Whether you’re a Liverpool fan waiting to see the title lifted for the first time in 30 years or a Manchester United supporter in the race for 4th place, the past three months have been long and painful.
The COVID-19 outbreak halted sports tournaments globally. Following the return of the German Bundesliga last month, the English Premier League (EPL) is finally set to resume with two matches on June 17: Aston Villa v Sheffield United, and Manchester City v Arsenal.
With social distancing measures still in place, teams will be playing behind closed doors. No fans on the ground means no chants, cheers or tears from overflowing stadiums. For the foreseeable future, the exuberant, rowdy atmosphere that football matches are known for are a thing of the past.
But some things don’t have to change—like the feeling of grabbing a beer and rooting for your favorite team at your local sports pub.
Here’s your guide to Hong Kong’s best bars and restaurants across the island, Kowloon and the New Territories to catch all the action of the remaining season.
1. McSorley’s Ale House
Known for its Irish Victorian style, McSorley’s serves hearty pub food and a wide range of beer to wash it all down. The open-air atmosphere makes for a laidback, relaxing vibe for watching any major sporting event. Don’t leave without trying their signature burgers!
G/F, 46 Staunton Street, Soho, Central
2. Champs Restaurant and Bar
Champs Restaurant and Bar has over a dozen TV screens, so need to fight for a good table with a view here. If you’re a Kopite, this is your home away from home—the pub is decked out in Liverpool paraphernalia including replica trophies, jerseys and photos of players.
209-219 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai
3. Trafalgar
In the mood for shisha and football? Then Trafalgar’s the bar for you. This upstairs Wan Chai bar with an alfresco area overlooking Lockhart Road calls itself Hong Kong’s number one sports bar—a claim regulars might say rings true. The British bar has television screens inside and out on the balcony area, so you won’t miss a second of the game if you’re sneaking out for a smoke.
5/F, 54-62 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai
4. Wan Chai Stadium
A must-visit for the Wan Chai crowd, this spot comes as no secret. On those vibrant English football nights, you might even find fans spilling out of the bar and onto the streets. Wan Chai Stadium also offers your standard pub grub, and there’s no service charge too—whether it’s nachos or buffalo wings you crave, you’re in good hands.
Shop A3, G/F, Hay Wah Building, 72-76 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
5. Forbes 36 Sports Bar & Grill
Whether you are anticipating the Champions League final or ready for the next Connor McGregor fight, Forbes 36 is the place to be. The Kennedy Town bar has a wide-ranging menu to boot too, from seafood linguini to ribs to Aussie beef pie—making it the perfect dinner spot before catching a game.
Shop A3, G/F, Hay Wah Building, 72-76 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
6. Delaney’s Kowloon
Delaney’s prides itself as Hong Kong’s first Irish pub. A classic watering hole for locals and expats alike, it certainly serves as a comfortable spot to enjoy live sports events. Beer fans will be delighted by the drink selection, which includes a variety of popular lagers and ales.
Basement, Mary Building, 71-77 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
7. Nathan Left
With flashy stage lights and live music performances every other night, Nathan Left might not look like a place to watch football. But on game nights, the Tsim Sha Tsui pub is just like any other sports bar—vibrant and cozy with an extensive menu that will satisfy any craving.
G/F & 1/F, Hart Avenue Plaza, 5-9 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
8. The Stadium
Here’s a kid-friendly option for sport-loving parents. Located in Kwun Tong, The Stadium is a spacious sports-themed restaurant serving tasty burgers and pizzas at reasonable prices. If you’re looking to combine a family evening out and some Saturday night football, this is the place for you.
4/F, The Wave, 4 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong
9. Lucky U
Decked out with a large TV screen, a snooker table and a karaoke room, Lucky U is a small but cozy pub in Tsuen Wan. The American sports bar is the perfect place to catch up with friends over a couple of pints while cheering on your favorite teams.
Flat 5-7, G/F, Fortune Mansion, 105-129 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan
10. Free House Bar and Cafe
Sick of the Wan Chai and Soho crowd? Live in the New Territories and don’t want to cross the harbor? Free House Bar and Cafe should make it high up on your list. Located in Tai Po, Free House is a spacious 4,000 square feet environment that offers extra entertainment like beer pong, flip cup and darts. You won’t be bored even if it’s an uneventful game.
2/F, 88 Po Heung Street, Tai Po
