Not as swanky as its brand likes to project, the Hilton London Metropole Sports Bar nonetheless offers more sophistication and less rowdiness for those who like to watch their sport in style.

The Venue
The Hilton London Metropole Sports Bar has to be accessed through the hotel, whose entrance is prominently displayed on Edgware Road. The Sports Bar is on the ground floor just past reception (which means that smokers have to leave the hotel as well as the bar when they want to light up), and is open to all.

As you enter the air-conditioned bar, you immediately come across two large enclaves in the wall on the right that encapsulate two booths, each with its own TV screen to watch the game in the comfort and near privacy of your friends. The rest of the bar is decorated in pale mushroom and mahogany, with large square columns, cream banquettes and cushioned chairs with tables. There is one main big screen opposite the bar and smaller ones dotted around the place so most areas are in view, although there are some areas where you can’t really see the screen. This is not necessarily a bad thing if you prefer to chat to your friends with the match playing in the background.

The Atmosphere
Being part of a hotel, the Hilton London Metropole Sports Bar will always be a little quieter than others, especially as it is not obviously visible from the street. The Hilton brand also ensures that the more undesirable football hooligan types tend to stay away, so the experience is one of excitement and enthusiasm in a calm, chilled context - even during England games. Many of the clientele are guests of the hotel, making for a homely, welcoming atmosphere, and you will also find many people who work in the area on weekday evenings. The staff are friendly and cheery, and they are much enamoured with their new bar, which is a good reflection of its quality.

The Food
There is a small menu of typical pub snacks and small meals at the Hilton London Metropole Sports Bar, but it is quite varied – there are dishes from Italy, Spain, India and Britain. The prices are very reasonable considering the fact that you’re in the Hilton.

The Drink
Being a sports bar, obviously beer is a feature, but they also serve the usual standard list of wines and spirits, and there are cocktails on offer. As with the food, the prices are reasonable – people don’t tend to go to sports bars to enjoy expensive drinks, after all.

The Last Word
The Hilton London Metropole Sports Bar is definitely the place to go if you like to watch your sports in a slightly calmer, civilised and more refined atmosphere, but it may be just a little bit too calm for some sports fans.

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