Where to watch the World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa kicks off at 10pm, Hong Kong time, on June 11, with the hosts playing Mexico. Showing on Cable TV, you can catch the games at a bunch of Sai Kung bars.
Steamers
Steamers will have two screens set up for the World Cup, one in the main bar, and the other tucked around the corner in the loungey nook. If you prefer to watch your footie from a prone position on the couch, that’s the spot to nab. The usual menu and nightly specials will be available - including Madan’s legendary curries. Showing all matches. 66 Yi Chun Street, 2792 6991.
Poets
The lovely Stella is installing Cable TV just for the World Cup. Cozy and attracting a good-natured crowd on match nights, Poets has three screens in a relatively small space - so no matter how busy it gets, you can always see the action. Showing all matches. 55 Yi Chun Street, 2791-7993
Aquaplus
Sai Kung’s new hotspot is getting in on the World Cup action with all matches showing on three big screens. There’s even one in the VIP room upstairs so you and your mates can watch the soccer in private. Working the stoves is a chef poached from a five-star hotel, which means great food before kick off. 72 Po Tung Rd, 2971 7222.
Bacco
One of our favourite memories from the last World Cup is the TV delivery man arriving in Bacco with a new screen 20 minutes before a big England game, and getting it up and running before “God Save the Queen”. They’re already sorted for this year, with two screens downstairs and one upstairs. Book a table for a pre-match curry and an uninterrupted view of the live action. Or go during happy hour (Mon-Fri 3pm-9pm) when it serves some of the cheapest draught beer in Sai Kung at $28 a pint. Showing all matches. 21 Man Nin St, 2572 7477.
Hebe One O One
With its deep, cushy leather sofas and a whopping pull-down screen, Hebe One O One is a particularly comfortable place to watch the match. Even better, the bar will be selling Tiger beer at just $18. Keep an eye out for further drinks promotions, and lucky draws for team shirts. If you’re hoping to catch a game that starts at 2.30am - and we hear there will be a few - please call to reserve a table. The bar will be open for every match for which it receives a reservation. 112 Pak Sha Wan, 2335 5515.
The Duke of York
If we were the betting kind, we’d put money on the Duke crowd providing the most vocal support during the World Cup. All matches will be showing on two screens plus the big-screen projector. And for a bit of half-time entertainment, you can always slip in a game of pool or a round of darts. Shop 3-4 42-56 Fuk Man Rd, 2791 6255.
East Point City and Park Central, Tseung Kwan O
If you prefer your soccer unadulterated by beer and bar snacks, you can watch for free at giant screens in these two Tseung Kwan O shopping malls. They will be showing all 64 matches, live.
