After a pretty meh Six Nations tournament this year, England’s rugby team are far from favourites to win the Rugby World Cup 2023. But that shouldn’t stop us from cheering on our lads in France. Who knows? They might surprise us. Or, given Birmingham’s large Irish community, maybe this is the year to switch allegiances. Ireland stormed to a Grand Slam win at the 2023 Six Nations and is set up well to continue that winning streak at this year’s Rugby World Cup. Whoever you’re supporting when the tournament kicks off this Friday (September 8), check out the best places to watch the Rugby World Cup 2023 in Birmingham.
1. Bierkeller
Bierkeller is one of the most thriving bars in Birmingham and frequently screens live sports. All the games will be shown across twenty screens, two projector screens and a massive LED superscreen to accommodate rugby fans. You won’t miss a second of the action heading here. You want to book a table for the World Cup, with several packages ready to snap up, especially for the England games. Head here to learn more.
21-22 Essex St, Birmingham B5 4TR
2. The Trocadero
Showing all the big games on even bigger screens, The Trocadero might be the place to be for Rugby World Cup 2023. You pretty much guaranteed a passionate crowd too, with whom you can experience all those glorious tries. Keeping glasses and bellies full, the sports bar is serving all the pub grub you can dream of – from sharing nachos to gourmet burgers, stone-baked pizzas and sausages & mash.
Temple St, Birmingham B2 5BG
3. Walkabout
If anyone loves rugby more than us, it has to be the Aussies. So where better to watch all the action than Walkabout? Walkabout promises all the Rugby World Cup action, HD screens, surround sound, ice-cold beer and a stadium-like atmosphere! All 48 matches, every bone-crunching tackle, exhilarating try and last-minute drop goal will be played live.
Langley Buildings, Birmingham B1 2DS
4. The Bristol Pear
For brilliant bar snacks, like pizza and wings, and a serious selection of craft beers to enjoy with the rugby – check out The Bristol Pear. Catch every bit of action of the Rugby World Cup on huge HD screens. This is a great local in Selly Oak with a friendly atmosphere inviting to all. Scrum on down before the tournament is over.
676 Bristol Rd, Birmingham B29 6BJ
5. The Button Factory
This Jewellery Quarter staple offers a, slightly, more stylish way to take in the Rugby World Cup this year. The Button Factory offers bottomless brunches, cracking cocktails and a stunning rooftop terrace. A great place to catch the action without finding the atmosphere too raucous. They’ll be screening all of England’s games from September through to October starting with England v Argentina on September 9.
25 Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HH
6. The Junction
This laid-back gastropub in Harborne will be showing every single second of the action, live from France. The Junction’s homely atmosphere and authentic British pub classics might not result in the rowdiest affair. Perfect for those looking for somewhere to watch the Rugby World Cup in Birmingham with a bit more peace and quiet. Plus, you won’t miss a kick, tackle, or try all tournament. Learn more here.
212 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9PT
7. The Gosta Green
As the World elite of rugby battles it out for glory, head down to The Gosta Green to catch all the action on huge HD screens and sample a wide selection of craft beers. Near Aston University, this Brummie bar offers a thrilling sporting atmosphere and some smashing food and drink offers. Why not grab a burger and a drink for £12.50? The pub is pretty laid-back, but you can book a table on The Gosta Green website here.
Holt Street, Birmingham B7 4BG
8. Hennessey’s
Hennessey’s Bar looks set to show all the drama this September and October. The Rugby World Cup 2023 will take centre stage over three bars and five rooms, with a total of 20 screens to watch all the games – this includes a giant outdoor LED screen and an indoor big screen. The atmosphere is bound to be incredible. You can also book a table in the basement for £50 – and you will receive a £50 tab to spend on food and drinks throughout the day.
Hennesseys’, 30-31 Allison St, Birmingham B5 5TJ
9. The Brasshouse
A great sports pub in Birmingham all year round, The Brasshouse regularly shows rugby, football and horse racing here. So you know the clientele will know how to bring a great atmosphere to the occasion. If you’re after a pint of local cask ale and some pub grub whilst watching the rugby, The Brasshouse will be showing every scrum, tackle and try live. Every game will be played on its HD screens. It’s bound to get busy, however, so book your table now.
44 Broad Street, B1 2HP
10. O’Neills
The Irish pub is maybe the most obvious choice when it comes to watching the Rugby World Cup. If you want to be surrounded by diehard rugby fans, this is the pub for you. O’Neills should be your top choice if you are supporting Ireland as well. Designed for big sporting events like this, you’ll catch every last scrum, tackle and drop-kick over the next six weeks. The pub is getting properly stuck into this tournament too by offering plenty of drinks packages.
Broad St, Birmingham B1 2HG
When are the England games at the Rugby World Cup?
- England v Argentina, September 9 at 20:00
- England v Japan, September 17 at 20:00
- England v Chile, September 23 at 16:45
- England v Samoa, October 7 at 16:45