Grand National 2019 London: Best pubs and bars to watch the horse racing in the capital

1/49

The biggest race of the year is due to take place this weekend, with the Grand National taking place at 5.15pm on Saturday April 6.

Since its inception in 1839, the Grand National has been one of Britain's most watched horse races, with around half a billion people around the world tuning in each year. More than £250 million is expected to be staked on the meet in 2019.

Last year’s winner Tiger Roll is the bookies’ favourite this time around, having also won brilliantly at the recent Cheltenham Festival.

Victory for Tiger Roll would mark a third Grand National win for trainer Gordon Elliot, who first had success in the famous race with Silver Birch back in 2007. The likes of Anibale Fly, Rathvinden, Lake View Lad and Vintage Clouds are also well-fancied.

Unsurprisingly, plenty of places across the capital will be showing the race and your best bet is simply to ring your local and ask. Still, the spots below are special for their ties to the sport, and because you're all but guaranteed they'll be packed to the rafters with cheering fans having unbridled fun.

The Running Horse, Mayfair

Airing the National has quickly become a tradition for this upmarket spot, which is also Mayfair’s oldest pub. The venue will be showing all the races throughout the day both downstairs in the pub and and upstairs at its cocktail bar, The Running Horse Club (once known as The Whip). The pub will be hosting racing fans throughout the day, with a Grand National set menu available from the kitchen and a great selection of themed cocktails on the bar — try the Running Horse Bloody Mary.

50 Davies Street, W1K 5JE, therunninghorsemayfair.co.uk

The Coach and Horses, Soho

This West End institution is well known for two of its most famous patrons, Peter O'Toole and Spectator columnist Jeffrey Bernard, who both often watched races religiously in this well-loved Soho pub. It's not the biggest place but it's hard to beat for atmosphere. The race will be on the screen, but don't worry if you don't win – the drinks are reasonable and you can lift your spirits with a sing-along at the piano. This beautifully battered but straightforward old boozer also serves a full compliment of vegan and vegetarian options. With the pub's landlord Alastair Choat looking likely to be gone by June this year, it's your last chance to drink in the Coach as it currently is.

l29 Greek Street, W1D 5DH, 020 7437 5920, coachsoho.co.uk

Royal Exchange, Paddington

This Irish run spot is a proper racing pub: it's not especially flashy, but just a good, honest place where you'll find the real enthusiasts sipping on a pint. Food is the comforting kind, champagne is cheap (so if you've backed a winner, you needn't splash out too much) and the staff are welcoming. Even when the racing isn't on, you'll find yourself coming back.

26 Sale Place, W2 1PU, 020 7402 4368

The Sydney Arms, Chelsea

A thoroughbred racing pub – its owners run horses, and the place is linked to Channel 4 Racing presenter Emma Spencer – this privately owned pub-brasserie even has its own racing club. It's bound to get busy, but there'll still be room at the bar for punters to catch the action. There'll be plenty of screens and be sure to keep an ear out for tips: plenty of horse-owners and insiders drink here.

70 Sydney Street, SW3 6NJ, sydneyarmschelsea.com

The Sporting Page, Chelsea

Expect to be pressed up side by side with all the other screaming punters in this cosy Chelsea pub that will be screening the Aintree action on its screens. Go for cask ales (there are always a few on tap), lively atmosphere and good solid pub grub. Get down early for a seat.

6 Camera Place, SW10 0BH, foodandfuel.co.uk

Greenwood, Victoria

One of the swankiest sports bars in town, this Victoria sporting behemoth boasts 19 screens for watching every jump and two bars for soothing your nerves. The venue is running a sweepstake this year. The first 50 guests can head to the bar’s in-house “bookie” to place a bet on the winning horse having either an odd or an even number. Those who guess correctly will be entitled to a free pint from the bar.

170 Victoria St, Westminster, SW1E 5LB, greenwoodlondon.com

The Three Compasses, Dalston

This Dalston craft beer pub will be throwing a huge party for the special sporting occasion. They’ll be screening the race on a large projector, as well as running a £2-to-enter sweepstake. Come dressed to impress as they’ll be offering a bottle of prosecco to the racing fan who comes attired in the best hat. The party continues after the race with a DJ playing hip-hop, soul and rock’n’roll into the wee hours.

99 Dalston Lane, Kingsland, E8 1NH, 3compasses.com

A few other suggestions

  • Rileys Sports Bar Haymarket, 80 Haymarket, SW1Y 4TE, rileys.co.uk

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in