Five of the best: Pubs to watch sport

Check out where we will be heading to watch sports this weekend. Photo / File

With the Cricket World Cup in full swing and the rugby season not far off, it's time we started talking about the best places to pull up a pew on game day. The top five should not only please fans of the sport of the day, but zing with excitement and keep punters well fed with delicious fare. Here's where we'll be heading.

1: The Cav

68 College Hill, Ponsonby
This Ponsonby institution had a facelift last year, just in time for the 2014 rugby season. While it was a good bar for spectator sport before, it's heaving now. Hip Hamptons decor and a delicious new gastropub menu have made this a place that will please fans and foodies alike. We recommend the salt and pepper squid and the sliders to fill your belly in between beers. Call ahead and book a table - there is a big screen indoors and smaller ones undercover on the back deck - or get there early to settle into a good possie as punters are packed in like sardines for the big games.

The Cav: 68 College Hill, Ponsonby. Photo / Doug Sherring

2: Britomart Country Club

31 Galway St, Britomart
A super sports-watching venue, BCC has cleverly changed its acronym to stand for Britomart Cricket Club while the World Cup is on. There is plenty of bench space for a large group, or break the ice and make friends with your fellow fans. Massive projectors ensure you won't miss a minute of the match and the indoors-outdoors feel of the space makes this garden bar seem more sporting and festive. You won't get wet when the mercurial Auckland weather packs in and the Better Burger joint next door is handy if you're in for a full-day's play.

The Britomart Country Club. Photo / Doug Sherring

3: The Paddington

117 St George's Bay Rd, Parnell
If you're after a more intimate space to watch the game, the Corporate Box or Boardroom at The Paddington could fit the bill. Both rooms will fit about 10 of your mates around a private screen so you won't miss a ball. But this isn't your only option at this huge Parnell pub. Fitting in up to 250 people, with six screens and a projector, there's room for everyone. They are happy to take reservations too and they boast a bloody good looking bar menu and a large selection of beers on tap.

The Paddington Bar on St Georges Bay Rd in Parnell. Photo / Kenny Rodger

4: Applejack Bar & Eatery

2 Dunrobin Place, Pakuranga Heights
If you're based out east, Applejack is your best bet for sports buzz. Four screens are hung around this huge space, including one outside on the paved patio. Plus, a big projector is pulled down on game day. There's room for nearly 100 punters to find a stool, hop in a booth, or mix and mingle in this pub which feels a bit like an industrial diner. The meals are big and hearty, and it has a family-friendly feel. By the same guys who brought you Wynard Quarter watering hole Jack Tar.

Applejack Bar & Eatery: 2 Dunrobin Place, Pakuranga Heights. Photo / Applejack Bar & Eatery

5: Citizen Park

424 New North Rd, Kingsland
Spitting distance from Eden Park, this sport's lovers spot tends to attract the post-game crowd, or those who didn't get a ticket but hoped the atmosphere would drift down the street. And you know what? It kind of does! There's a widescreen to stare at indoors and smaller screens outside if you'd prefer. Plus, they've launched a brand new menu this month which we reckon is well worth a try.

Citizen Park in Kingsland. Photo / Babiche Martens