5 Hangout Joints in Kolkata to Watch T20 Matches

It is that time of the year, when the T20 fever attacks the nation. This year, it has started a little earlier though. The World cup T20 is going on and as soon as it ends, the Indian Premier League will begin with all its fans, glory and dispute. Few of the main reasons, why this smallest version of the game has gained popularity are – the timings (when played in India, where most of the derby matches start from 8 pm), excitement, and the opportunities it throws in team building, hanging out with friends, or the set up for a perfect guys night out. 

If you are a T20 fan and are planning for the next big game with your colleagues or friends then, these are the five places worth checking out in Kolkata.

The Irish House - How about some large screen fun at one of the finest pubs in the city? They have happy hours from 4 pm to 7 pm and during this time, on ordering set menu, one gets Carlsberg at a rock bottom price. As the match fever soars up with derby matches in the evening, do not forget to order the Irish lions chicken tender or the great Irish fish and chips. For the T20 fever, they have a ‘Do it yourself community platter’ at an attractive price and for Indian matches, there is the ‘boozy knockout deal’. 

The Dugout - The two-tier sports cafe located on Sarat Bose Road is worth checking out this season, and for the vegetarians in particular. The big action takes place on the first floor where large screens have been put, making match-watching surreal. A match is incomplete without food, so do not forget to order their potato rosti and sweet chilli paneer. Yes, there is no liquor available here, however one can ask for the different flavours of hookah. 

The Big Ben - This is one of those pubs in Kolkata, where one gets the old British colonial feeling with its furniture and upholstery, where one can sit outside in the lawns and enjoy drinks. This season, it will be worth sitting inside and watching the ongoing cricket matches on the huge screens. India’s matches have an added advantage of live commentary connected with the sound system, so that one can cheer and shout along with the on-ground spectators. There is a flat 20 percent discount all round the year, and mahi tikka (fish tikka) and chicken tikka are worth ordering.

Xrong place - Situated in Southern avenue, one of the new-age sports bar is showing all the matches on the big screen. The place is open from 1 pm to 11.30 pm, and the season’s favourite is King Fisher Ultra beer tower at Rs 750. The green chilli chicken and vegetarian platter are the hot favourites here. 

Afraa Restaurant and Lounge - The large screen is put for Indian matches only, however, during the Indian Premier League, one can see all the matches. This place has an outdoor seating facility also, however with the nail-biting exciting matches and synch sound with live telecast, it makes it worthwhile to sit inside the lounge. The mixed grill assorted (a platter of proteins) or the dahi ke kababs should be ordered in food, and the happy hours are till 8 pm in which one gets one plus one.