Leesl: There is something about a chilly December Friday that demands a heavy pint and a hearty meal. This past weekend, Andy and I headed over to Watters Creek Village in Allen, Texas, to soak up the holiday spirit and catch Game 1 of the College Football Playoffs.

A little slice of Europe in North Texas. The holiday lights reflecting off the water make Watters Creek Village feel like a festive getaway.

If you haven’t been, Watters Creek feels less like a Texas shopping center and more like a walkable European village. With its stone bridges, lush landscaping, and the central creek reflecting the glow of the massive Christmas tree, it’s the perfect backdrop for a winter “Pint and Playbook” outing.

The star of the show! You can’t visit the village in December without stopping to admire the centerpiece of the courtyard.

The Venue: The Lion & Crown Pub

Andy: Our destination for the Alabama vs. Oklahoma showdown was The Lion & Crown Public House. This spot is perfect for beer lovers and sports fans alike. It’s a classic English-style pub—warm, inviting, and packed with enough screens to ensure we didn’t miss a single snap.

Inside, the casual, cozy vibe is anchored by a beautiful stone fireplace that was roaring when we arrived—the perfect spot to warm up on a chilly Friday. The pub is known for its massive selection of 38 draft beers, whiskeys, and live music. While we stayed inside for the heat, they also have a great outdoor patio that’s perfect for groups.

Old World charm and 38 taps to choose from. Deciding what to order is the only hard part of the night.

The Rivalry: Alabama vs. Oklahoma

Leesl: The stakes were high at our table. We have a bit of a playoff rivalry going: I was pulling for Oklahoma, while Andy was backing Alabama. Early on, it looked like I was going to be the one taking a victory lap. As you can see from the scoreboard in my photo, the Sooners came out swinging, jumping to a dominant 17-0 lead in the second quarter. I was feeling pretty confident—but as every college football fan knows, you can never count out the Tide.

The best seat in the house – front row for the playoffs by the roaring fireplace at The Lion & Crown Public House.

The momentum shifted on a dime. Between a fumbled punt snap and a crushing 50-yard pick-six by Zabien Brown just before half, Alabama erased the lead in the blink of an eye. The second half was all Bama, as they pulled off a massive 34-24 comeback win. Andy definitely walked away with the bragging rights this time, but at least the food and drinks were a win for both of us!

The Menu: Pints & Pub Fare

Andy: To keep our nerves steady during the game, we stuck to the classics. Leesl chose an English theme and I went for an Irish theme – both were perfect for a cold December night.

• Old Speckled Hen (5.0% ABV) Leesl went with a traditional English Premium Ale. It’s famous for its rich, malty flavor and smooth, toffee finish. First brewed in 1979 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MG car factory in Abingdon. It was named after a paint-spattered car known as the “Owld Speckl’d Un”.
• Smithwick’s (4.5% ABV) I opted for Ireland’s most beloved Red Ale. It has a beautiful deep amber color with a creamy head and notes of caramel and floral hops. As one of Ireland’s oldest and most beloved ales, it has earned multiple gold medals at the Monde Selection beer tasting competitions for its purity and consistent quality.

For dinner, Leesl had the Cottage Pie—ground steak, fresh carrots, and peas in a savory steak gravy, crowned with mashed potatoes and a cheddar crust, and I opted for the Irish Stew, a homemade blend of top sirloin, potatoes, and veggies seasoned with Guinness, thyme, and rosemary. We agree that both were the ultimate rustic comfort food.

It was a charming evening that glistened with twinkle lights and live music—the perfect mix of good beer and playoff football.

The Final Score: Closing Thoughts

Leesl: Between the festive stroll through the village and our “English vs. Irish” themed dinner, it was the perfect start to the college football playoff season. Despite my Sooners taking the loss, the combination of the cozy fireplace and a cold pint made it a night to remember. The Lion & Crown Public House is definitely a winner in our playbook!