My top five places to watch Euro 2016 in Southampton

Football has always been something I love to watch, but it wasn’t until I moved to England that I actually watched a full match. Since then, I have downloaded a couple of football score apps, so I can keep track of how the Saints are doing when I can’t watch the game.

Regardless of whether you’re into football or not, it’s hard to not have noticed that the Euros have started in France. As Norway didn’t even qualify this year, I have to be true to my second and third home country and cheer for England and Romania.

Most people might be back home for the summer by now, but if you are in Southampton and you need some good places to watch the Euros, I’m going to share my top five favourite spots!

I’ve tried to not mention the obvious student hot-spots, like The Stag's or other pubs/bars on or around campus. Instead, hopefully, I’ll be suggesting a few places you haven’t heard of before.

The Alexandra 

I promise I haven’t picked this just because the name is cool, but the Alexandra or ‘The Alex’ is actually on the list of the 25 best places to watch the Euros in the whole of England!

It’s located on Bellevue Road, which is just off London Road. If you’re looking for proper English football spirit, then this is the place to go. Their outside area is filled up with seats and screens, but it still gets quite crowded, so an idea is to come in good time before the game starts. Considering they have proper old video games and a huge collection of board games to choose from too, spending a few hours here won’t be hard.

 

The Social 

Located in Bedford Place, The Social is one of my favourite bars in Southampton. During the England game last Saturday it got quite crowded downstairs, but not to worry; they have an upstairs bit as well where they also show the football.

The Social is probably a bit pricier than what students normally are used to, but its free entry and a nice atmosphere there, so well worth a visit regardless if you are watching the Euros or not.

The view from my first class seat during the England game at the Social last Saturday. 

Ninety degrees 

Ninety Degrees, or just ‘90’s’, is just around the corner from the Social and with £1.90 for a pint on Sundays, this is where my boyfriend usually goes to watch the football during Premier League season. Since he is a local I trust his word that it’s a good place to watch sport, although I personally have never been there to watch the football. They also do food in there, so you can wine and dine to the football.

Yates's

I’m sure Yates's is the definition of proper English football spirit and that’s why I include it on my list. Have you ever walked past Yates's before a Saints game? If you have, I’m sure I don’t need to explain further why it is on this list. Yates's do food as well as cheap drinks and is located on Above Bar Street.

The Bedford Arms 

Last, but not least – The Bedford Arms is quite similar to Yates, just located in Bedford Place. You can get a cheap meal deal or some not-so-pricey drinks along with the football. Again, if you are looking for the English football spirit in a pub, this is a good choice!

My boyfriend James and I. I’m wearing his England shirt from when he was 11!

I hope you're now inspired to go and find your new favourite place to watch the Euros this year! Enjoy watching the games, and good luck England and Romania!

Alexandra