London and the NFL have developed something of a special relationship over the past two decades, with thousands of American football fans descending on the capital each autumn to get their fix of gridiron action.
But while the on-field entertainment might be the main attraction, there’s plenty to discover away from the stadiums – particularly if you know where to look.
Step forward Efe Obada, the Hackney-born NFL star who has played for the Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders.
Having made the unlikely journey from east London to the biggest stage in American football, Obada knows a thing or two about both sides of the Atlantic.
Now he’s turned his attention to helping visiting fans navigate his hometown, sharing a selection of his favourite restaurants, neighbourhoods and attractions as part of a new partnership with Marriott Bonvoy.
And while his recommendations offer a useful starting point, we’ve added a few London essentials of our own to help NFL fans make the most of their time in the capital.
Where to eat: From Covent Garden coffee to Philly cheesesteaks
London’s food scene can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, but Obada has a few firm favourites.
For coffee, he recommends Qima Café in Covent Garden, a speciality coffee spot with a focus on Yemeni beans and carefully prepared brews.
It’s a handy starting point for exploring central London, with the theatres of the West End, Seven Dials and the British Museum all within walking distance.
For something more substantial, Obada points visitors towards 2210 by NattyCanCook in Herne Hill, a south London restaurant with a story that goes well beyond what’s on the plate.
Founded by chef Nathaniel Mortley, the restaurant has built its reputation around Caribbean-inspired cooking and an ethos of giving back to the community.
It also offers a reason to venture beyond the usual tourist trail, with nearby Brockwell Park and Brixton providing plenty of opportunities to explore south London.
Those looking for a taste of American sporting culture, meanwhile, should make a beeline for Passyunk Avenue in Waterloo.
The Philadelphia-inspired bar and restaurant serves up cheesesteaks, wings and other American favourites, alongside the sort of atmosphere you’d expect to find on game day across the pond.
Obada describes it as offering “unmatched game-day vibes”, and it’s an obvious stop for anyone who wants to combine dinner with a dose of American football.
For another take on the Philly cheesesteak, Gerry’s Subs is well worth seeking out. The London sandwich spot has previously featured in The London Economic for its take on the Philadelphia classic, making it another tempting stop for NFL fans craving a proper taste of American comfort food.
Where to watch the NFL in London
Of course, not everyone travelling to London for the NFL will have tickets to the games themselves.
Fortunately, the capital has a growing collection of sports bars where fans can settle in for an evening of touchdowns, tackles and the occasional questionable officiating decision.
The Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square
Right in the heart of the West End, the Hippodrome is one of central London’s most recognisable sports-viewing venues. Its sports bar and screens make it a useful option for visitors staying around Soho, Covent Garden or Leicester Square.
With food, drinks and a late-night atmosphere, it’s particularly appealing to fans who want to make a full evening of it.
Passyunk Avenue, Waterloo
Already among Obada’s food recommendations, Passyunk Avenue deserves another mention for its American sports credentials.
Few London venues lean quite so enthusiastically into US sporting culture, making it a natural choice for fans looking for an authentic game-day experience, complete with cheesesteaks and American-style hospitality.
Belushi’s, London Bridge
A long-standing favourite among international sports fans, Belushi’s is known for its big screens, lively atmosphere and willingness to show sports from across the Atlantic.
Its London Bridge location is particularly convenient for visitors exploring Borough Market, the South Bank or the City.
Greenwood, Victoria
For those looking for a slightly more polished sports bar experience, Greenwood in Victoria offers large screens, food and a central location close to one of London’s busiest transport hubs.
It’s a useful option for groups who want to combine watching the action with dinner and drinks.
BOXPARK, Wembley and Shoreditch
BOXPARK’s London venues are worth keeping an eye on for major sporting events and organised screenings.
The Wembley site is particularly convenient for fans attending games at the national stadium, while Shoreditch offers a livelier east London alternative.
For Sunday evening fixtures and late kick-offs, it’s worth checking individual venues’ schedules before travelling. Not every sports bar carries every NFL game, and simultaneous fixtures may require advance requests or bookings.
Explore London beyond the stadium
For Obada, the best way to experience London is to resist the temptation to spend an entire weekend rushing between the obvious tourist attractions.
“London is one of those cities where every neighbourhood has its own personality,” he says.
His ideal itinerary includes a walk along the Thames around the South Bank, where visitors can take in some of London’s most recognisable landmarks without spending a penny.
The stretch between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge offers views of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, with plenty of opportunities to stop for food or a drink along the way.
For something greener, Obada recommends Hampstead Heath, home to some of the capital’s most impressive skyline views.
Parliament Hill is a particularly good vantage point, offering a sweeping panorama across London, while the surrounding heath provides a welcome escape from the crowds of central London.
And for fans who want to discover a different side of the capital, there’s plenty to be said for exploring Hackney, the east London borough where Obada was born.
From Broadway Market and London Fields to the independent bars and restaurants around Hackney Central, it’s an area that offers a very different experience from the traditional tourist circuit.
Getting to the games
One thing visitors shouldn’t underestimate is the size of London – or the time it can take to get from one part of the city to another.
For games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, public transport is generally the sensible option, with White Hart Lane and Northumberland Park stations serving the area.
For fixtures at Wembley Stadium, Wembley Park Underground station provides connections via the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines, while Wembley Stadium railway station offers another option.
Both venues attract sizeable crowds, so allowing extra time for security checks, queues and the post-match journey is advisable.
Visitors should also remember that London operates largely on contactless payments across its public transport network, making it relatively straightforward to get around without buying individual tickets.
A game plan worth following
Obada’s central piece of advice is simple: prepare for the big moments, but leave enough space for the unexpected.
“In the NFL, preparation gives you a strong starting point, but you’ve also got to trust your team and be ready to adapt when things change,” he says.
“If you’ve only got a few days in a city, be tactical, adaptable and make a game plan. Book your hotel, know how you’re getting to the main event and ask people who know the city for advice. That’s how to make the most of every trip.”
It’s advice that chimes with new research commissioned by Marriott Bonvoy, which found that 62 per cent of Britons are planning trips around sporting, musical and cultural events.
More than half of those surveyed (52 per cent) also said an unexpected discovery had become one of the highlights of a holiday.
And that, perhaps, is the real appeal of an NFL weekend in London.
Come for the American football, by all means. But whether it’s stumbling across a neighbourhood pub, discovering a new favourite restaurant or watching the sun set over the capital from Hampstead Heath, there’s every chance the best memories will be made well away from the pitch.