Don’t worry if you weren’t able to get your hands on a ticket to Brazil in time for the Games. There are plenty of places in the capital where you can watch them whilst enjoying a delicious caipirinha, from straightforward watering holes to more up market restaurants, or even specially themed markets to big, open-air, public screens.
If the sun plays along nicely, Summer in London can even be (believe it or not) vaguely reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro.
Have a look at this list of some of the best places to watch the Games and get into the Olympic Spirit whilst still in Elizabeth’s green and pleasant land.
Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen
On Opening Ceremony night, the bar will be giving out carnival masks, serving cocktails and authentic Brazilian street food, including Pastel de Palmito (Heart of palm pastries). All to the sounds of Samba.
When: 5 August
Address: 2-4 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU
Pop Brixton
The outdoor fun area of Pop Brixton will be transformed into a Brazilian market this Saturday, selling typical Brazilian snacks, sweets and cocktails to the sounds of percussionists and Samba. For a 5 pound entry fee visitors will be able to watch the Games on the Big Screens.
When: 6 August
Address: 63 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ
Bunga Bunga
To get into the Olympic mood, the Karaoke Bar Bunga Bunga will be temporarily reinventing itself as Cocobananas – a themed bar based on Brazilian beaches, with a caipirinha bar, Olympic cocktails, a menu of typical Brazilian food and a group of Samba dancers.
When: throughout August
Address: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3BA
Cabana
A food truck themed on one of Rio’s famous cable cars has been created in Southbank, and will serve Brazilian BBQ and caipirinhas.
When: throughout summer
Address: Belvedere Road, Southbank, SE1 8XX
BeachEast
To get as close an experience as possible to Copacabana, nothing beats going to the beach. The Urban Beach BeachEast is situated in the London Olympic Park, where the 2012 Games were held. Without doubt one of the best places to spend the summer, relaxing whilst watching the events in Rio on the big screens.
When: 6 to 21 August
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E15
London Bridge City Summer Festival
This free festival which takes place between Tower Bridge and London Bridge will this year be hosting London’s official Olympic FanZone, where members of the public can watch the Games on big screens in an open-air amphitheatre.
When: 6 to 21 August
Address: London Bridge City, SE1 2DB
Epicurean Events’ Rio Olympic Opening Market
The traditional weekly market on the pier will be running a special Brazilian theme this Friday, with sounds, smells and colours from Brazil and street food from all over the world.
When: 5 August
Address: St Katharine Docks, E1W 1LA
The Latchmere
The Gastropub will be offering Brazilian food, but the main attraction will be the special Rum and Cachaça cocktails. Caipirinhas, caipiroskas and varied beers feature on a menu to be explored whilst soaking up the sun in the garden.
When: 12 to 14 August
Address: 503 Battersea Park Road, SW11 3BW
Bluebird
This sophisticated Chelsea restaurant will be redecorating its outside space to celebrate the Olympics. Big screens will be broadcasting the Games while guests enjoy aperitifs and cocktails in the sun.
When: throughout August
Address: 350 Kings Road, SW3 5UU
