For some folks, watching football in a bar is just better. They’d point to the camaraderie and friendly antagonism between mates and strangers, alcohol-soaked cheers, and a good night out as reasons enough to head for a bar during the World Cup.
So in the interest of an after-work football night out, we’ve ferreted out bars with the most convivial atmospheres, great tipples, and show World Cup matches. Just try not to go mental like these guys yeah?
What’s good: They’re one of the beer-brewing pioneers in Singapore. Go for their Indian Pale Ale which has won a number of awards, and the service isn’t too shabby either. Best spots are at bar, or alfresco if they’ve got the big screen out.
Matches shown: 7.30pm and 10pm matches.
#01-05/06 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road Singapore, and
#01-06/07/K1 Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore. tel: +65 6438 7438. www.brewerkz.com
What’s good: This restaurant/bar in a secluded neighborhood stocks a mind-boggling range of tequilas. Most of which we’ll be hard-pressed to find on this side of the planet. It’s perfect for folk who dislike crowds, but want that bar-like atmosphere. They offer beers from Brewerkz as well.
Matches shown: All.
12 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore. tel: +65 6462 1533
What’s good: We like this pub for its football-friendly atmosphere, and decent grub. Their live music gigs are good and loud, although we’re sure they’ll tone it down when the matches come on. They’ll be having food and beer promotions. It’s also happening at Harry’s Boat Quay.
Matches shown: All.
#B1-06, 30 Victoria Street Singapore, tel +65 6334 9150. www.harrys.com.sg.
What’s good: Bankers and lawyers pack this Victorian-themed pub at the end of the day to network and unwind. It helps that they offer a creamy pint of Old Speckled Hen on tap as well. Of course, liquored-up professionals are a crazy, rowdy lot, but that’s what you want on football days, isn’t it?
Matches shown: 7.30pm and 10pm matches. Only England matches will be shown at 2.30am.
26/27 Boat Quay, Singapore. tel +65 6538 2300. www.pennyblack.com.sg
What’s good: Irish pubs are known for lively crowds and a pint of Guinness. And that’s what you’ll get at this pub. Muddy Murphy’s will be extending their happy hours from 1.30am to 2.30am as pre-match warm up sessions.
Matches shown: All 64 matches.
#B1-04 Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore. tel +65 6735 0400
What’s good: Get a World Cup sundowner if you’re at Sentosa for sun, sand, and sea. This seaside bar has a chilled vibe that appeals to our inner beach bum. Of course, the shouts of "Goallll!" might just drown it all out.
Matches shown: 7.30pm matches.
50 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore. tel +65 6276 6070
What’s good: This cozy pub in a shophouse is a beer institution. Nestled within quiet Emerald Hill just off busy Orchard Road, the ground floor looks like a country pub rip-off with an ice tank -- all the better to keep beers cold. Choose from its menu of Australian and Belgium beers to go with your football match.
Matches shown: All matches before 2am; semi-finals and finals.
5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore. tel +65 6735 9929.
What’s good: Expect top-notch service at this alfresco joint. They’ve also promised an extensive drinks menu of wines and beers to slake your thirst, and snack platters for the hungry.
Matches shown: 41 out of 64 World Cup matches.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore. tel +65 6337 8888.
What’s good: This place encourages lounging around. Perhaps it’s the crowds wandering along the closed-off road, or it’s their bantering musicians. Whatever the case, it’s a good place for conversation, especially on that missed easy goal. Promotions include Carlsberg, Belvedere Vodka, and Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial all night long.
Matches shown: World Cup matches that start before 1am.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore. tel +65 6337-8888
What’s good: This outdoor joint has over 50 types of beer from different countries. So you can imbibe your way around the world on your own World Cup. Malted Milk will offer Bitburger, Budweiser and Carlsberg bucket promos with free World Cup merchandise.
Matches shown: All.
Level 1 of Studio M Hotel, 3 Nanson Road, Singapore. tel +65 6808 8888