Game changer for PJ rugby club’s dining annexe

THE Combined Old Boys Rugby Association (Cobra) club in Petaling Jaya, which has been drawing players and sports fans since it was established in 1967, has kicked off a makeover.

Its bar and restaurant annex had become dilapidated over the years with electrical and plumbing systems in a poor state.

Club president Darryll Sinnappa said, “In 2022, we decided to renovate to mark the 50th edition of our own Cobra 10s International, which was held in November last year.”

In September, the swanky “Sideline” restaurant and sports bar was opened, attracting the regulars and also new customers with its bright and vibrant interior complete with ambient lighting providing a cosy feel.

At the corners are big high-definition screens that air live games and there is even a small stage for weekly live band shows.

The covered outdoor dining area also underwent a facelift.

Another important move was bringing in a new and experienced cook Ang Tien Jin, to execute delicious Asian dishes.

The revamped covered outdoor dining area of Sideline.

There is a misconception that the bar at Cobra is only open to members; it is actually open to the public daily.

And it is far from being just a beer-chugging joint. Rest assured, the ladies will be spoiled for choice as cocktails and other spirits are also served.

We had a taste of the February cocktail specials like the L.M.P (homemade Limoncello, vanilla infused vodka, lemon juice and meringue foam) and Good Show Ol’ Boy (Earl Grey tea syrup, egg white, Triple Sec, Creme de Menthe, gin and cream), mixed by operations manager William Stone.

Ang’s Flaming Chicken Wings, Chicken 65 and Mutton Varuval go nicely with the drinks. The menu also features other snacks along with Asian and Western main courses.

According to Darryll, the bar and restaurant back then was run privately by a team of Cobra stalwarts who kept going even through the Covid -19 pandemic.

The committee, he said, then decided on a game-changing investment with a strategic partner who was ready to also be a major sponsor of the 50th edition of the Cobra 10s.

“We put up a closed request for proposal among members and friends to see what ideas came our way, and received an expression of interest from former Cobra player Patrick Hegarty.”

The other two partners are Malaysian Wong Kay Hon and John Patrick Graham.

Hegarty and Graham are currently running lifestyle sports centres and restaurants in the United Arab Emirates.

“Hegarty has a special spot for Cobra. During the pandemic when our sponsorships dried up, he sponsored the men’s team for a few months.

“Now that the makeover is done, we at Cobra can focus on our rugby as that is what we do best,” he said.

SIDELINE RESTAURANT SPORTS BAR, Cobra Rugby Club, Lot 7, Lorong Utara B, Jalan Utara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. (Tel: 03-7931 6200). Business hours: Noon to 1am daily.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.