It only happens once every four years, so make sure you get your fill of the Olympics while it’s on. Whether you are excited about the 100-metre sprint, sychronised swimming or gymnastics, you’ll be able to catch all the events at these bars and restaurants in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Cape Town
1. Quay Four, V&A Waterfront
Quay Four Tavern is always vibrant, full of locals and foreigners, with live bands playing every night from 20h00. Watch your favourite event on one of the numerous screens and fill up with the winter set menu special – R120 for any two courses, or R150 for any three courses. Tel 021-419-2008
2. Mitchell’s, V&A Waterfront
Sip on one of the six different beers brewed on site while watching the sport on one of the seven plasma screens. Live music gets the pub moving on the weekends. Tel 021-419-5074
3. Ferryman’s, V&A Waterfront
This traditional pub offers a wide selection of great tasting beers to accompany the hearty meals. Watch the games while relaxing in the warm and cosy bar area. Tel 021-419-7748
4. Olimp, Cape Town City Bowl
Olimp is an up market sports betting bar with a total of 35 big screen TVs , so you can count on them to be screening any sport you might want to watch! Become part of the action by placing a bet on the games through the internationally patented betting system run by the bar. Tel 021-422-5265
5. Rascals, Kenilworth
Wherever you choose to sit in this relaxed pub, chances are you’ll be able to see the action on at least one TV screen. Food and drinks are inexpensive and the menu boasts some of Cape Town’s best pizzas. Tel 021-671-2844
Be sure to check out any of the great Waterfront restaurants.
Johannesburg
6. The Baron, Sandton
The Baron is not what you would expect when you hear the words ‘sports bar’. While the menu still boasts traditional pub fare (pregos, home-made pies and the old favourite – fish and chips), the décor has been given a chic modern feel. This modern pub is warm up by a chic circular gas fire while surrounded by the relaxed atmosphere of natural stone, wood and leather, or choose a drink in the glass enclosed wine room. Tel 011-883-8435
7. Molly Malones, Fourways
The friendly, festive Irish-style pub is a great place to watch sporting events. Be sure to order one of their delicious pies to fill your stomach before being tempted to down a pint or five under the influence of the traditional Irish atmosphere. Tel 011-467-8052
8. Primi Extreme, Fourways
Situated in the trendy Design Quarter, Primi Extreme is focused on friendly service full of energy. The restaurant is suitable for the whole family or for a fun night out with friends. All food is made fresh to order in the open kitchen, where you can observe the lively kitchen staff from your table. Tel 011-465-6054
9. Paddy’s Sports Café, Ferndale, Randburg
This traditional Irish pub has plenty to keep you entertained, with eight pool tables, dart boards and screens for keeping up with the games. Order a pizza from the wood-fired oven, select a song on the jukebox and settle in for an evening of excitement. Tel 011-781-3826
10. News Cafe, Menlyn
Open for early morning breakfast, lunch and dinner, News Café is a great venue for watching the Olympic events at any time of the day. Choose a drink from their extensive cocktail menu and relax in the vibrant atmosphere of this trendy spot. Tel 012-348-2982
11. Eastwoods Tavern, Arcadia
Eastwoods is bustling with drinkers at all times of the day, from early morning breakfast until the kitchen closes at 11pm. It boasts two bars, an elegant lounge area, and plenty of tables inside and outside in the winter sun. Their generously portioned wholesome meals coupled with friendly service make this a welcoming restaurant for the whole family.
Durban
12. Chandlers Sports Bar and Restaurant, Umbilo
This cosy, welcoming pub is dedicated to showing all the sport events throughout the year. The menu is small with simple pub grub on offer. Tel 031-205-8848
13. Lords and Legends Sports Café, Amanzimtoti
Take in the Olympics while enjoying one of the specials in the relaxed party atmosphere of this restaurant. Specials on offer include Pasta Nite Mondays and Prawn Feast Saturdays. Remember to make a stop at the ATM on your way there as they only accept cash. Tel 031-903-4534
14. Jackie Horner Pub and Grill, Glenwood
The whole family is welcome at this friendly establishment. Main sporting events are shown on the big screen, while the bar serves both local and imported beers and spirits, cocktails and shooters. 031-202-9192
15. Billy the Bum’s, Morningside
An evening of cocktails and watching sport at this trendy bar will leave you in good spirits whether we get the gold or not. Plenty of specials are on offer, including the Monday “Burger ‘n Beer” nights where you can get a beer with your burger for only R45. Tel 031-303-1988
16. Capers Restaurant and Sports Bar, Greyville
Spend a laidback afternoon or evening eating traditional pub fare (think beef & Guiness pie and liver, bacon and onions with mash) and watching the Olympics at this friendly restaurant. Enjoy the Sunday roast special and relax in front of one of the screens before plunging into the start of the week on Monday. Tel 031-303-9238