Where to enjoy a Winter’s World Cup

WHERE TO ENJOY A WINTER’S WORLD CUP AROUND LINMERE

There’s something magical about that the start to a World Cup match. Crowds spilling into the street, football bunting fluttering in the June breeze. The anticipation of what’s to come. The first England knock-out match in the beer garden. Finally winning on penalties and singing into that balmy, summer night.

Well, you can forget all that entirely. Where are you going with those flip-flops and shorts? Go on, turn around, back in the wardrobe.

Welcome to Winter’s first (and last!) World Cup football tournament. All the games, all the goals, just none of the sunshine, none of the outdoors, and none of the summer. That doesn’t take away all the magic of course. The football will be the same, with England standing a good chance of making it through to the knock-out stages and getting yet another penalty shoot-out.

This will be the first World Cup for everyone living at Linmere. Many of us will find it hard to escape the clutches of our own sofas, especially given the weather. Some of us, however, might want to venture out and grab a little atmosphere, especially for the evening England matches.

We’ve picked out 5 venues around Linmere to enjoy a Winter’s World Cup. Welcoming pubs and bars, with homely atmospheres, good food, and space to enjoy the matches. These aren’t necessarily live sports venues, but the kind of places you might want to enjoy again, once the football’s over.

Enjoy the football wherever you watch it, and have a safe World Cup!

The Cross Keys Totternhoe

Castle Hill Road, Totternhoe

6.5 Miles / 11 minutes’ drive from the Farmstead

This is a traditional village pub, sited in a Grade II listed building. When we spoke to the team, they mentioned this is very much a venue showing the football for those who want to watch it and not a live sports pub. With a decent menu on offer, this will be a nice, homely evening out.

The Globe Inn Leighton Buzzard

Globe Lane, Leighton Buzzard

13 Miles / 22 minutes’ drive from the Farmstead

This Greene King pub is situated on the Grand Union Canal, close to Linslade, with a very generous food menu and a wide range of beer, wine, and soft drinks. When we spoke to the team, like the Cross Keys, this is a pleasant venue showing the football and not a live sports pub. Therefore, expect something very comfortable and relaxing to enjoy the games.

The Ship Inn Leighton Buzzard

Wing Road, Leighton Buzzard

11 Miles / 19 minutes’ drive from the Farmstead

This is a small, welcoming venue, close to Leighton Buzzard town centre. Operated by Great British Inns, very much a community venue, with a strong focus on decent and reasonably priced food. When we spoke to the team, they confirmed they were only showing the England games, but would be getting behind the occasion for those coming to enjoy it.

The Grove Lock Leighton Buzzard

Off the B488, Leighton Buzzard

10 Miles / 18 minutes’ drive from the Farmstead

This is another canal-side pub, in a pleasant setting by the Grand Union Canal. Operated by Fullers, this large pub and dining space offers a plentiful menu and a wide selection of beer, wine, and soft drink options. Like the list above, this is a venue showing the matches, not a live sport dedicated pub. When we spoke to the team, there’s plenty of support in getting behind the games, with a big welcome to anyone making the trip.

The Wheatsheaf Harpenden

High Street, Harpenden

13 Miles / 19 minutes’ drive from the Farmstead

And finally, a proper live sport venue. In fact, this is one of the most dedicated live sport venues you’ll find for some miles. More screens than you can count, with a solid food menu and plentiful drinks offer. An energetic world cup atmosphere, shared with a friendly crowd. We recommend you get there early to find a space, especially for the England v USA game on Friday 25 November. If you struggle to get in, you’ll find a screen at The George across the road and the Old Cock Inn, further down the high street.