The greatest rugby tournament returns - here's where locals will be....
The Six Nations is back, and for the next six weeks, weekends will be defined by kick off times, pint-pulling speed, and whether England can actually deliver on the pre-tournament hype (spoiler: maybe).
If you're in Queen's Park or Kensal Rise and want to watch with atmosphere rather than alone on your sofa, here's where to go.
The Venues
The Whippet Inn is arguably your best bet for proper rugby atmosphere. Multiple screens positioned so you're not craning your neck, a crowd that genuinely understands the difference between a ruck and a maul, and the kind of building energy that makes every try feel like a moment. Get there early for England matches - this place fills fast, and you don't want to be the person standing at the back unable to see the screen.
The Alice House does what a good rugby pub should: shows the match, serves the pints efficiently, and doesn't overcomplicate things. No booking system, no table service confusion, just arrive, find a spot, settle in. The crowd here tends to be local regulars rather than die-hard rugby fanatics, which means the atmosphere is enthusiastic without being intimidating. Perfect if you're bringing someone who's never watched rugby before. If the pub isn't packed they'll be turning the volume off.
The Rising Sun elevates the experience with multiple screens which are well-positioned and allow for even the later arrivals to get a glimpse of the action! The space is large enough that you're not crushed against strangers for 80 minutes. The pub itself is a little more simplistic and the crowd is more down to earth.
The Island on College Road keeps it neighbourhood and unpretentious. Great venue, local crowd, no fuss. If you want to watch the match without it becoming an event, this is your spot. In similar fashion to The Alice House, the commentary is could be turned off altogether if the rugby crowd numbers haven't descended in sufficient volume to warrant it!
The Tournament Breakdown
Six nations, six weeks, 15 matches. England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy battle it out for bragging rights and an actual trophy (the Triple Crown, Grand Slam, and overall championship are all in play, but explaining the difference requires more space than we have).
Key Dates:
The Unwritten Rules
Don't ask "who's winning the league?" - it's a championship, not a league.
Don't arrive 10 minutes after kick-off for an England match and expect to find a seat.
Do respect that rugby crowds take the anthem seriously - even if you don't care, stay quiet.
Don't be the person on their phone during a key moment - you'll get looks.
The Bottom Line
The Six Nations transforms ordinary Friday, Saturdays and Sundays into occasions. Whether you're a lifelong rugby fan or just enjoy the atmosphere and the pints, Queen's Park and Kensal Green have you covered.
Where will you be watching? And more importantly - who's winning it all?
Our money's on France. Again.
The Six Nations is back, and for the next six weeks, weekends will be defined by kick off times, pint-pulling speed, and whether England can actually deliver on the pre-tournament hype (spoiler: maybe).
If you're in Queen's Park or Kensal Rise and want to watch with atmosphere rather than alone on your sofa, here's where to go.
The Venues
The Whippet Inn is arguably your best bet for proper rugby atmosphere. Multiple screens positioned so you're not craning your neck, a crowd that genuinely understands the difference between a ruck and a maul, and the kind of building energy that makes every try feel like a moment. Get there early for England matches - this place fills fast, and you don't want to be the person standing at the back unable to see the screen.
The Alice House does what a good rugby pub should: shows the match, serves the pints efficiently, and doesn't overcomplicate things. No booking system, no table service confusion, just arrive, find a spot, settle in. The crowd here tends to be local regulars rather than die-hard rugby fanatics, which means the atmosphere is enthusiastic without being intimidating. Perfect if you're bringing someone who's never watched rugby before. If the pub isn't packed they'll be turning the volume off.
The Rising Sun elevates the experience with multiple screens which are well-positioned and allow for even the later arrivals to get a glimpse of the action! The space is large enough that you're not crushed against strangers for 80 minutes. The pub itself is a little more simplistic and the crowd is more down to earth.
The Island on College Road keeps it neighbourhood and unpretentious. Great venue, local crowd, no fuss. If you want to watch the match without it becoming an event, this is your spot. In similar fashion to The Alice House, the commentary is could be turned off altogether if the rugby crowd numbers haven't descended in sufficient volume to warrant it!
The Tournament Breakdown
Six nations, six weeks, 15 matches. England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy battle it out for bragging rights and an actual trophy (the Triple Crown, Grand Slam, and overall championship are all in play, but explaining the difference requires more space than we have).
Key Dates:
- Opening weekend: Feb 5th (France Vs Ireland)
- England vs Ireland: Feb 21st (this will be carnage - book early)
- Final weekend: March 14th (3 games back-to-back!)
The Unwritten Rules
Don't ask "who's winning the league?" - it's a championship, not a league.
Don't arrive 10 minutes after kick-off for an England match and expect to find a seat.
Do respect that rugby crowds take the anthem seriously - even if you don't care, stay quiet.
Don't be the person on their phone during a key moment - you'll get looks.
The Bottom Line
The Six Nations transforms ordinary Friday, Saturdays and Sundays into occasions. Whether you're a lifelong rugby fan or just enjoy the atmosphere and the pints, Queen's Park and Kensal Green have you covered.
Where will you be watching? And more importantly - who's winning it all?
Our money's on France. Again.