’s favourable forescast, there’s a fantastic outdoor space that will be perfect for hanging out ahead of the match.

As recommended by our City office

8. The Albion, 2-3 New Bridge Street, City of London, London EC4V 6AA
tel: 020 7583 0227

Located between St Paul’s Cathedral and Blackfriars Bridge, The Albion has great food, drinks, staff and sport on tap – the perfect combination for a quietish FA Cup Final in the City. Bring your mates as the landlord is a big sports fan and loves to share the screen with like-minded souls.

As recommended by our Greenwich office

9. The Lost Hour, Greenwich, 217-219 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8NB tel: 020 82691411

We reckon it’ll be more than the one you’ll lose if you plot up here for the match, but it’s more than worth it as The Lost Hour is a delightful find. Recently refurbished, if it’s a relaxed vibe you’re after, you’ve found your spot.

As recommended by our Hampstead office

10. The King William IV Pub, 77 Hampstead High Street, London NW3 1RE
tel: 020 7435 5747

Affectionately known as ‘The Willie’ by locals, we love this jaunty Hampstead hideaway for its great food, live music and occasional cabaret. Of course if it’s just the football you’re after you’ll find that too, but don’t be surprised if you stay on to party afterwards…

As recommended by our Kensington office

11. The Greyhound, 1 Kensington Square, London W8 5EP
tel: 020 7937 7140

A CAMRA supporter, expect nothing else but authenticity with this Kensington pub. If cask ales, great wines, followed by fish and chips or a burger sound like your idea of a proper night at the pub, head on over.

As recommended by our Hyde Park office

12. Victoria Pub, 10A Strathearn Place, London W2 2NH tel: 020 77241191

The Victoria claims to have had Charles Dickens amongst its punters. We’re not sure he was much of a sports pundit, but he could certainly pen a line or two and so we’ll raise a glass at half time to the literary genius. Then we’ll turn our attention back to the game… Come on you Gunners!