Where to watch the FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne 2023, from big screens to pubs

The Duke of Wellington is a CBD mainstay, not least because of its ultra-convenient location just minutes from busy Federation Square and being the closest pub to the MCG. However, this inner-city gem has charms far beyond its prime position. 

Craft beer ain’t that easy to come by in the CBD, so if you’ve got a hankering for hops, Beer Deluxe is your jam. Not only do they have the crafty goods in a ’hood where the taps are dominated by commercial breweries, but the sheer volume of beer they serve, and the number of folks they can pack into the multi-level beer garden, is a boon to both producers and drinkers. 

As far as Ye Olde English pubs in Melbourne go, the Sherlock Holmes never misses a clue. Down a flight of steps from Queen Street, past the framed Sherlock comic strips, this cosy basement pub is encased in ancient brick and beams, decorated with old wooden beer signs and prints of colonial tall ships. It's a welcome retreat from the rainy Melbourne streets, the full bar of a dinnertime ringing with amicable chatter.

An excellent and often changing list of English pub ales dominates the 19 taps, this month with crackers like Old Speckled Hen and Greene King London Glory, the latter a cask conditioned, traditional English ale. Molasses sweet and barely carbonated, it’s a trip back to Old Blighty in a pint. You’ll also find Tennent’s, Kilkenny and Tetley’s alongside the inoffensive (Carlton, Boag’s) and the local craft (Hargreaves Hill ESB, Barrow Boys Stormy). Service is chipper and helpful, but won’t think twice about reminding a cheeky punter to keep a civil tongue.

The menu is mostly brown and grey foods, in the great British tradition. Bangers and mash, beef and Guinness pie, corned beef with cabbage (our pick of the menu) and fish and chips are all on offer, and while they’re not exactly topping the charts in flair or flavour, these vittles are true to form for a trad English pub, and will definitely warm you up on a cold night.

There’s trivia every Tuesday night hosted by comedian Janet McLeod, and the AFL is always on, although easy to avoid if you’d just rather chat. Generally favoured by Burnley FC supporters, the Sherlock will happily play any English Premier League football match if you give them a bit of notice, even staying open for the super-late games for loyal supporters (who know how to behave themselves at least – the good detective won’t stand for any foul play).

There's an attitude at work here, from the freshness of the beer to the perfectly chalked specials boards to the neat toilets. Unlike so many other CBD pubs that know they can get away with being a bit grotty, the Sherlock is more like his companion Dr. Watson, militarily tidy and unflappable. To that we say: jolly good show, and carry on.

If you’re craving a traditional British pub experience, the Elephant and Wheelbarrow will certainly hit the spot. Sitting pretty on the corner of Bourke and Exhibition streets in the CBD, this Melbourne institution is split over three levels, so there’s plenty of space for you to enjoy the game. The Elephant and Wheelbarrow will be showing all the action live and loud. Bookings are encouraged. 

All the bells and whistles you’d expect from an English pub: bangers and mash, footy on the telly (theirs not ours) and English ale on tap.

While its modish disco-and-pizza sister venue Lazerpig generates steady buzz down the road, the Grace is a member of the old guard, still boasting on-point garage punk bookings in the upstairs bandroom along with a perennially attractive happy hour deal of $7 Coopers pints between 4-6pm each day.

One of Abbotsford’s oldest pubs has undergone a total redux. The Carringbush Hotel now has a totally vegetarian menu, and extends it focus sustainability beyond food, with all wines on tap, ethical ceramics and plates, no packaged beer, no plastic straws and environmentally sound lighting.

It’s all in the name at the Sporting Globe Richmond. A bar and pub dedicated to celebrating all things sport, this spacious venue has more than 50 screens and booths to boot, making for an ultra-comfortable viewing experience. This sport-centric bar screens everything from motor racing to baseball, but soccer will be the star of the show during the FIFA Women's World Cup. The Sporting Globe Richmond will be screening all the games live. Bookings are highly recommended to secure your spot.

Imperial Hotel is known as Melbourne’s home of the English Premier League, so you won’t be surprised to hear that the entire Women's World Cup will be broadcast live and loud at this historic venue. Nestled on the corner of Bourke Street and boasting a large rooftop bar overlooking parliament house, Imperial Hotel is a bustling hub for soccer fans, so we recommend getting in early to score a prime spot, or heading here to make a booking.

You won’t miss a single goal at the Crafty Squire, because this James Squire brewhouse is showing every single game live. Located on Russell Street in the city, this pub and micro-brewery is beloved by English Premier League fans and we anticipate it will go off during the World Cup. Enjoy handcrafted seasonal beers on tap to keep you hydrated while you cheer for your team, or tuck into some elevated pub grub. Bookings can be made online here.

Richmond's Prince Alfred is the ultimate local pub, ticking all the boxes that a solid neighbourhood watering hole should. Now open seven days a week, you can get around nightly specials like half-price pizzas on Mondays and $20 parmas on Thursdays – what's not to love about that? The Prince Alfred also loves your doggo as much as you do, with the beer garden now fully accommodating four-legged friends. From July 20, you can catch the FIFA Women's World Cup – including every Matilda's game and all the finals – live and loud on the big screens. Book a table here.

Carlton North’s Great Northern Hotel serves as an ideal haunt for northside soccer aficionados, with a tap list taken as seriously as a coach takes their starting line-up. A massive, wall-spanning screen will ensure you have a top-notch view of all the action. All games will be broadcast live, as well as the quarter-final, semi-final and final. It’s probably a good idea to make a booking!

The bar is long enough to house a variety of sports-viewing clusters, spaced out enough so rowdy factions don’t encroach into quieter clusters. A more traditional sports pub setup can be found tucked away in the front wing of the building, serving the needs of those looking for big screens above your head and no-frills draught beer on tap. The busiest area of the pub is invariably its sprawling beer garden, with a dedicated bar screening the game on each angle of the corner setup.

From the wrought iron fittings to the nostalgic atmosphere, Queen Street’s Turf Bar is a welcoming slice of the CBD. This traditional pub puts sports from around the globe front and centre. You’ll find all the Matildas games playing on the big screens at Turf Bar, as well as the final. Surround sound capabilities mean you won’t miss a single detail. Bookings aren’t essential, but you can book online here.

If you prefer to watch your games close to the beach, the Local Port Melbourne is the place to go. Watch the sun go down (or maybe come up) over the bay as you cheer on your team, pint in hand. As for the viewing experience, the screens are giant and projectors abound to ensure you catch a good angle. The Local Port Melbourne also has a broad food menu to fuel your enthusiasm. We recommend booking online.

This South Melbourne corner pub is full of natural light and it boasts a beer garden and a rooftop terrace, should you want a break for some fresh air. The sports viewing hub makes catching games a breeze, and all the big Women's World Cup matches will be on show. Bells Hotel has even teamed up with Coca Cola to bring you amazing events, activations and prizes throughout the tournament. Check the live sports schedule to see when the games are on, and make a booking to secure your spot.