The NFL UK series brought the Philadelphia Eagles to London, which in turn, brought us to London. The trip thus far had been quite amazing! Not only were we soaking up the culture and visiting top attractions, we had the unique opportunity of experience an influx of Philly in this town . . . a town it had once been subject to.
- Passyunk Avenue – Sunday: It was in this Philly dive bar that we spent our first night in London. We came here to watch the Eagles/Panthers game live with fellow die hard Eagles fans. It was great!
- Passyunk Avenue – Thursday: We had to come back and be a part of the Eagles hype that was building throughout the week. There may not have been a game on at the time, but we were treated to something better than just cheesesteaks. Brent Celek and Jon Dorenbos, showed up with the Super Bowl trophy. I didn’t see that one coming!
Earlier in the week (Tuesday) we popped into a place called The Admiralty, a pub and restaurant located at Trafalgar Square. We had no choice, the place was draped in Eagles banners. Despite being decorated in Eagles paraphernalia, there were no Eagles fans inside. I guess it was still too early in the week. It was ok, we had a great time with some pretty cool locals, and more importantly were provided with useful knowledge: the Eagles would be holding a pep rally here Friday night. We would be back!
Friday: Pep Rally Day
The pep rally wouldn’t begin until six, so we had a full day to kill in the meantime. We walked around Covent Garden before making our way towards Westminster to visit the Churchill War Rooms. Our route led us past The Admiralty, which was already bustling with Eagles fans. Not even 2pm yet, there was a line out the door. I was concerned, I thought we’d never get in.
Kathie opted against the Churchill War rooms, so while I waited in a two hour line and spend probably another hour and a half inside, Kathie was off to do her own thing. I left the War Rooms wondering where she ended up—it turns out she had already made her way to the Admiralty.
I arrived sometime around 5:30, and after a short wait, I was in. The place was packed! By sheer luck, we ended up in what I would consider one of the best seats in the house. We were standing by the first table by the door when we opportunity fell upon us. Unable to get food at the Admiralty—probably due to the influx of business—the group sitting at this table wanted to run out to grab something to eat. We made a deal with them—they would let us have the table, and we promised they could jump back in when they returned. It sure beat standing!
To make a long story short, the building filled to capacity and the line to get in grew ever longer; It became clear we’d never see them again. It was our table for the duration. It was just the two of us and the table was huge so we invited others to join us throughout the night. We had a young couple that sat with us, unaware of what was going on. They were British—Yorkshire I believe. They just happened to stumble in. These two were just married and would be leaving for their honeymoon the following day. I got a kick out of it though; the young girl made it a point to say there were other areas in Britain to visit other than London—obviously proud of her home area outside of the city. I asked where they were going for their honeymoon. She replied, New York City. Imagine that!
The young newlyweds departed after a few drinks, and just as quickly as they got up, their seats were replaced with new friends. On Kathie’s side of the table sat a couple from back home. Long time season ticket holders, they were proud—having not missed a game in years. I don’t remember the number he threw out there, but it was something like twenty five years or so. Apparently they run one hell of a tailgate. Maybe one day I’ll run into them at the Linc.
On my side of the table we were joined by a young man and his girlfriend. They were from Germany of all places. He was a huge Eagles fan—I didn’t realize we had a fanbase there. I’m not even kidding, he seemed more thrilled to be there than myself. His girlfriend on the other hand … I think she was brought against her will.
In the end, a great time was had by all. Before long, the Eagles bus pulled up and the party commenced. Some cheerleaders appeared on the mezzanine; moments later the Eagles drumline emerged and got the place rocking. Eagles insider Dave Spadero took control of the festivities, supported by Swoop and the cheerleaders—constantly leading the crowd in “E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES” chants as they threw Eagles goodies out to the crowd. Kathie and I caught scarves, and some toy footballs. Great memorabilia!
Certainly a highlight of the night was the introduction of the “Pillar Guy.” Everyone knows the “Pillar Guy!” You can still enjoy watching a video of him running into a pillar in the subway station while chasing a Septa train. The video went viral, and he was an instant celebrity—well, at least local celebrity. I’ll tell you what, he was a big hit in London! As it turns out, he NFL brought him over. They recognized this was one of several memorable moments that made up the Eagles magical Super Bowl season—he had to be there!
The game was only a few days away, but I can assure you, Eagles fans were there in full force, and they were ready for some football!
