Playing for lunch

Playing for lunch Will the desire to consume fast food in any number of different surroundings ever be sated? This Wednesday, Europe's first Sports Cafe opens in London's Haymarket. Not content with eating burgers under the shadow of Sly Stallone's Hollywood memorabilia? Well now you can scoff chips next to Nigel Mansell's greasy overalls. Located in the heart of the West End, the Sports Cafe offers multi-channel sports coverage, a "unique collection" of top sporting memorabilia (the Olympic torch, a Lotus Formula One car), three bars and a dance floor - all under one roof... Oh, and they sell food too. Bill Balkou, Sports Cafe's co-founder, is confident of success. "There's simply nowhere like it in London or Europe. From our experience in South Africa (right) and Canada, where we've opened five Sports Cafes, we're expecting sports fans to come in their droves to experience the thrill of watching live action in an atmosphere which absolutely breathes sport." The cafe offers live and recorded action on 150 channels via 120 TV sets so you won't have to fight for a good view. Wonder what Des Lynam would make of it all?

Sports Cafe opens 10 May, 80 Haymarket, SW1 (0171-839 8300)