Where to watch the Rugby World Cup

The Rugby Tavern
19 Great James Street, WC1N 3ES (020 7405 1384)
What better place to watch the world's greatest players go head-to-head than The Rugby Tavern. Built on land donated by the founders of Rugby School, this blokey pub is bound to be busy during the finals.

The Bishops Finger
9-10 West Smithfield, EC1A 9JR (020 7248 2341)
Open Monday - Friday
Adjacent to the famous Smithfield's meat market, this earthy pub is a fine venue to enjoy the game from. With well-kept ales and friendly atmosphere, drinkers can happily sink a few pints as the action unfolds on TV. There's a fine selection of pub grub as well, but you wouldn't expect anything less given this pub's location.

Bloomsbury Tavern
236 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EG (020 7379 9811)
A late-Victorian pub just to the north of London's theatreland, the Bloomsbury Tavern is also a great place for watching drama on the rugby pitch. With friendly and efficient staff, there's a good range of beers and a decent wine list.

Duke of Wellington
63 Eaton Terrace, SW1W 8TR (020 7730 1782)
Families and children are welcome at this cosy bar, which also boasts an open garden with seating for up to 30 people and serves old-school pub grub.

Freemasons Arms
81-82 Long Acre, Covent Garden, WC2E 9NG, (020 7836 3115)
The Football Association was founded in 1863 at the Freemasons Arms, but that doesn't stop it being an excellent venue to watch rugby in today. With widescreen plasma televisions, this pub represents a rare opportunity to enjoy a pint in Covent Garden, away from the hordes of bustling tourists.

Mabel's Tavern
Mabledon Place, WC1H 9AZ (020 7387 7739)
Close to Euston, St Pancras and King's Cross, Mabel's Tavern is the ideal place for anyone hoping to catch the match before jumping on a train up north.

Old Doctor Butler's Head
2 Masons Avenue (off Coleman Street), Moorgate, EC2V 5BY (020 7606 3504)
Open Monday - Friday
A dark panelled interior creates a Dickensian atmosphere and great venue to watch rugby from. With a fine selection of ale, wine, port and brandy, there are also plenty of good cigars on sale for anyone wanting to celebrate their side's success on the field.

Spanish Galleon
48 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, SE10 9BL (020 8858 3664)
Yards away from the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Old Royal Observatory, The Spanish Galleon offers welcome refuge to anyone on a sightseeing visit to Greenwich. It's a pleasant down-to-earth pub with plenty of room to enjoy the rugby in.

Tom Cribb
36 Panton Street, SW1Y 4EA (020 7839 3801)
Watch the world's best rugby teams do battle in France from inside this small, busy pub. With a wide selection of drinks and traditional pub food, Tom Cribb is a friendly place to enjoy a nice pint.

The White Horse & Bower
86 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2EE (020 7227 0951)
Close to the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the Tate Modern Art Gallery, The White Horse & Bower serves excellent food at lunchtime and tapas in the evening. With big screen TV, and well-kept beers, it's a great central location to watch the rugby at.

The White Swan
21-23 Alie Street, Aldgate East, E1 8DA (0207 702 0448)
This Aldgate pub is the perfect place to watch the big game after work, before heading home. With good beer, decent food and good service you can't go far wrong.

The Wilton Arms
71 Kinnerton Street, Belgravia, SW1X 8ED (020 7235 4854)
What better way to recover from a heavy shopping session at Harrods than watching the game with a nicely pulled pint at a friendly out-of-the-way pub. The Wilton Arms is just the place - sit back, relax and cheer on your team.