Almost 350 British athletes are competing at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Collectively, Team GB is hoping to surpass the 64 medals — 22 of them gold — won in Tokyo in 2020.
Paris will provide an opportunity to bid adieu to Andy Murray, one of our sporting greats, for whom the Olympics will be his last professional competition.
And a word must be said for skateboarder Sky Brown, just 15, who could take home a gold medal and has been tipped by plaudits to at least make the podium. Look out too for Keely Hodgkinson in the 800m, Bradly Sinden in the taekwondo, and gymnasts Jessica Gadirova and Bryony Page, as all are hot favourites.
But whatever our medal haul, 2024 is shaping up to be a momentous, memorable Olympics. Those who aren’t making the short hop over to France might instead watch the games unfold at one of these venues.
Eccleston Yards
There are plenty of food and drink options here, a spacious spot in a large courtyard in Belgravia. The venue would make for an ideal location to spend a few hours in the glorious sunshine each day (...). Sun or not, screens, cocktails and comfortable seating are agreeable.
Eccleston Place, SW1W 9NF, belgravialdn.com
Grosvenor Square
Grosvenor Square has been transformed into a sporting hub for the Olympics as one of numerous official Team GB “fan zones”. The Mayfair green space has room for around 10,000 sports lovers, with various bars and food stands. It will be screening the games in a family friendly environment. Free entry.
Grosvenor Square, W1K 6AN, mayfairldn.com
Battersea Power Station
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This year, one of south London’s hottest attractions will become another Team GB fan zone and will show all the sporting action on a giant screen alongside free activities. As well as live screenings, Power Station Park will host a 100m running track, “giant games” such as chess and Connect 4 will be free to play, and exercise classes for all ages are available, too.
Circus Road, SW11 8DD, batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Lewis Cubitt Square
In King’s Cross, close to a host of good restaurants, there will be live coverage of the Olympics on a big screen, complete with deck chairs, green spaces and flags abound. In the evenings and over weekends, fans are invited to enjoy the sporting action alongside live DJ sets, Olympic-themed activities, Q&As with athletes and special medal celebrations.
11 Stable Street, N1C 4DR, kingscross.co.uk
Summer by the River
There’s a free outdoor festival in London Bridge throughout summer 2024, with three locations along the banks of the river showing everything from Test cricket to Wimbledon to the Olympics. Screenings take place across three locations. The Scoop, a sunken area with in-built seating and space for 800, will be the place for Olympics fans. Pop-up bars and street food stalls will keep all fed and watered.
The Scoop at More, SE1 2AA, londonbridgecity.co.uk
Spitalfields E1
Spitalfields E1 is celebrating the Paris 2024 summer Olympics with various promotions and collaborations. Street food stands will be available alongside a sweeping bar, and viewers will be able to watch key moments on a big screen, from the 100m sprint to Murray’s tennis outings. There’s a set schedule available on the website.
65 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA, spitalfields.co.uk
Flat Iron Square
This year, Flat Iron Square will screen the Olympics and Paralympics throughout the duration of the tournament, with numerous big screens up until August 11. Food vendors and bars selling craft beers, lagers, and cocktails will keep revellers fed and watered, while pub quizzes will keep everyone entertained between events.
45 Southwark Street, SE1 9HP, flatironsquare.co.uk
Oasis Bar
Over at One Canada Square, Oasis Bar will be showing all the action on its outdoor terrace, from diving to gymnastics, dressage to fencing. Drinks include a long list of pints, Aperol spritz, and summery Pimms. All are available to take away to enjoy on the green space outside, which sits amid the tower blocks of Canary Wharf and boasts some of the biggest screens around.
Canada Square Park, E14 5AB, myoasisbar.co.uk
Apex Temple Court
The Amicable Societies Summer Terrace, at Apex Temple Court hotel, is a prime location for viewing the Olympics thanks to partnerships with the likes of Lanson, Sipsmith, and Heineken. Guests will be able to marvel at feats of athleticism while snacking on charcuterie boards, cheeseboards and more, and there’s a distinctly summery vibe thanks to deckchairs, parasols and cushions. Burgers are available, too, as well as bao, salads and “health” bowls.
