Game, set and match at Tommy's Sports Bar

Expect big screens, big beers and big gees at this Cape Town city centre watering hole

Watching sport is serious business in Cape Town, but with so many die-hards fanatical about different teams, matches and levels of competition, it’s difficult to rest assured that, as a fan, a pub will be showing your game. 

That’s where Tommy’s Sports & Party Bar comes in. The no-frills Loop Street haunt makes its intentions pretty clear from the moment you walk through its large glass doors: it's all about the booze and the play. The surprisingly airy and spacious bar – it’s no dank, smoky tavern – comes complete with a projector, 11 big-screen televisions and the ability to show four different games (two with sound) at one time. Not to mention, the local hangout flaunts comfortable couches, high stools, tables and ample standing room, so you’ll more than likely find a prime perch from which to drink in your favourite battle alongside plenty of beer, spirits, wine and cocktails along the way.

“You can see the game from every inch of this place,” enthuses owner and self-professed sport junkie Tommy Hoogeboom. The Dutchman – he’s made his passion his profession – designed the space so that whether you’re sitting, standing or playing pool, you can cheer on your favourite side.

And while the Ajax Amsterdam zealot is football crazy, saying, “As long as there are 22 players on the field, I’ll watch it,” he’s also just as emphatic about making sure fans get to watch the games they want. 

“I can cater to everybody, as long as it’s on TV. Even Newcastle supporters are welcome,” he jokes.

A sport lover’s institution

In all seriousness though, the city centre sports bar shows soccer, rugby, cricket and Formula One, as well as the less mainstream options, like ice hockey and American football. And while Tommy goes through the fixtures each morning to suss out the most crowd-pleasing matches, he and his bar staff are open to requests. Simply ask if you’d like the channel changed; they’ll try to accommodate you.

What’s more, from time to time, Tommy’s stays open late to screen high-profile international games, like the Super Bowl or the Australian Football League Grand Final, live; call in advance to find out if your head-to-head is on the late-night bill. 

#1 fan fare

Just as the watering hole goes out of its way to give groupies the games they want, it also makes sure that devotees aren’t left high and dry when it comes to food, drink and – if your team’s faring poorly – distraction. 

Toward the end of 2012, a colourful list of cocktail creations and nachos piled high with all the trimmings joined an affordably priced pizza selection on the no-fuss menu. What’s more, every day of the week, Tommy’s offers a happy hour special and a different all-day drinks deal (think R10 shooters, discounted draughts and more). 

More specifically, from Monday to Friday, between 5pm and 6pm, beer, wine and ciders are half price, meaning that nearly everyone can afford a cold one after work (when the special’s in effect, these drinks cost roughly R10). 

Otherwise, for those who’d rather toke on a hookah than pick a poison, Tommy’s Sports Bar even has an assortment of hubbly bubblies and accompanying tobacco flavours – think cherry, strawberry and blue mix – on offer.

Lastly, four pool tables, a foosball table and a jukebox are available for half-time fun or for those whose competitive spirit simply can’t be kept at bay; rumour has it that a few slot machines are also in the pipeline. 

Needless to say, whether you’re in the mood to root for your home team or throw back a couple of cold ones, at Tommy’s, you’re always welcome. 

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Looking to catch lome live music on Long Street after the match. Check out our article on one Cape Town's most iconic venues, Zula Sound Bar.  

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