Fitted with numerous TV screens, SOULed OUT gives patrons the option of watching from its al fresco seating or a cosy mezzanine (Photo: SOULed OUT)
Football brings people together all over the world. So, why not watch the biggest event of the year — the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 — at your favourite watering hole? Here are some of the choicest spots to watch the game.
This open-air lawn bar at the top of First Avenue provides patrons with a 360-degree view of the Klang Valley. Sited on an old helipad, the space is covered with greenery. Indulge in a selection of cocktails or knock back a good old mug of beer. The bar is ideal for those who wish to watch the match in the open air, mimicking the feel of being in an actual stadium. Patrons not only get to enjoy a live telecast but also fun games to take part in.
Stratosphere at The Roof, Sky level, 1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama, PJ. (016) 229 1505. Daily, 4pm to 2am.
Located along bustling Jalan Telawi 2, this is the go-to place for sports fans in Kuala Lumpur. Spacious with both outdoor and indoor seating, Gridiron welcomes all footie supporters to cheer on their chosen teams. Apart from the usual beers and delicious cocktails, the bar also offers a full menu of food that ranges from signature wings and nachos to spicy mutton varuval and chimichurri ribeye steak. This is certainly the place to be if you fancy watching the game with a large group of fellow fans.
Gridiron Sports Café & Lounge, 11 & 15 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, KL. (012) 332 4820. Sun-Thurs, 4pm to 1am; Fri-Sat, 4pm to 2am.
While there are a few SOULed OUT branches — such as in Bangsar South and Ampang — the flagship restaurant in Desa Sri Hartamas is a beloved location for sports fans to flock to for grand competitions like the World Cup. Fitted with numerous TV screens, this outlet gives patrons the option of watching from its al fresco seating, or a cosy mezzanine for those who would rather enjoy cool air conditioning. Try a tipple from its selection of carefully crafted mojitos and sangrias, and satiate your appetite with one of SOULed OUT’s signature dishes such as the Northern Indian lamb cutlets and the Sake San, a Japanese-inspired pizza.
SOULed OUT, 20 Jalan 30/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, KL. (012) 200 1955. Daily, noon-midnight.
A relatively new sports bar, this comfortable and contemporary space has luxurious décor and numerous games — from foosball and darts to pool. A quick walk from Suria KLCC, Bukit Bintang and the KL Tower, and directly opposite Cormar Suites, the bar is easily accessible. The elegant space offers a menu that is equally extravagant, featuring dishes such as chicken parmigiana and schnitzel burger, as well as gussied up pub staples like mango habanero chicken wings and chicken tenders with jalapeno lime or chipotle aioli. Apart from an extensive range of beers on tap and signature cocktails, The Dark Horse also serves up milkshakes — the boozy tiramisu certainly sounds the most tempting.
The Dark Horse, Lot G-05, Life Centre, 20 Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL. (019) 333 9269. Daily, noon to 2am.
A KL staple, the pub is a local favourite for those who adore a classic English watering hole. It has grown to include outlets in Bangsar South, Bukit Tunku and Plaza Damansara, but the original spot in Taman Tun Dr Ismail still has an impressive following. A quaint space filled with happy faces,
it draws many to congregate for the latest football match. Sid’s Pub serves a selection of traditional pies, from steak and kidney and cottage pie to shepherd’s pie. It also has British delights such as fish and chips, pigs in a blanket and Scotch eggs.
Sid’s Pub, 34 Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL. (03) 7726 6832. Daily, 11am to 1am.
Taking up a prime location in Jalan Telawi 3, Healy Mac’s Bangsar pub is a preferred weekend spot known for fun-filled quiz nights and boisterous football viewing parties. Designed much like a traditional Irish pub, it serves soups prepared in-house and a full Irish breakfast, which includes all the classic trimmings. While watching the game with a pint in hand — the pub often has great deals for beer and stout — regulars suggest sampling its famed chicken vindaloo and the mighty meaty pizza. If you would rather not battle other Bangsar regulars for parking spots, Healy Mac’s has branches in the city centre, Bukit Bintang and Publika.
Healy Mac’s, 39 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, KL. (03) 2201 1595. Daily, 9.30am to 2am.
This article first appeared on Nov 21, 2022 in The Edge Malaysia.
