A Taste of Philly, deep in the Heart of London
One of the best parts of traveling with my son Kyler is discovering places together in unexpected ways. Kyler is 15, a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, and a soccer kid through and through—so finding things that spark his interest while traveling always makes an experience more meaningful for both of us. On our trip to London, one of our favorites and most surprising discoveries turned out to be a full-on Philly icon tucked beneath the city streets: American Dive Bars & Restaurants | Passyunk Avenue London.
Kyler Passyunk Avenue in London
If you had told me before the trip that Kyler and I would be eating cheesesteaks and watching Philadelphia sports teams in London, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But there we were—thousands of miles from home—walking into a place that instantly felt familiar. Jerseys on the walls, Philly energy in the air, and the comforting feeling of home that hits you the second you walk in.
Passyunk Avenue isn’t just Philly-inspired; it’s unapologetically Philly. For Kyler, that familiarity mattered. As a 15-year-old who lives and breathes sports—especially Philly teams and soccer—this place checked all the boxes. It gave him something recognizable and exciting in the middle of a big, busy city, and it gave us a shared moment we still talk about.
What makes it even cooler is where this particular Passyunk Avenue is located.
The restaurant sits inside Leake Street Tunnel, better known as the Graffiti Tunnel—a famous pedestrian passage under Waterloo Station. The tunnel is completely covered in street art and murals, constantly changing as artists layer new work over the old. It’s one of the most iconic spots in London for urban art and photography, and walking through it feels like stepping into a living, breathing gallery.
Kyler Graffiti Tunnel
Kyler and I took our time walking through the tunnel, stopping to look at the art, snapping photos, and just soaking it all in. Then, tucked right into the Victorian brick arches of the tunnel itself, was Passyunk Avenue. The contrast was incredible—historic architecture, bold street art, and a Philadelphia sports bar all in one place.
Kyler Graffiti Tunnel
Inside, it felt like a slice of home. Screens showing Philadelphia sports, the hum of fans watching games, and food that actually lived up to expectations. Real cheesesteaks. Comfort food done right. Sitting there with Kyler—watching our teams, talking sports, and sharing a meal in the middle of London—was one of those travel moments that sticks with you.
It became more than just a restaurant stop. It was a reminder that even when you’re far from home, you can still find places that feel grounding and familiar. For Kyler, it was exciting and reassuring. For me, it was one of those parent-and-teen moments that makes traveling together so special.
Passyunk Avenue managed to blend nostalgia with discovery. Philly pride in a London landmark. Cheesesteaks served beneath historic arches. Sports culture colliding with street art.
If you ever find yourself in London—especially if you’re from Philly and missing home or traveling with a sports-loving teenager—walk through the Graffiti Tunnel at Waterloo. Take in the art. And then step into Passyunk Avenue. You just might find that the world feels a little smaller, and a whole lot cooler.
