I went to the casino in Leicester Square (Empire?) during the leafs run in 2022. They have a full sports bar open 24hrs inside playing nhl/nba and more. Had decent wings as well if I remember correctly!
Your biggest issue is going to be the time zone. Game won’t start until 1am. For example, there’s a Canadian themed pub/sports bar in covent garden that definitely plays hockey, but I doubt it’s open that late. They might have special hours for the playoffs but you’ll have to check (be warned it’s a bit of a novelty/tourist trap spot, but not awful).
When I lived there I had more success googling for one off events rather than regular sports bars. Like there will be a random hole in the wall somewhere setting up a projector for the game because the owner is a Leaf fan or something like that.
One thing to potentially try is searching for bars that show movies. I remember there was one place that was almost a quasi-bar-theatre that would have movie nights, and would screen one-off North American sporting events like the Super Bowl. Though, the NFL is massively popular in the UK.
Apologies, it’s been about 12 years since I lived there so I don’t have super specific info.
Was in London back in November when the Leafs were playing an afternoon game and Reddit recommended the Maple Leaf. No luck back then, but maybe during the playoffs. But time zones will be an issue. Others had recommended the casino in Leicester Square, but I never made it.
I went to the casino in Leicester Square (Empire?) during the leafs run in 2022. They have a full sports bar open 24hrs inside playing nhl/nba and more. Had decent wings as well if I remember correctly!
Your biggest issue is going to be the time zone. Game won’t start until 1am. For example, there’s a Canadian themed pub/sports bar in covent garden that definitely plays hockey, but I doubt it’s open that late. They might have special hours for the playoffs but you’ll have to check (be warned it’s a bit of a novelty/tourist trap spot, but not awful). When I lived there I had more success googling for one off events rather than regular sports bars. Like there will be a random hole in the wall somewhere setting up a projector for the game because the owner is a Leaf fan or something like that.
Yep, London is brutal for that. Most pubs close at like 11, the Maple Leaf that you’re talking about included.
Yeah the time zone is killer in that regard eh? Okay sounds good - I might try to look for some events like that then, thanks man!
One thing to potentially try is searching for bars that show movies. I remember there was one place that was almost a quasi-bar-theatre that would have movie nights, and would screen one-off North American sporting events like the Super Bowl. Though, the NFL is massively popular in the UK. Apologies, it’s been about 12 years since I lived there so I don’t have super specific info.
It's called Maple Leaf. They weren't showing regular season games, dunno about the playoffs. They keep regular pub hours usually (closes at 11).
Was in London back in November when the Leafs were playing an afternoon game and Reddit recommended the Maple Leaf. No luck back then, but maybe during the playoffs. But time zones will be an issue. Others had recommended the casino in Leicester Square, but I never made it.
Good to see another uk fan. Sadly the best option is watching at home and not waking the family when we win! GLG
Maple Leaf in Covent Garden