Today sees the beginning of the football World Cup and, love it or hate it, the beautiful game will be the most talked about subject over the next four weeks. Whether you’re an avid football fan, a reluctant girlfriend or just plain indifferent however hard we might try football is going to be simply unavoidable. So, rather than fight a losing battle we say embrace it and do it in style! Here’s our list of the best places to watch England’s triumphs and inevitable heartbreak…

The chic and quirky Alice House in West Hampstead offers a range of creative signature cocktails together with a wide choice of British dishes. The vintage decor and outside decked area make this a stylish choice for World Cup merriment. There are 5 plasmas and a private area called The Den. For £29 per person (plus VAT), you can enjoy unlimited beer and house wine/spirits, plus canapés and exclusive use of The Den. Check them out at www.thealicehouse.co.uk

If you’re after more of a party atmosphere head to über-trendy Hoxton Square where Cargo will be laying on DJs and samba dancers and firing up a South African barbecue as mixologists shake World Cup cocktails. They’ll show every game, come rain or shine, with screens both inside and out on the terrace. You can book a space for £5 (£10 with a drink and some food). Alternatively, This Feeling at The Garage in Highbury has rallied together a host of big names with live DJ sets from Doves and Mani plus Ian Brodie and The Rifles providing a soundtrack to each England match. Go to www.thisfeeling.co.uk and www.cargo-london.com for more details.

Weather permitting, there’ll be screens erected all over London for World Cup viewing en masse. If you fancy a touch of culture thrown into the alfresco football experience then check out Jazz Ball which will be showing the World Cup on 4m screens accompanied by an improvised soundtrack from two jazz trios. Entrance is free and up to 1,000 people can join the pre-kick-off carnival. Other matches will be shown inside on a smaller screen with room for up to 100 people. Find all the relevant info at www.vortexjazz.co.uk