At Intewump Sports Bar, we believe that the right food and drink combinations can elevate your sports viewing experience to new heights. Just as every sport has its own rhythm and atmosphere, the perfect culinary companion can complement and enhance your enjoyment of the game. Our head chef, Melissa, and bar manager, Dan, have put their heads together to create this definitive guide to food and drink pairings for different sporting events.
Australian Rules Football (AFL)
AFL matches are high-energy affairs with non-stop action over four quarters. You need food that can keep up with the pace and drinks that last the distance.
Food Recommendation: Intewump's Footy Feast Platter
Our signature platter features classic Australian pub fare with upscale touches. It includes mini meat pies with native pepper berry ketchup, gourmet sausage rolls with bush tomato relish, salt and pepper calamari, and our famous parmesan and truffle oil loaded fries. Perfect for sharing and grazing throughout the four quarters.
Drink Pairing: Victoria Bitter or James Squire 150 Lashes
You can't beat a classic Aussie beer with AFL. VB for the traditionalists, or a slightly more craft-oriented 150 Lashes that still offers the refreshment needed for the full match duration.
For non-beer drinkers, we recommend our Sherrin Spritz – a refreshing mix of Aperol, sparkling wine, soda, and orange that matches team colors for added game-day spirit.
Rugby League (NRL)
The physical intensity of Rugby League calls for hearty, robust fare that matches the on-field action.
Food Recommendation: The Forward Pack Burger
Our signature 180g Angus beef patty topped with bacon, caramelized onions, cheese, beetroot, and our secret sauce on a brioche bun. Served with thick-cut chips, it provides the sustenance needed to match the power of the forwards and the speed of the backs.
Drink Pairing: Tooheys New or Stone & Wood Pacific Ale
The traditional Tooheys works perfectly, but for those looking for something with a bit more character, the tropical and citrus notes of a Pacific Ale provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich burger.
Our Try Time Lager Shandy (beer with a splash of lemonade and lime) is another great option for longer viewing sessions, keeping you refreshed through both halves.
Cricket
Cricket's leisurely pace and potentially long duration (especially Test matches) call for food that satisfies without being too heavy, and drinks that can be enjoyed over an extended period.
Food Recommendation: For Test Cricket - Grazing Board
Our antipasto-style grazing board with a selection of Australian cheeses, cured meats, olives, dips, and artisanal crackers is perfect for the long haul of a Test match. It's designed for casual grazing throughout the day's play.
Food Recommendation: For T20 - Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings
For the faster-paced T20 format, our famous BBQ chicken wings with blue cheese dip provide the perfect balance of flavor and convenience – easily eaten while keeping your eyes on the quick-fire action.
Drink Pairing: Coopers Pale Ale or Eden Valley Riesling
The session-ability of Coopers makes it perfect for cricket's duration. For wine drinkers, a crisp Eden Valley Riesling is refreshing and pairs beautifully with our grazing boards.
Our signature Howzat Punch (a refreshing mix of white rum, peach liqueur, lemon, and ginger beer) is designed specifically for those long summer cricket sessions.
Football (Soccer)
The flowing, tactical nature of football, with its balance of patience and sudden excitement, pairs well with Mediterranean-inspired options.
Food Recommendation: Gourmet Pizza Selection
Our hand-stretched, wood-fired pizzas are perfect for sharing during a match. We recommend our Hat-Trick Special: a selection of three pizzas including our Prosciutto & Rocket, Mushroom & Truffle, and Classic Margherita. The hand-held nature makes them ideal for those moments when you can't take your eyes off a developing play.
Drink Pairing: Peroni or Sangria
The Italian Peroni Nastro Azzurro offers the perfect crisp complement to our pizzas. For groups, our Red Card Sangria (a house-made blend of red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and fresh fruit) is designed for sharing throughout the match.
Tennis
The elegance and tradition of tennis, particularly events like the Australian Open or Wimbledon, call for a slightly more refined approach.
Food Recommendation: Smashed Avocado Bruschetta
Our fresh take on the Australian classic features sourdough toast topped with smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Light enough to be enjoyed during the technical exchanges of tennis, but substantial enough to satisfy.
Drink Pairing: Pimm's Cup or Australian Sparkling Wine
Embrace the Wimbledon tradition with our Grand Slam Pimm's Cup (Pimm's No. 1, lemonade, cucumber, mint, and seasonal fruits). For the Australian Open, we recommend our range of local sparkling wines that bring celebratory flair to the occasion.
Basketball (NBA)
The fast breaks and high scoring of basketball pair well with American-inspired fare with an Australian twist.
Food Recommendation: Loaded Nachos
Our Three-Pointer Nachos feature corn chips loaded with slow-cooked beef brisket, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, and our house-made salsa. Easy to share and perfect for the back-and-forth nature of basketball.
Drink Pairing: American Pale Ale or Espresso Martini
A hoppy American Pale Ale like our rotating selection from Australian craft breweries complements the bold flavors of the nachos. For late-night NBA games, our Buzzer Beater Espresso Martini provides the perfect pick-me-up to keep you alert through the fourth quarter.
Special Events and Finals
For those extra-special sporting occasions like Grand Finals or Olympic events, we recommend going all out with our premium options.
Food Recommendation: Championship Sharing Platter
Our ultimate platter features a selection of our most popular items: garlic prawns, barbecue pork ribs, buffalo wings, arancini balls, salt and pepper calamari, and a selection of dips and sauces. Designed to feed 4-6 people, it's the ultimate celebration of sporting achievement.
Drink Pairing: Local Craft Beer Flight or Celebration Champagne
Our tasting paddle of four local Sydney craft beers allows you to sample different styles throughout the event. For those extra-special victories, we offer celebration packages that include a bottle of champagne for post-match celebrations.
The Perfect Match-Day Experience
At Intewump, we understand that great sports viewing is about more than just the game itself – it's about the complete experience. That's why our staff are trained to ensure your food and drinks arrive at strategic times (before kick-off, during half-time) so you never miss a crucial moment.
For major sporting events, we offer pre-order services so your preferred food and drinks can be ready for you upon arrival or at specified times during the match.
Remember, these are just our recommendations – our full menu is always available during all sporting events, and our knowledgeable staff are always happy to suggest personalized pairings based on your preferences.
Next time you join us for a big game, try one of these specially curated pairings and take your sports viewing experience to the next level. After all, great sports and great food make for unforgettable memories!