Le Comptoir

This sports bar makes a nice change from dingy venues smelling of spilled beer, while keeping prices affordable for locals. The comptoir (bar) itself is impressive, a circular one that takes up three quarters of the room, facing outwards to passers-by and the pleasant terrace on the pavement (it’s a quiet neighbourhood after 8pm). If you’re heading there to watch a match, use the ad breaks to admire the décor, a cheerful mix of art deco tiles, American diner booths, shelves of beer cans and kitsch posters from all eras.

But it’s the staff that really set the tone here. Often there’s just one behind the bar in the evenings, but they remain cheerful and energetic, and knowledgeable about the beers on offer (this is NOT a wine bar). Try a light blonde Silver for €5 a pint, down to €3.50 during happy hour (5pm-7pm). Or perhaps a stronger Brooklyn for €7, or a Belgian Chouffe (€7.50). The list continues with Winterfell, Triple Karmeliet, Guinness and more. Soak it all up with one of their large selection of burgers (from €11.90 to €17.90, and always available with ‘double steak’) or hefty salads – ideal match-watching fodder.