London’s pub count dwarfs rivals as every major UK city is ranked by football‑showing venues

Every major UK city has been ranked by the number of pubs showing football ahead of the 2026/27 domestic season, with London topping the list at a staggering 374 venues, while Bristol follows with 116 and Edinburgh with 108. The study, commissioned by Select Car Leasing, reveals a clear concentration of football‑watching spots in England’s largest metropolis.

Author background adds context

Robin Mumford, a journalist for GiveMeSport, authored the piece. He joined the outlet in April 2024 after a stint at VAVEL as Deputy Editor-in-Chief, where he produced a variety of content from press conferences to match reports. Mumford also won an award for his role as lead editor for the Women’s Football section, covering Champions League and Premier League action across Europe.

Methodology and key findings

The recent study was carried out on behalf of Select Car Leasing and counts pubs that broadcast live football on weekend matchdays. Cities were grouped from 30th‑21st up to the top ten, with figures ranging from four pubs in Belfast to 71 in Portsmouth. Liverpool’s tally of 89 reflects the city’s reputation for a high concentration of Irish pubs, while Glasgow leads Scotland with 75 venues.

London’s 374 pubs put the capital in a league of its own, dwarfing the second‑placed Bristol at 116. Edinburgh, with 108 pubs, sits just six short of Newcastle’s 114, which claims the fourth spot. Brighton, despite its coastal vibe, out‑numbers Glasgow by a narrow margin, landing seventh.

Mid‑tier cities and surprising rankings

Leeds and Manchester, traditionally seen as football heartlands, appear lower than expected, reflecting the study’s focus on pub venues rather than fanbase size. Portsmouth surprisingly ranks ahead of both, with 71 pubs showing the beautiful game.

In the 20th‑11th range, cities such as Liverpool, Brighton, and Glasgow dominate, while cities like Milton Keynes (11 pubs) and Belfast (four pubs) sit at the bottom. Northampton’s 40 pubs are concentrated within a 31‑mile radius, highlighting regional clustering.

Plymouth leads the south‑west with 56 pubs, creating a near‑monopoly, while Exeter is the only nearby city within an hour’s drive. Nottingham’s 62 pubs underscore a deep connection with Nottingham Forest, a club that has historically won the lot.

Coventry, a newly promoted Premier League side, matches Hull’s 35 pubs, though pundit Jeff Stelling believes Frank Lampard’s side can exceed expectations. Birmingham’s buzz continues to grow under new ownership linked to NFL legend Tom Brady.

The study’s forward‑looking element notes that the rankings will be revisited as the 2026/27 season unfolds, offering fans a snapshot of where they can catch live football across the UK.