Top places to watch the Rugby World Cup 2011 in Cape Town

The rugby may be happening in New Zealand, but there are plenty of places to get in on the action in the Mother City.

The Rugby World Cup kicks off on 9th September and ends on October 23rd, and that includes plenty of opportunities for you to try out some of Cape Town’s best places to watch the game. The following bars and pubs are perfect for viewing sport.

Rugby at the pub:

Fireman's Arms
This legendary, nautical-themed, English pub offers nine 46” screens and two projectors - a unique viewing experience for rugby fans.  
25 Mechau Street, corner Mechau and Buitengracht | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 419 1513

Toad in the Village
Owned by SA rugby star Bob Skinstad and friend Dougie Boyes, the Toad is for sports fans, by sports fans. The bar features five screens, a beer garden, affordable pub grub, and lager on tap making it the perfect place to watch the game.
Noordhoek Farm Village | Noordhoek | +27 (0)21 789 2973

Peddlars on the Bend   
Do you live in the Southern Suburbs? Peddlar’s is an institution for fans and families alike to watch sports. The interior is cosy yet contemporary and their food deserves a mention too.
3 Spaanschemat River Road | Constantia | +27 (0)21 794 7747

Mitchell's Waterfront Brewery
This traditional bar setting filled with the flags of different nations brings home a bit of a rainbow nation feel, although England dominates. Advantage: their extensive draught selection of real beer is always welcome.
Corner of East Pier & Dock Road | V&A Waterfront | +27 (0)21 419 5074

Quay Four
Quay Four buzzes with locals and visitors alike. Grab a plate of hearty, pub grub and gather around one of their seven screens.
Quay Four | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 419 2008

Forestors Arms Pub
This popular southern suburbs pub is packed with people when there’s a game on. They have an extensive menu and a fairly large outdoor area.
52 Newlands Avenue | Southern Suburbs | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 689 5949   

Perseverance Tavern
Enjoy the game in Cape Town’s oldest pub, there is a dedicated crowd when the rugby’s on. There are 11 draughts on tap, a full menu and a newly renovated beer garden.
83 Buitenkant Street | District Six | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 461 2440

Dizzy’s Pub
Catch the game at this popular spot in Camp’s Bay. The pub is next door to Dizzy’s restaurant so you can move between the two but meals are also available in the bar.
41 The Drive | Camps Bay | +27 (0)21 438 2686 / +27 (0)21 438 7328

Rugby at the bar:

Rafiki’s
This well loved watering hole has six big screens and the largest wrap-around balcony in Cape Town. You'll make friends regardless of which team you support and Rafiki’s is a great place to chill regardless of whether there’s a game on or not.
13 Kloof Nek Road | Tamboerskloof | +27 (0)21 426 4731

Tommy’s Sports Bar
This mad pub, with wide strip windows and banging beats, is often full and pumping. Twelve screens will play all rugby matches on demand to an international and local crowd. Tommy's beer is the cheapest in town.
Corner of Bloem and Loop Streets | Cape Town | +27 (0)82 563 9450

Snug Bar at Societi Bistro
Sink into sumptuous leather couches, sneak a peek at erotic imagery (if the game ever slows down, that is), and sip something tasty. If your crowd is big, consider hiring out the entire venue. You'll find the right space at Societi Bistro.
50 Orange Street | Gardens | +27 (0)21 424 2100

Springbok Pub
This is just about as close to the Newlands Stadium you can get without a ticket. Right across the train tracks is Springbok Pub where there’s always a good crowd to watch the game with.
1 Sport Pienaar Road | Newlands | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 671 4251

Trinity
This super club in Green Point will be screening all the Springbok’s games on their big screen and offering specials. This luxurious restaurant and nightclub has a bunch of different areas to choose from and there will be beer as well as restaurant specials.
15 Bennett Street | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 418 0624

Rugby at the restaurant

Boo Radley’s Bistro
This is a great alternative if you want to ditch bright, loud sports bars in favour of a more suave atmosphere. The after theatre crowd from upstairs appreciates the score as much as it does the encore. Find out how we feel about Boo Radley's Bistro.
62 Hout Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 3040

&Union
Watch all your favourite rugby games on two screens, while indulging in craft beers and charcuterie. Take advantage of the R100 for three beers with &Union's Bucket o' Love special every day except Wednesdays and Fridays.
110 Bree Street | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 422 2770

Barristers Restaurant
The newly revamped deck and bar area combined with their big screen TVs make this an ideal viewing spot. There’s a variety of food on offer and ten beers on tap to keep you going through the game.
Cardiff Castle | Corner of Kildare Road and Main Street | +27 (0)21 671 7907      

Long Street Café
The trendy but unpretentious vibe and comfy couches make this Cape Town institution an ideal watching spot. Long Street Café's bistro style food and cocktails will keep you happy throughout the game.
259 Long Street | Cape Town | 021 424 2464

Brass Bell
This restaurant is right on the rocks so you can enjoy the sea view at half time. There are five different restaurant sections each offering a different menu to choose from while you watch the game on one of their ten 42" flat screens.

Adjacent to Kalk Bay Harbour |Kalk Bay | +27 (0)21 788 5455/6

Rick’s Café Américain
The 36 beers available and an upstairs area described as a "beer garden in the middle of town" Rick's Café is a great spot to watch the game. You're sure to find something you feel like on their extensive menu.
2 Park Road | Gardens | +27 (0)21 424 1100    

RCaffé
This central café offers quality coffee and delicious food. Try the eggs benedict or choose from the unique croissants that they offer - the Parmesan and bacon one is our favorite.
138 Long Street | City Bowl | +27(0)21 424 1124     

Kings in Cape Hotel
If you're looking for something a bit different try watching the game at this Ethiopian hotel, restaurant and bar off Long Street.
33 Hout Street | City Bowl | +27 (0)21 424 5821     

Rugby in the Cape Winelands:

Moyo at the Spier Estate
Escape from the mayhem of the city centre, to the magical serenity of pristine Stellenbosch surrounds. Watch the game from the ambience of cheerful outdoor tents and huts.
Lynedoch Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 809 1133

Sgt. Pepper's
Tuck into kudu and rocket pizza, while watching the game amongst rugby fans and students. Watch your favourite team on one of 13 screens at the bar, upstairs or beneath a Bedouin tent. Read more about why we think Sgt. Pepper's is cool.
18 Andringa Street | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 886 8075

Bossa Nova Restaurant & Bar
Sports lovers flock to this bar, with its bustling atmosphere and big screen television. The spacious restaurant serves hearty pub grub and is the perfect place to kick back and relax.
Paarl | +27 (0)21 872 9861

Take some advice out of Jack Parow's book and check out his favourite Stellenbosch bars. Plan your schedule around the Rugby World Cup games.

For your monthly update on what’s happening in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our popular newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.