Where to watch the World Cup in Mumbai

We know you'd rather be in South Africa, but get over it. A bunch of buddies at a local bar, restaurant or club can be an entertaining substitute. Provided you follow the CNNGo guide for the best places to watch the World Cup, live in Mumbai. These deals, steals, killer meals and air conditioning can't hurt either.

Blue Frog

Usually awash in neon colours and psychedelic patterns, the central screen at the live music club known as Blue Frog is now playing the football games (they'll show the post-midnight game too, unlike most other venues which close early) which, coupled with the Midtown club's state-of-the-art sound system makes for an impressive viewing experience. Also on offer is a special football menu and a range of somewhat confusing drink deals -- buy one get one free cocktail pitchers (Rs 2,500), a three course meal including alcohol (Rs 2,500), a bottle of Bacardi and six mixers (Rs 3,500) -- for the duration of the matches. 

D/2 Mathuradas Mills Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel. Tel: + 91 (0) 2240332300; CNNGo review

Blue Frog: the best sound in town can take this popular resto-bar from live music venue to brilliant sports bar in a beat.

Geoffrey’s

At this popular little English pub on Marine Drive, they’ve put up two big screens, added four LCD TVs, and shut off the music so you can actually hear the commentary. Perfect for die-hard fans searching for a spot to get a reasonably priced beer (Rs 150 for a Kingfisher pint) and focus on footie without worrying about the bill.

Hotel Marine Plaza, 29 Marine Drive; Tel: + 91 (0) 2222851212; www.hotelmarineplaza.com

Wink

Every goal replay might seem hard to miss on Wink’s newly installed big screen, but remember, it's easy to get distracted by delish cocktails, glittering people, and the seriously cute new bartender at this swish South Bombay nightspot. This is the place to be if cocktails and Cannavaro is your kind of poison. 

Taj President Hotel, 90 Cuffe Parade; Tel: + 91 (0) 2266650808; CNNGo review

Manchester United Café Bar

We know it's stating the obvious, but this football-obsessed restopub, tricked out with a gigantic screen, multiple plasma TVs and tons of footie memorabilia, cannot be left out of the list. The thing is, they don't accept reservations for game nights and the place gets beyond insane, so remember to go early if you want to secure a seat. Special FIFA offers include three Kingfisher pints for Rs 500. Best deal in town, that.

Level 3, Palladium Mall, High Street Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel; Tel: + 91 (0) 2243601111; CNNGo review

The Den

At this recently opened Bandra wine bar enjoy a bottle of South African wine and a three course South African meal for two (Prawn Peri Peri, vegetables on yellow rice, babotie) for Rs 2,222 while watching the match on one of the three screens currently dominating the small space. The owner spent a lot of time in South Africa so we expect The Den to have a World Cup vibe by default.

Shop no 3 & 4, Prabhat Kunj, 24th Road, Bandra (W); Tel: + 91 (0) 2226483136

Valhalla

With its imposing throne and excess of red velvet, Valhalla makes for an unlikely bar in which to watch sport. Yet it's a fun place to watch the World Cup, complete with a big screen and great special offer, where during the matches you get unlimited Kingfisher beers, Smirnoff vodka (aerated mixers are on the house, but they charge separately for fresh fruit juices) and tapas (chicken satay, mini beef burgers and insanely good curly fries) for Rs 550. Score!

Eros Theatre Building, 42 Maharhi Karve Road, Churchgate; Tel: + 91 (0) 2267353535; www.valhalla.co.in

Your own home

Rent a big screen from Shamiana (Rs 5,000); bring in the award-winning mixologists from Barwings with their special World Cup cocktails to bartend (starting at Rs 2,500), and order in the FIFA menu (Tequila lime popcorn, nachos, Mexican rice) from Little Food Company catering service (Rs 350 per person, minimum order for eight people) = Best. Football. Party. Ever.

Shamiana Screens, tel: +91 9833031228; Barwings, tel: Ankit Negandhi at +91 9773133220; Little Food Co., tel: Bhakti at +91 9833031228;