The one thing that is possibly more unifying than food is the love of sports. Whether it’s watching badminton, cheering on heroes like Dato’ Lee Chong Wei, or watching football, both Premier and World Cup seasons, Malaysians love celebrating. For the sports enthusiasts looking for a good place to catch up with the games and witness spectator culture outside of your own country, Culture Trip is here to provide you with the best places to do so.
One of the oldest establishments in the grand Changkat line, this quaint English-style pub has dedicated scheduled screenings for cricket, rugby, football, UFC, and others. The Green Man might be a little dated compared to its glitzy neighbors, but with so many other bars offering more or less the same things, this one has managed to continue to hold its own in the face of its more modern counterparts. Chow down on some good classic English delights such as Yorkshire pudding, Scotch eggs, and bangers and mash as you watch your favorite team play to win.
The first sports bar to incorporate an entire bowling alley concept into its already lavishly decorated space, the Black Bull “bulls” its way into being the first all-rounder sports bar. Already offering an array of entertainment such as pool tables, dart machines, and karaoke rooms, this bar is sure to provide lots of fun for those who want to work up their competitive and fun spirits before gearing up to watch a match on the many screens provided, which air all kinds of sports channels. Black Bull also serves Western fusion cuisine should you wish to dine and play in the same area.
This European-style café is a favorite among ex-pats and football fans of all seasons. With 33 flat-screen TVs, large projectors, and good deals on beer, you can spend the night cheering on your team, in any big league sport, with a strong crowd of fellow fans. All sports channels on view are the ones available via Malaysian satellite TV, so be sure to know what’s on. Should you visit the GridIron during the off-season of your favorite sports, the place also hosts snooker matches and pub quizzes to keep you satisfied until the next quarter.
Located in the Grand Hyatt hotel and bringing authentic Malaysian flavors to upscale heights, JP Teres bar is a great late-night hangout without the grease of the smoky roadside air. Kick back and relax with a few satay sticks and cocktails on the outdoor terrace as you enjoy the live matches broadcasted on large 55-inch LED TV screens. Head on up to Thirty8, Grand Hyatt’s restaurant on the 38th floor, if you would like something else to eat.
Take your pick from a mamak, Chinese Kopitiam or open food court during the game season to really immerse yourself. Bar culture is not the first thing that comes to many people’s minds in Malaysia when it comes to choosing a place to watch a sporting match, as many fans do not usually consume alcohol or have the means to do so. Get the most out of real local nightlife as you witness everyday Malaysians enjoying the sport as true blue fans over a cup of teh tarik or kopi ais. Simply keep an eye out for locations bustling with a giant projection screen and occupying up to half a road with plastic tables and chairs for the night.
