| Aug 02, 2012
Is ATV’s coverage of the Olympics weirding you out? Then head to one of these bars and watch the finals over a couple of beers.
Get into the London spirit with this English themed bar, which features an eye-catching British telephone booth and walls covered in Brit memorabilia. With three plasma screens as well as a wide selection of draught beers and savory pub grub, Bulldogs is an excellent spot to cheer on your home team.
G5/UG15, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2311-6993.
Located in the Charterhouse Causeway Bay Hotel, Champs has a dozen plasma screens all prepped to air the Olympics. In addition to offering a wide selection of local and international beers on tap, in honor of the Olympics Champs is introducing Olympic combos ($110 each), featuring a drink and your choice of an array of savory snacks such as deep-fried cheese balls, calamari and teriyaki chicken. All the major events, such as swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and those with a significant showing by the Chinese team will be shown on all 12 TVs.
B/1, The Charterhouse Causeway Bay Hotel, 209 Wan Chai Rd., Wan Chai, 2892-3386.
With its gentlemen’s club-like ambience and an assortment of classic British dishes, The Chinnery at the Mandarin Oriental is an excellent place to catch the Olympics if you’re looking for an alternative to the rowdy crowds of Central and Wan Chai. In addition to enjoying classy reinterpretations of pub favorites such as bangers and mash, fish and chips or steak and ale pie alongside live broadcasting of the Games, diners can also choose from its extensive collection of whiskies, with more than 120 varieties on offer.
The Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd., Central, 2522-0111.
Facing the southern end of Happy Valley racetrack, The Jockey is a neighborhood watering hole that serves the same full pub menu you would find anywhere in the UK. Known for its friendly and hospitable atmosphere—dogs are welcome here—the pub is a perfect spot for a group to gather and catch the games. While cheering on athletes on screens dotted around the pub, patrons can order anything from real ales to craft beers, in addition to a full range of whiskey or wine by the glass.
33 Wong Nai Chung Rd., Happy Valley, 2572-2266.
This waterfront restaurant at the Fleet Arcade is a great place to catch the life Olympics screenings. Come for the food, which features Australasian fare such as fresh seafood and prime cuts, and stay for the competitions, which will be shown on big screens.
G/F, The Fleet Arcade, Fenwick Pier, 1 Lung King St., Wan Chai, 2827-8882.
Whether you’re on the island or Kowloon side, you can get your sports fix at the Doghouse, which has outlets in both Wan Chai and TST. With multiple big TVs throughout both pubs, you’re sure to get a seat with a decent view of the games. The food menu features classic pub grub, including BBQ ribs, burgers and fish n’ chips.
Shop A3, G/F, Hay Wah Building, 71-85 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2528-0868.
Shop 7-13, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Plaza Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2732-2860.
This groovy American sports bar takes pride of place on the airy upper podium of the Elements shopping mall. Decorated with vintage lighting and furniture, the bar boasts a laid-back, contemporary atmosphere complemented by multiple giant screens dedicated to major sporting events across the globe. Grand Central plans to screen several events—so head down to Grand Central (especially if you’re rooting for Team America) for some spectating, with a pint of Brooklyn lager and a filling gourmet burger on the side.
Shop R001, 3/F & Rooftop, Civil Square, Elements, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 2736-4888.
Cheer on the Aussies over a home-brewed beer at SoHo’s Coast Bar & Bistro. Equipped with three plasma screens and one large projector screen, sports enthusiasts will be blessed with a panoramic view of their favorite Olympic events and athletes in action.
1/F, Kinwick Centre, 32-36 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2544-5888.
Cheering on Team Ireland? Delaney’s is the place to be. Savor a hearty selection of traditional grub, such as lamb boxty and deep-fried battered prawns alongside a pint of Guinness, as you watch the athletes in action on a big screen. Group bookings or reservations for private rooms on select game days are welcomed.
Various locations, including G/F-1/F, One Capital Place, 18 Luard Rd., Wan Chai, 2804-2880.
As well as broadcasting the Olympics, The Globe will be hosting a variety of special events to celebrate the Games through to the end of August, offering patrons a chance to be crowned “The Globe Olympic Champion.” Serving a large selection of high quality imported beer, the pub is a must-visit for beer lovers as well as those who are up for London-themed drinking marathons and challenges.
G/F, Garley Building, 45-53 Graham St., Central, 2543-1941.
The famed British gastropub is where you’ll need to be to catch the Olympics in style. The Living Room will be screening competitions daily from 3pm onwards. In addition to showing the games, sister property The News Room has put a spread of special cocktails and bar snacks to help you get into the Olympic spirit. Each continent is represented, from the grilled pita bread with Moroccan dips (Africa), to tasty tempura vegetables (Asia). Mix and match the snacks—it’s $37 for one, $68 for two or $83 for three—and wash it all down with a couple of Olympic-themed cocktails, such as the Diver’s Daquiri, made with Havana club rum, fresh grapefruit and sweet lime (all $78 each).
No. 62 Johnston Rd., Wan Chai, 2866-3444.
The lively Irish pub is renowned for its wide selection of food and drinks as well as live broadcast of sporting events, and during the Games it is no different. Housing an independently controlled flat screen TV its meeting room, available for private hire, as well as a further seven in its main area, diners are guaranteed never to miss an important match.
Shop A, G/F Kowloon Centre, 29-39 Ashley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2375-3088.
The medal events you don’t want to miss
Men’s 100m August 5, 4:50am
Men’s 4 x 100m relay August 11, 4am
Men’s 4 x 400m relay August 10, 4:20am
Women’s 100m August 4, 4:55am
Women’s 4 x 100m relay August 10, 3:40am
Women’s 4 x 400m relay August 11, 3:25am
Men’s Vault August 6, 10:41pm
Men’s Parallel bars August 7, 9pm
Men’s horizontal bar August 7, 3:37pm
Women’s Beam August 7, 9:47pm
Women’s floor exercise August 7, 23:23pm
Women’s Beach Volleyball August 8. Bronze medal match: 2am; Gold Medal Match: 4am
Men’s Beach Volleyball August 9. Bronze medal match: 2am; Gold Medal Match: 4am
Men’s 10m Platform diving August 11. Semifinal 5pm; final 3:30am
Women’s 10m platform diving August 9 Semifinal 5pm; final 2am
Men’s Team. August 8. Bronze Medal Match 6pm; Gold Medal Match 10:30pm
Women’s Team. August 7. Bronze Medal Match 6pm; Gold Medal Match 10:30pm
Women’s Basketball. August 11. Bronze Medal Match midnight; Gold Medal Match 4am.
Men’s Basketball. August 12. Bronze Medal Match 6pm; Gold Medal Match 10pm.
Women’s Volleyball. August 11.
Bronze Medal Match 6:30pm; Gold Medal Match 1:30am.
Men’s Volleyball. August 12. Bronze Medal Match 4:30pm; Gold Medal Match 8pm.
Note: HK Magazine assumes that you’re staying up past midnight to catch the late games; therefore, the dates given here refer to the day that you’ll be in the bar, ready for the competition to start. For example, the women’s volleyball match is technically being screened at 1:30am, very, very early on August 12, but we’re assuming you’ll be in the pub drinking just before midnight on August 11. Got it? BTW, these times were accurate at time of writing. Double-check the London 2012 website in case of schedule changes.
Find a full Olympics competition schedule at www.london2012.com/schedule-and-results/
