4 of the best London pubs for Scottish rugby fans

Scotland are preparing for the big clash at Twickenham. Picture: Bill Murray

Scotland’s recent rugby record against the Six Nations frontrunners is decidedly poor, but the form of Vern Cotter’s side has inspired Caledonian confidence.

Scotland still retain an outside chance of tournament or even triple crown glory if they can get past England at Twickenham.

But with some 260,000 Scots currently estimated to live in London, it falls to us to try and find somewhere they can enjoy the game.

With some of the classic Scottish pubs in London like Rob Roy and the Albanach shut down, here are some of the venues that you can head to this Saturday.

Boisdale’s – Canary Wharf

This London staple might not seem like the best place to get full of beer and throatily belt out Flower of Scotland, but Scots still flock to it.

The bar, endorsed for the quality of its live music by none other than Jools Holland, has four branches in the capital.

It is the Bankers’ haven of East London, Canary Wharf, that the chain finds its feet as more of a sport-friendly venue.

The upmarket joint has a whisky bar that has over 1000 different types of Scotland’s national drink, and even has a cigar terrace for you to really feel classy.

The bar and terrace area also has a classy British tapas menu if you want to get some food in you before the match kicks off.

Who could resist a Haggis Scotch quail egg? It’s yours for just £2.

The bar has done ‘beer and burger’ deals ahead of previous Six Nations matches, although they aren’t often trailed weeks in advance.

If you want a bit of class while watching the game, this is the ideal place to go.

The Famous Three Kings – West Kensington

Of course, it doesn’t need to be an entirely partisan experience – step forward this incredibly popular bar.

The Famous Three Kings is best known for Scottish sporting fans as the meeting place of a London-based Hearts supporters club.

There is no particular team that the pub itself endorses, and they pride themselves on showing all manner of sports live.

But come matchday in the Six Nations, the flags of all nations adorn the bar area and friendly rivalries are all the rage.

Pictures show that the recent Scotland v Wales game had supporters of Vern Cotter’s team outnumbered by Welsh fans.

Scottish supporters looking for a place to go for a bit of banter with English fans could do worse than pick the Famous Three Kings – just a hop from West Kensington tube station.

London Scottish Rugby Club – Richmond

It’s not always about international matches. Think Scots in London and rugby, and the famous club comes to mind.

The club are currently in the second tier of English rugby, exiles flying the flag for Scotland every week.

A little bit out of the way in the South-West London borough town of Richmond, the club are determined to make it worth fans’ while to watch the Calcutta Cup clash.

The clubhouse at the Athletic Ground has big screens showing the match, and is hosting a special lunch ahead of the game.

They also urge fans with tickets for the big match to take part in the three course lunch with wine, as buses run to Twickenham from the club.

Even if you haven’t followed the Exiles before, it shapes to be a cracking afternoon for both fans attending the game and those keen to watch on TV.

The Bear – Twickenham

This is the ideal spot for fans looking to get the matchday experience close to the ground without needing to splash out for a match ticket.

The bar is just a stone’s throw away from the home of English rugby, and has big screens for fans of both Scotland and England to watch the game.

A great atmosphere seems virtually guaranteed if pictures of previous big rugby matches at the popular venue are anything to go by.

Pizzas and craft beer make this more than just your average sports bar, with Scotland’s own Brewdog a regular feature on the ever-changing selection of ale available.

If you don’t mind mixing with opposition fans, and like that big-game atmosphere, this is the place for you.