You don’t have to be at So Kon Po to capture the atmosphere of the spectacle that is the Sevens. Just grab a few friends and head to these venues, where you’ll surely find a likeminded (read: drunk) crowd rooting for their teams

Sevens Village
Well, duh. The Sevens Village at the Indian Recreation Club is directly across from the stadium, has a giant screen with a live feed that’s a free haven for the ticketless during the day, and which turns into a party immediately after the matches ($100 entry). This is also where you’ll find the Time Out Chill Out Zone, a beanbag-laden spot to relax and plan your weekend amid giveaways and special events.
63 Caroline Hill Rd, Causeway Bay.

Devil’s Advocate
A favourite of fans and players alike, Devil’s Advocate stays open from midday Friday 26 until late Sunday 28. An outdoor beer tent sells pints of Carlsberg for $40 while there are extended happy hours and breakfast specials.
48-50 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, 2865 7271.

The Backyard
Catch all the action at this 6,000 sq ft outdoor lounge in the heart of Mong Kok, where they’ll be showing live broadcasts. Special deals include a $98 beer and pizza combo.
Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai St, Mong Kok, 3552 3250.

Dickens Bar
Located in the basement of The Excelsior, where many visitors and players stay, the Dickens is a convenient choice for many. The bar’s offering Guinness Draught at $48 a pint during happy hour (4pm-8pm). There’ll also be customised Sevens shirts for sale.
281 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, 2837 6947.

Mes Amis
It’s difficult to avoid this Wan Chai institution on Sevens weekend; as well as being the official bar dishing out pint after pint inside the ground at Hong Kong Stadium, they also throw one of the liveliest Sevens parties around. Soak up the alcohol with 25 per cent off all food plus $69 pizzas upstairs at Amici (after 10pm).
83 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, 2527 6680; www.mesamis.com.hk. (Also 3/F, Langham Place, Mong Kok, 3428 3699 and15 Ashley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2730 3038.)

Jimmy’s Kitchen
Jimmy’s Kitchen’s Central branch is offering a special set lunch and dinner for Friday afternoon and Sunday evening. Over the water, the Tsim Sha Tsui branch is dusting off its massive 80-inch widescreen to broadcast all matches live.
Central: 1-3 Wyndham St, 2526 5293.
TST: 29 Ashley Rd, 2376 0327.

Inn Side Out
Just a stone’s throw from the stadium, Inn Side Out has been a popular spot for viewing because it lets you be near the action (you can still hear the roar of the crowd) without being overwhelmed by it (meaning you won’t be stuck in human traffic). Of course, the giant screens, large selection of imported beer, and juicy ribs don’t hurt either.
10 Hysan Ave, Causeway Bay, 2895 2900.

The Pawn
This one is for the ladies. The Pawn will run a “Rugby Widows” promotion all weekend for all those lucky women who’ve been left behind by their rugby-mad men. The fairer sex can help themselves to two-for-one cocktails all day long, as well as enjoying some free Perrier Joeut champagne.
62 Johnston Rd, Wan Chai, 2866 3444.

Other stories in this feature:

Tournaments

Where to watch

Events