Top 5 for Grand Prix fans
Do you know a grand prix fan who's revving themself up for a poll position of a weekend?
J.D. Young Sports Bar
2 Lidlington Place, NW1 (020-7387 2988). A venue fit for the lads
Instead of dozing on your couch in front of the TV for a couple of hours and waking up to the German national anthem, get into the groove at this unashamedly sporty bar in Mornington Crescent. It boasts two giant screens, a couple of pool tables, and a raised area like a boxing ring. It can be a bit laddish when they're showing soccer matches, but that's what this place is all about.
The Bedford
77 Bedford Hill, SW12 (020-8682 8940). A touch of drama and a late licence
An enormous, four-storey Victorian building which has been transformed from a dodgy old boozer into an entertainment pleasuredome. There's the Saloon Bar, a comfortable rambling space with fireplaces and the baby grand piano. The Public Bar is as traditional an environment as you'll find. But take a peek into the Shakespearean Globe Theatre, a dramatic two-storey theatre and comedy venue (with a late licence until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays), and where the British Grand Prix will be shown on the big screen.
The Cadogan Arms
298 King's Road, SW3 (020-7352 1645). Attractive deal for hungry sports fans
Recently refurbished, this former down-at-heel pub has attracted sports fans to Chelsea for a decade. The new look is faux-traditional but, once the swirly patterned carpet has been put through its paces, things will return to their workaday best. Cheap and cheerful food deals are offered all day. TV screens are visible from almost everywhere.
The Henry Addington
20-28 Mackenzie Walk, E14 (020-7513 0921). Enjoy the view from the Wharf
One of the early arrivals in Canary Wharf, and one of the few to open at weekends in the early days. The pub has an airy interior, a 100ft-long bar, and plenty of terrace seating. Henry Addington was Prime Minister from 1801-1804. He became Viscount Sidmouth and gave the go-ahead for a wharf to be built on the Isle Of Dogs to receive goodies from the Canary Islands. Hence Canary Wharf.
Sports Cafe
80 Haymarket, SW1 (020-7839 8300). American ambience with wall-to-wall television screens
Purpose-built sports bar with an American theme, though the British sporting calendar has priority. A two-storey venue featuring five bars, more than 100 TV monitors, nine plasma and four giant screens, and providing a real sense of occasion. Tables in booths are bookable.
