Football fever is set to sweep across Brum as fans prepare to cheer on England to bring it home during this year’s World Cup.

But, with the games on later than usual, and Google searches around where to watch the matches up 5,000% in the past month alone – it’s clear fans are frantically planning ahead to ensure they get the best seat in the house this summer. To help fans across the city, West Midlands Railway (WMR) has revealed its top places to catch the action – all within walking distance of a local train station. From buzzing pub gardens with giant outdoor screens to cosy spots serving budget-friendly bites, WMR has ranked the top spots near Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road stations based on atmosphere, prices, walking distance from the station, and customer reviews.

So, whether you’re planning a big match day out with friends, or looking for a family-friendly fan zone close to home, you’re sure to find a venue for you in this official ranking list…

  • The Fighting Cocks, Moseley: Located only a minute away from Moseley Village station, The Fighting Cocks combines ultimate convenience with a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the town centre. Fans can enjoy matches on the venue’s big screens, accompanied by good pub food and a reasonably priced drinks menu. Don’t forget to book your table in advance here to guarantee a good seat!
  • Billesley Hungry Horse: If you’re looking to make the tournament a tasty one, this is the place to be. Alongside big screens showing every match, Billesley serves a wide-ranging and affordable pub menu, ideal for a low-cost pre-match meal. Located around a 20-minute walk from Kings Heath station, the pub is also offering a variety of drinks offers, making it a great option for fans looking to keep expenses down.
  • The Old Court, Kings Heath: Just a five-minute walk from Kings Heath station, this lively local venue boasts an impressive 4.8 Tripadvisor rating, making it one of the highest-rated spots to catch the games. The Old Court offers large HD screens to catch all of the action, and plenty of deals on food and drink.
  • British Oak, Stirchley: The British Oak is set to deliver a festival-style football atmosphere, complete with a huge five-metre outdoor screen, creative cocktails, and food from Birmingham favourites Original Patty Men. Entry is £5 via Skiddle, making it one of the few ticketed fan experiences near the line. Pineapple Road station is also just a 17-minute walk away, giving fans the perfect chance to shake off any pre-match nerves before kick-off.
  • The Patrick Kavanagh Bar: Just five minutes from Moseley Village station, The Patrick Kavanagh Bar promises loud, lively matchday energy, with every game shown on big screens. The venue is known for creating a strong sports atmosphere for everything from Premier League clashes to major international tournaments, and luckily for local fans, is just a five-minute stroll from Moseley Village station.
  • Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath: One of the only venues on the list offering guaranteed seating, Hare & Hounds is hosting ticketed World Cup screenings complete with a drink, hot dog and fries included in the £10 ticket price. Fans can expect big-screen action and a lively atmosphere throughout the tournament, and the venue is just seven minutes from Kings Heath station on foot.
  • Kings Heath Community CentreFan Zone: If you’re after a more family-friendly atmosphere, Kings Heath Community Centre is transforming into a dedicated fan zone for the tournament, around an eight-minute walk from Kings Heath station.
  • Complete with a giant screen, bar service, relaxed family-friendly viewing room, and food from its newly refurbished kitchen, tickets cost just £7 and include one free drink.
  • The Village, Moseley: With a large outdoor screen, pub food classics, and a broad drinks menu, The Village is another strong option for football fans this summer. And, the venue is just four minutes from Moseley Village station, making it an ideal spot for easy post-match journeys home.

It’s coming home… on the train: For fans looking to make the most out of the World Cup, nothing beats a local pub atmosphere. And, with each local spot accessible via the Camp Hill line, football fans can avoid traffic, parking costs, and designated driver duties while enjoying the tournament atmosphere.

Thanks to the later start time of this year’s World Cup games, passengers can enjoy a discounted £3.50 Evening Return Ticket when they travel after 6:30pm. This offer is valid on same day return travel between any two stations in the West Midlands rail zones 1-5.