The growth of the NFL globally continues, with last year’s Super Bowl reaching over 62 million viewers. One of the markets that has exploded is the United Kingdom, especially as there have been consistent NFL international series fixtures in London with big crowds. Tottenham Hotspur football stadium hosted two games in the autumn, with the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars all featuring.
There will be more fixtures in 2025. At the beginning of January, it was announced that the Jaguars, the Jets, and the Cleveland Browns were returning to the capital of England. Those teams will be hoping they have favorable NFL odds at the back end of the season.
There are also hotspots of American football across different regions of the United Kingdom, especially in the Midlands. The Coventry Jets were one such team before they were disbanded, and there is also the Coventry Panthers, who are still actively promoting the sport as an American flag football club. As for watching the real thing across the pond, there are many places in Coventry, one of England’s top ten most significant cities, which show the sport socially.
One of the best places to enjoy the whole experience and taste of American football without actually being there is the Hickory Smokehouse. The authenticity is genuine as opening the franchise in the UK was inspired by a road trip in 70 cities. From Memphis to Mississippi, the passion for all things Southern is evident in everything it does, including showing the NFL games.
This Hickory has a menu and an ethos that the Deep South inspires. This barbeque-style restaurant has authentic American hospitality based in Burton Green in Coventry, part of a small village-like atmosphere on the city’s edge.
Every TV shows the action starting at 6 pm, so there are no split screens that share sports coverage. There will be no chance of missing the action as Sky Sports’s RedZone will also be available. Punters can settle down for the action with traditional ‘hot or not’ wings, with a choice of Texas Smoky BBQ or Louisiana hot sauce.
The Hickory certainly has authenticity, as it has become the official podcast partner of The Nat Coombs Show, which is the most prominent NFL Podcast in the United Kingdom. Ever since it opened its first chain in Chester in the North of England 15 years ago, Hickory’s has introduced new fans to the whole pitch of the NFL, including the food, the American beers, and Super Bowl parties. Spots can be booked in the bar to watch the games as the season draws to a dramatic conclusion.
The Aardvark is another surefire hit for the avid or casual NFL watcher. Although there is a large student vibe to the place, there are multiple screens to watch the action, and this is again coupled with burgers and wings to get into the spirit of hospitality off the pitch. The venue is placed in the Butts area of the city near the stadium that hosts rugby league and rugby union—lending itself to an existing sporting ambiance.
The Phoenix is another popular pub for students in the city center. It has a habit of attracting NFL fans who fall into two categories: those hardcore fans who are excited about their team’s chances or those who become converted by the whole showpiece, preceded by songs, celebrities, and maybe Taylor Swift-spotting. All the action at Caesars Superdome will be shown and preceded by a special Super Bowl-themed quiz.
There’s a new kid in town just in time for the Super Bowl called Wing Kinz. It is situated in the city’s Belgrade Plaza area, a one-hundred-million-dollar development that includes hotels, bars, restaurants, and casinos.
The ambiance of the restaurant and sports bar experience has created a trendy social hub that serves up a menu of burgers, wraps, sharers, and a selection of sides. Boneless wings, wraps, buffalo sauces, and significant event nights on the day of the Super Bowl offer a good experience with a booth that can be booked for larger groups.
Rileys is another venue with a rich tradition of serving up an authentic experience of American football nights. Historically, there have even been raffles and winners on the night, and with a recent refurbishment, there is even more room for a Super Bowl night to remember.
American football is alive and well in Coventry. Tamworth Phoenix, a team from the Midlands, is permanently moving to the Butts Arena to play all their games. The interest in the sport is clear there, and touchdowns can be enjoyed with friends from all over the city.
Article by Peter Shannon
