The Cricket Fan’s Guide To Cape Town’s Best Bars And Restaurants

The Cricket Fan’s Guide To Cape Town’s Best Bars And Restaurants

At a Glance: The Top Spots Near Newlands

• Best Pre-Match Pint: Foresters Arms (Forries)
• Best Pub Lunch: Barristers Grill
• Best Inside the Stadium: The Wicket Brewer
• Best Big Screens: Mitchell's Scottish Ale House (V&A Waterfront)
• Best Post-Match Steak: Hussar Grill (Rondebosch)

The "Social" Side of the Gentleman’s Game

Whether you are heading to the historic Newlands Cricket Ground for a Test match under the peaks of Table Mountain or catching an SA20 thriller, Cape Town is a city that fully understands the "social" side of the gentleman’s game.

Here is your definitive guide to the best spots to grab a pint, a gourmet steak, or a quick bite before, during, and after the match in 2026/2027.

1. The Pre-Match Ritual: Newlands Neighbours

If you’re heading to Newlands, the leafy suburb surrounding the stadium is packed with institutions that have hosted generations of cricket fans and the Barmy Army.

Foresters Arms (Forries)

Ask any local where to go, and they’ll point you here. Established in 1852, "Forries" holds a Guinness World Record for the most beer sold in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s tucked away in the Newlands forest and is the ultimate, undisputed spot for a pre-match draught.

Barristers Grill

A neighbourhood staple in the Newlands Village. It feels like a traditional English pub with its wood-panelled walls and cozy booths. Their "Pub Lunch" specials are legendary, and the outdoor deck is perfect for soaking up the pre-game atmosphere.

The Wicket Brewer

For those who don't want to leave the ground at all, this is South Africa’s first dining venue located inside a stadium. Nestled in the Castle Corner at Newlands, it offers craft beers and great views without you having to surrender your ticket at the gate.

2. Catching the Game on the Big Screen

Can't get a ticket for the sold-out Test match? These sports bars offer the next best thing: high-definition screens and a crowd that cheers just as loud as the one in the stands.

Tiger’s Milk (Claremont & Green Point)

Tiger's Milk is the go-to for craft beer and massive burgers. The Claremont branch is a short Uber ride from the cricket ground, making it a hotspot for fans who prefer a table and air conditioning over a hot grass embankment.

The Club House (Claremont Cricket Club)

Located at the Constantia Sports Complex, this is a "best of both worlds" scenario. You’re at a cricket club, surrounded by greenery, but with an upscale restaurant feel. It’s family-friendly and arguably has one of the best wine lists of any sports-focused venue in the city.

Mitchell's Scottish Ale House (V&A Waterfront)

If you find yourself at the Waterfront, Mitchell’s is the veteran sports bar. It’s loud, proud, and usually packed with travelling England fans. It’s the absolute best place to find a friendly (or fierce) debate about DRS decisions over a cold pint.

3. Post-Match Celebrations (or Commiserations)

Win or lose, the day isn't over when the final wicket falls. Cape Town’s culinary scene is world-class, and these spots are perfect for a post-match post-mortem.

Bihari Indian Restaurant

Cricket and curry go hand-in-hand. Located in the Southern Sun Newlands hotel, Bihari serves incredible, authentic North Indian cuisine right on the stadium's doorstep.

The Athletic Club & Social

For a more sophisticated evening, this three-story Victorian building in the city centre is themed around vintage sports. With its velvet chairs, old-school trophies, and underground speakeasy, it’s the place to discuss the day's batting strike rates over a bespoke cocktail.

Hussar Grill (Rondebosch)

Just down the road from Newlands, this is one of the oldest grill rooms in the country. If you want a world-class South African steak and a bottle of Stellenbosch red to celebrate an England victory, this is your spot.

Pro Tips for the Travelling Fan

• Book Early: During the New Year’s Test or major T20 tournaments, places like Forries and Barristers will be booked out weeks in advance.
• The "Walking" Rule: Newlands is a "walking" ground. Matchday parking is notoriously difficult, so grab a meal in the village and enjoy the stroll to the stadium with the rest of the fans.
• Check the Weather: Cape Town can have four seasons in one day. Many of these venues have great outdoor decks, but always have a backup plan (or a light jacket) for the famous "South-Easter" wind.

Skip the Queues: Experience VIP Match Hospitality

Want to avoid the stress of booking restaurants and queuing for beers? Book one of Africa Travel’s Escorted VIP Cricket Packages for the 2026/2027 Cape Town Test.

Our packages provide you with highly exclusive Executive Suite tickets at Newlands. This means a fully complimentary bar, a gourmet buffet lunch, and traditional afternoon tea are all provided for you inside the stadium for all 5 days of the match.

Choose from our two luxurious 5-star bases:

• The Winchester Boutique Hotel Package: Experience historic 1920s charm and spectacular seafront views right on the Atlantic edge.
• The Radisson Collection Waterfront Package: Enjoy modern luxury with an infinity pool, sweeping ocean views, and an exclusive New Year's Eve 2027 party.

Secure your VIP Cape Town experience today:

• From the UK: Call 020 7843 3500
• From the US: Call +1 888 228 3417
• Email: info@africatravel.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the most famous pub near Newlands Cricket Ground?

The Foresters Arms, universally known as "Forries", is the most famous pub near Newlands. Established in 1852, it is a historic institution for cricket and rugby fans and is the perfect spot for a pre-match pint.

2. How far is Newlands Village from the cricket stadium?

Newlands Village is just a short, safe 5 to 10-minute walk from the Newlands Cricket Ground. It is highly recommended to eat in the village (at places like Barristers) and walk to the stadium, as matchday parking is extremely limited.

3. Can I eat and drink inside the Newlands Cricket Ground?

Yes. For general admission fans, there are concessions and "The Wicket Brewer" located inside Castle Corner. However, for the ultimate experience, booking an Executive Suite via Africa Travel provides fully catered meals and a complimentary bar all day.

4. Where is the best place to watch cricket on TV in Cape Town?

If you don't have a ticket, Mitchell's Scottish Ale House at the V&A Waterfront is heavily favoured by travelling UK fans. Alternatively, Tiger's Milk (Claremont) offers great craft beer, large screens, and a vibrant sports atmosphere.

5. Do I need to book restaurants in advance during the New Year's Test?

Absolutely. The New Year's Test is the peak tourist season in Cape Town. Top steakhouses like Hussar Grill and popular pubs like Forries will be fully booked weeks in advance.

6. Where is a good place for steak after cricket?

The Hussar Grill in nearby Rondebosch is legendary. It is one of the oldest and most respected grill rooms in South Africa, offering world-class steaks and an exceptional local wine list.

7. Are there any upscale or sophisticated sports bars in Cape Town?

Yes. The Athletic Club & Social in the Cape Town city centre offers a very sophisticated, vintage-sports-themed environment. It features velvet seating, bespoke cocktails, and a speakeasy vibe, perfect for a refined post-match drink.

8. Does the Africa Travel VIP package include food and drinks?

Yes! If you book an Escorted VIP Package for the Cape Town Test with Africa Travel, your Executive Suite tickets include full hospitality. You won't need to queue at pubs—you will enjoy welcome snacks, a buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and a fully complimentary bar throughout the day's play.