Where to Watch Saints vs Man City in Southampton: Top Sports Bars & Pubs

The Saints are heading to Wembley! Southampton FC faces Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final this Saturday. While over 35,000 fans are making the trip to London, thousands more are looking for where to watch Saints vs Man City in Southampton to cheer on the team from the comfort of the city’s top local venues.

Best Southampton Pubs for the FA Cup Semi-Final

If you are not making the trip to Wembley, these are the 15 best venues in Southampton to watch the Saints take on Man City. We have included top-rated spots from the City Centre to the surrounding suburbs to ensure you find the perfect match-day vibe.

1. The Bedford Arms (Bedford Place)

The undisputed heart of match-day action in Bedford Place. Legendary for its Saints support and high-volume atmosphere.

• Best for: Die-hard fans wanting a loud, high-energy atmosphere.
• Match-Day Features: Multiple large HD screens, outdoor TVs, and a dedicated fan-heavy environment.
• Local Tip: Arrive at least 90 minutes before the 17:15 kick-off; it will be at capacity early.

2. The Alexandra / “The Alex” (Bellevue Road)

A true fan favourite near the city centre, famous for its traditional pub feel and passionate local following.

• Best for: Chanting and singing with a traditional “local” crowd.
• Match-Day Features: Incredible acoustic atmosphere and several indoor screens throughout the U-shaped bar.
• Local Tip: Head to the heated rear garden at half-time for a quick breather without losing the vibe.

3. Sharkey’s Sports Bar (City Centre)

The city’s premier sports destination, spanning three floors with a massive viewing capacity.

• Best for: Big groups and those wanting a “front-row” seat on 4K screens.
• Match-Day Features: Massive 4K projectors, private VIP booths, and over 60 TVs across the venue.
• Local Tip: Ideal for large groups—book a booth today to guarantee your own private screen.

4. The Mitre (Portswood)

A massive, welcoming pub in the heart of Portswood that always draws a huge football crowd.

• Best for: Portswood residents and fans wanting a spacious venue.
• Match-Day Features: Large HD screens, multiple viewing areas, and a massive beer garden.
• Local Tip: Use their Greene King app to order from your table so you don’t miss any of the action.

5. Brass Monkey (Shirley)

The go-to spot for fans in Shirley. It is a proper community sports pub with a focus on live football.

• Best for: Shirley locals looking for great value and a proper “football pub” feel.
• Match-Day Features: Dedicated sports focus, large screens, and a loyal neighbourhood following.
• Local Tip: Known for having some of the most affordable match-day drink prices in the city.

6. The Station (Bitterne Park)

A family-friendly hub in Bitterne Park that offers a fantastic, community-driven match-day experience.

• Best for: A friendly, family-orientated environment in Bitterne Park.
• Match-Day Features: Open-plan viewing area with multiple screens and a welcoming community vibe.
• Local Tip: One of the best options if you are watching the game with younger fans.

7. The Cricketers Arms (Woolston)

Woolston’s premier sports pub, featuring a “stadium-size” screen that makes you feel like you are at Wembley.

• Best for: Immersive “stadium-style” sound and a massive screen experience.
• Match-Day Features: High-definition projectors and a surround sound system that brings the Wembley noise to Woolston.
• Local Tip: Their “stadium screen” is one of the largest in the city outside of the centre.

8. The Saints Pub (Millbrook)

The name says it all. This Millbrook landmark is a dedicated shrine to Southampton FC.

• Best for: Seeing the city’s most passionate, die-hard Saints supporters.
• Match-Day Features: Fully Saints-themed decor and a massive projection screen that draws a boisterous crowd.
• Local Tip: Expect lots of flags and singing; this is as close as it gets to being in the Northam Stand.

9. The Lion (Bedford Place)

A lively Craft Union pub located right at the entrance to Bedford Place, perfect for a high-energy afternoon.

