When you sign up to a league and begin the arduous process of choosing a team name via group chat, you can get swept up in the excitement and forget to plan important contingencies. You focus on questions like what colour should the jerseys be? Can we afford a professional mascot? Can we have a dog on the team, like in Air Bud? You forget to answer the most important question of all: what to do if we actually win? Hey, it could happen. Even in casual leagues, there's always a winner. Also, yes, you should totally have a dog on your team.
We've teamed up with our sports-loving friends at Heineken to compile a list of the best venues to hit after a sporting victory — even if you were just a spectator (it counts). Capitalise on all that post-match adrenalin and celebrate with well-earned Heineken 3.
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Transport Hotel has likely already caught your eye — it’s the bar with the yellow accents in Federation Square. In a very central location, it serves up everything a hungry team of winners might need: a stellar drinks list, great food and lots of space. Depending on what you’re feeling, you can hit the Transport bar which has a great half-price happy hour that runs 10–11pm from Sunday to Thursday, or go large and sit down for a proper fancy meal at Taxi Kitchen. Whatever you decide, you’ll be well placed to celebrate.
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If you’re on the south side, head to Middle Park Hotel for post-game kick ons. The grand old venue on Canterbury Road is the perfect mix of high-quality eats and drinks with a casual atmosphere that won’t judge you for your sneakers and hoodie. The venue can accommodate large, sweaty groups of winners without notice, so head on down after the game. With blazing fireplaces, wooden accents and hearty seasonal fare, you’ll soon find that adrenalin simmering down into deep contentment. We recommend the chicken and autumn vegetable pie, served with mash and greens ($23) to refuel post-match.
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This Richmond bar-bistro hybrid is the perfect place to cheers to victory. With a beer garden to end all beer gardens — which features a leafy Moreton Bay fig tree — and tasty Italian-inspired fare, that winner’s grin will stay firmly on your face. If you decide to continue your celebrations into the evening, the upstairs bar is where the party happens — enjoy the best local DJs, intimate private booths, and a balcony that overlooks the courtyard. Should hunger strike, share an artisan pizza or antipasti platter with your mates — they’re sure to satisfy even the hungriest of players.