Cheers to Live Sports!

For many people, sporting events are the highlight of the social calendar. Here at St Andrews, it is no different! 

Upon arriving at St Andrews, the amount of pubs and social events may seem overwhelming (and I completely understand). I am here to help! Attending sport viewings is a great way to meet people with similar interests or catch up with some friends. But where to go? The overcrowded pubs filled with middle-aged golfers may seem daunting. Therefore, I have compiled a list of some of my favourite pubs to enjoy a good pint and a match. 

Whey Pat 

Tucked away on the corner of Bridge Street, this pub has been a popular spot for locals and students to catch a football match. With a bar in the front and a more private lounge area in the back, it has some fair seating options for viewers. Admittedly, it is on the small side, causing it to get a bit overcrowded with student social gatherings and local late nighters. But don’t let this put you off. It has a friendly atmosphere and prime seating if you can get to it early. 

The Whey Pat is known as the oldest pub in St Andrews, once welcoming sailors from the famous West Port, giving the pub a homely and traditional feel. It also boasts the best nachos in town! Being a local pub, its streaming selection appeals to more of the local tastes but you can likely catch a good international football match or rugby game here and there.

In my first semester of uni I enjoyed an English football match at the Whey Pat alongside some friends. We chose a quiet table in the corner, feeling out of the crowd, and ordered some beers. It quickly started to fill up with residents and student crowds. It was a chummy and casual environment as people watched the game. 

Molly Malone’s 

An Irish pub situated in the midst of town, Molly Malone’s is a popular hangout spot all day long. It has numerous seating and TV screens, making it a great place to catch a sporting event. Its laid-back atmosphere makes it an excellent place to gather friends and catch a match. As a popular spot for sports fans you will probably be watching the games with a good crowd.  

They show a good mix of sporting events appealing to the more diverse crowd of St Andrews. Tennis, motorsport, cricket, and boxing are all to be enjoyed on their screens. As well, they offer a good amount of women’s football viewing sessions. While still heavily favouring the Premier League and Scottish Premiership games, they play a fair amount of international sports. 

I caught the Masters tournament in April this year at Molly’s. It was a smaller and quieter crowd at the time but still amusing. It seemed that the groups around us were really invested in the competition — whooping and hollering over putts. Not to disregard the groups, who like us, were in for a chat, this pub gathers the more dedicated fans. 

Main Bar

With its open floor plan, back patio, and charming pool tables, Main Bar, located in the Union, is a top spot for student groups to enjoy a game. While it hosts numerous social events, they also put on many watch parties. Its spacious quality and various seating options means that it hardly ever gets crowded, making it a great option for those looking for a slower-paced pub. 

As a student focused pub, it appeals to the large international student population, hosting watch parties for the more exclusive sporting events of the season. From American football to rugby, they try to highlight the international sport interests of the student body. One of their biggest events is a watch party for the Superbowl, serving up food and drinks until halftime. 

I once went to the Main Bar to catch a rugby game with a friend; people were crowded around the big screen, adorned in their team jerseys. It was a mixed group of hardcore fans and casual spectators, which created a friendly environment. 

The Rule

While this pub offers more of a club feel, it's still a great place to watch a game. With two floors and a rear lounge area, it offers plenty of different viewing experiences. Located on South Street, it's a perfect stop for meeting up with friends in between social events. It also offers loads of great deals with special discounts and weekday lunch deals. 

Opening its doors at 11am, it shows some of the more selective sporting events for international students: often putting on more than one match at a time to offer a variety of games for fans. Frequently, the pub shows cricket and F1, alongside select rugby matches. It also has various viewing options for boxing and football. The Rule is a great place for a cricket fanatic or a one-off viewer, due to its lively scenery and tasty drinks. 

St Andrews is a busy town with lots of things to do, but it is also a friendly and social place, so it's best to just jump right in. Whether you are a longtime fan or just getting into sports, there is a seat at the bar for you.

Illustration by Calum Mayor