• Best for: A vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere and great value drinks.
• Match-Day Features: Screens positioned so you have a view of the pitch from almost every angle in the bar.
• Local Tip: A great “overflow” spot if the Bedford Arms is already full.

10. The Scholars Arms (Above Bar Street)

Centrally located and highly focused on live sports, this pub offers a premium viewing experience.

• Best for: City centre convenience and high-quality HD viewing.
• Match-Day Features: Excellent sound system and clear sightlines to the screens from almost every seat.
• Local Tip: Located right by the parks, it is perfect for those spending the whole day in the city.

11. The Grapes (Oxford Street)

A historic maritime pub that provides a unique, classic setting for watching the Saints.

• Best for: Fans wanting a historic atmosphere and a quieter “Titanic” vibe pre-match.
• Match-Day Features: A busy, traditional atmosphere with several indoor screens and a small terrace.
• Local Tip: Head here if you want to be near Oxford Street’s great restaurants for a post-match meal.

12. O’Neill’s (High Street)

A spacious Irish bar that is a reliable choice for every major sporting event in Southampton.

• Best for: Large groups and a guaranteed view of a screen.
• Match-Day Features: Huge floor space, massive screens, and a reliable pub menu.
• Local Tip: Usually the best bet for finding a standing spot if you arrive late.

13. The Guide Dog (Bevois Valley)

A multi-award-winning real ale pub for those who want a focused, traditional football experience.

• Best for: Real ale enthusiasts and fans who want to focus on the game itself.
• Match-Day Features: No loud music or distractions—just the football commentary and the crowd.
• Local Tip: Regularly voted as having the best beer in the city.

14. The Shooting Star (Bevois Valley)

A quirky, high-energy venue that offers a fun, alternative vibe for the big Wembley clash.

• Best for: A younger, craft-beer loving crowd and a lively evening after-party.
• Match-Day Features: Large projector screens and a massive selection of craft beers and cocktails.
• Local Tip: Perfect for those who want to keep the celebration going long after the final whistle.

15. Bitterne Park Hotel (Bitterne)

A popular sports bar and hotel on Cobden Avenue that serves as a major hub for the Bitterne community.

• Best for: Bitterne residents wanting a local hub with plenty of space.
• Match-Day Features: Large screens and a spacious bar area that accommodates a broad mix of fans.
• Local Tip: Offers plenty of parking, making it a very convenient choice for those driving.

Match Day Logistics in Southampton

Even though the 5:15 pm kick-off is taking place at Wembley, the atmosphere in Southampton will be electric. Expect the city centre, Bedford Place, and local high streets to be significantly busier than a typical Saturday afternoon. To ensure you have the best experience, keep these logistics in mind:

• Arrival Times: Most sports bars and popular fan pubs will reach full capacity by 16:30. If you want a guaranteed seat with a clear view of the screen, we recommend arriving no later than 16:00.
• Table Bookings: Venues like Sharkey’s and O’Neill’s often allow table bookings in advance. Check their official social media pages today, as many “prime” spots near the big screens will be reserved early.
• Pre-Match Atmosphere: For the most authentic “Wembley-build-up” feel, head to Bedford Place or Bellevue Road. These areas traditionally become the hub for Saints supporters before and after major games.
• Travel and Parking: If you are driving into the city centre, be aware that car parks near the Cultural Quarter (like Westquay or the Civic Centre) will be busy. Consider using public transport, as most bus routes will be running their standard Saturday service to get you close to the action.
• Half-Time Rush: To avoid the long queues during the 15-minute break, most locals recommend ordering your half-time refreshments five minutes before the whistle!

FAQs: Watching Saints vs Man City

What time is kick-off for the Saints semi-final?
The game kicks off at 17:15 on Saturday, 25 April 2026.

What channel is the Southampton game on?
You can watch the match live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, or TNT Sports 1.

Where can away fans watch in Southampton?
While most pubs are Saints-friendly, larger sports bars like Sharkey’s or O’Neill’s are generally welcoming to fans of all teams.