If there is one sports bar I have visited frequently in Tokyo, it would be 2ND HALF, a British Sports Bar in Takadanobaba (a.k.a. the area to find many Irish and British Pubs, Polar Bear Cafe and Homey’s Burgers) in Shinjuku ward.
For the most part, this is a place to be if you want to watch a football (soccer game), drink alcohol, hang out with friends, shoot pool or gatherings.
I’ve been to the location frequently for Welcome Tokyo events. And it’s conveniently located two minutes from Takadanobaba Station.
2ND HALF is a place to watch the Premier League, J League and Baseball games and you can see it right when you walk in (there are three TV monitors).
The location also serves British cuisine, courtesy of the owner who lived in England for 26 years.
So, if you want crisps (potato chips), glass of olives, cheese and Spanish ham platter, prawn cocktail with avocado, greek salad, chips (fries), sandwiches, the places offers that.
Of course, the heart of 2ND HALF is its variety of alcohol such as Heartland, Heartland Lager Top, Guinness, Brewdog, Forster’s, Grolsch, Stella, Newcastle, London Pride, Murphy’s or red/white win or British sparkling wine.
Also, for whisky fans, there is Jameson, Tullamore, Connemara, Glenmorangie 10 years, 12 years and many more cocktails, from gin, vodka, tequila, Malibu Grapefruits, Cassis, Bailey’s Tea and Coffee, Smirnof, Moscow Mule and non-alcoholic beverages.
It’s important to note that smoking is allowed, so if you do not like cigarette smoke, you may want to avoid this place.
2ND HALF is open from Mon-Friday for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., while the bar is open from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Last orders are at 11:00 p.m. and drinking last order is 11:45 p.m.
Overall, if you are in Takadanobaba, wanting to grab a drink, eat British food, catch a sports game or just to hang out and socialize at 2ND HALF, it’s all good!
