7 great pubs in Melbourne for watching the World Cup

Make a beeline for the Bourke Street Imperial, which has garnered a reputation as the go-to place to watch the soccer in Melbourne’s CBD. Morning matches are bound to be popular (especially English and Australian games), so make sure to get in early. Entry is free, no reservations available. 

At the Crafty Squire, matches will be broadcast across 24 screens so you won’t miss a second. The Squire is a popular hangout for UK expats, so expect this to be one of the most happening places during any England matches. Make sure you get in early, as the place tends to pack out.

The big screen and bigger range of craft beers are some of the reasons to head into Fed Square's excellent beer garden to watch the matches in which England and Australia are playing, and the final. Both are through to the knockout round, and anything could happen... Doors open an hour prior to all early morning kickoffs, and entry is free.

The Hawthorn Hotel is one of the only pubs in the suburb where you can catch the action broadcast live. Not only that, but the Hawthorn Hotel will be hyping up the crowd with half-time challenges and games (see: juggling) where you’ll get the chance to win drinks, jugs and bar tabs. Make sure to bring your A-game!

The Duke of Wellington is Melbourne’s oldest hotel. So where could be a more fitting place to watch sporting history in the making? With 20 screens split across three levels, you’ll be able to catch all of the most thrilling moments of the game surrounded by classic pub comforts. 

On any given day, the Local Port Melbourne is broadcasting the best sports events from around the world. So of course they’ll be playing World Cup matches live and loud this December. Head down to the only spot in Port Melbourne where you can catch the game live in the company of fellow sports fans. Doors open early, so you can kick back before the match begins.

Bay Area soccer fans assemble – Village Belle is one of the only pubs in the area where you’ll catch the game live. Head down to this iconic St Kilda taproom to watch the action unfold in this old-school 1800s pub, where you’ll be in proximity to a great range of drinks and cocktails.