Guinness and Rugby
The Six Nations brings together Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy every late winter, and for a lot of us it is the best excuse of the year to spend a Saturday afternoon in a pub with a pint of Guinness. Finding a pub that does both the rugby and the pint properly takes a little planning.
Did you know?
We don't keep a hand-picked list of rugby pubs. The rankings on our pubs showing rugby page come from community ratings and update as new ratings come in, so check there for the current best-rated options near you.
Finding the Right Pub
What to Look For
For the rugby:
- Multiple screens visible from most seats
- Sound on for the match, or at least a proper atmosphere
- Standing room with a view
- A crowd that turns up on match days
For the Guinness:
- Good Head and Taste scores on Foam Finders
- A proper two-part pour
- High turnover (match days help)
- Clean lines and glasses
Pro Tip
The best rugby pubs often have very high Guinness turnover on match days, which means fresher kegs. Sport and quality can line up nicely.
Red Flags
Avoid pubs where:
- Screens are small or badly positioned
- Staff look overwhelmed by sport crowds
- Guinness is clearly an afterthought
- One-pours are standard practice
Match Day Tactics
Arrive Early
Getting in an hour or so before kick-off secures a good spot, a table if there is one, and your first pint before the rush starts and the pours get hurried.
Ireland Matches
When Ireland play, especially against England, Irish pubs fill up fast. Reserve if you can, arrive early, and be prepared to stand.
Warning
Ireland v England, in either direction, is one of the busiest pub days of the year outside St Patrick's Day. Expect packed venues and stretched staff.
Ordering During the Match
- Order before key moments, not during them
- Don't rush the bartender at the end of a tight game
- Accept a short wait for a properly settled pint
Keeping the Quality Up in a Rush
Match days put pressure on Guinness quality: rushed pours, kegs changing frequently and staff attention split between the bar and the screen. Pubs with several Guinness taps handle volume better. If the quality dips badly, note it, rate it, and come back on a quieter day to see whether it was a one-off.
Watching at Home
If the pubs are too packed or the quality suffers, canned Guinness (or NitroSurge cans, if you have the device) and a proper glass make for a perfectly good alternative. You lose the crowd, but you control the pour.
Where to Look
- Pubs showing rugby across the UK and Ireland
- Pubs showing rugby in London
- Community-rated Guinness pubs in London
Rate the pub after the match so the next person knows what to expect.
Check our quality guide to make sure your match-day pint is up to standard.
