Rugby bars—a space that bonds people in a faithful following of their favorite team (or more often in a visceral competitive acrimony for other leagues). There is something that speaks to the penchant in people for this specific style of mob mentality. The wins are bigger, the losses more commiserated. This place, this locale, this beacon does not have to be a chain or faceless franchise pumping out deep cuts of bowling championships and dart regionals; but can be a more specialized or upscale bar that just happens to be a great place to catch a rugby match. The Winslow is this great spot to get some delicious food and drink while cheering on your favorite team. Nothing brings this devoted love of rugby to light more than the rugby Six Nations tournament.
Six Nations Rugby Bar NYC
Six Nations is the annual rugby tournament between the 6 national rugby teams of: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland & Wales. It was formerly called Home Nations and Five Nations and became Six Nations when Italy joined the tournament in 2000. Due to corporate sponsorship now being necessary for sports to exist, the tournament is technically now known as Guinness Six Nations after its new sponsor, get this, Guinness. It’s not legally required for The Winslow to serve Guinness due to this fact, but nevertheless, rivers of this delectable stout will be flowing. The Winslow opens early to stream the games and show them in real time. Real time is for real fans as these games are at the crack of sparrows, but kitchen will be open as will be the bar. There aren’t many bars in the East Village or Gramercy area that will willingly and enthusiastically stream Six Nations at 8am (local time).
East Village – Gramercy Sports Bar Located Near Union Square
Route
As a British influenced gin house and eatery in NYC, The Winslow often caters to European sports and sports fans alike. Rugby fans can attest to the fact The Winslow is simply one of best places to come for the games. Expats line the bar while enjoying a proper breakfast and specialty gin cocktails. Even for rugby games other than the ones during Six Nations, The Winslow can often look up and stream certain rugby league games which guests are interested in viewing. They even show the Rugby World Cup games in real time during years when that is applicable. Too many bars in New York City, quite honestly, try to be like every other sports bar in existence. They try to do too much. Customers end up walking into a fraternity house from which there is no escape, or alumni events growing their networks to perpetuate new and improved pyramid schemes. However, there are some bars, such as The Winslow that take rugby seriously.
First Come First Serve
Due to the high volume of rugby patrons during Six Nations, tables are first come first serve for guests. The Winslow does not take reservations throughout the tournament, so yes, there will be a crowd, but that makes it all the more fun. You will come for the rugby, but stay for everything else The Winslow has to offer.
