Chelsea Football - Stamford Bridge
 

Leaving for London this coming Thursday (yeah). Big football fan and root for Chelsea from across the pond (U.S.A).

Anyway, I was able to secure 2 tickets for this Sunday's FA Cup match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.

Is there any advice that the locals can provide for attending an English football match?

How early should we arrive prior to the match start time (16:00 local time).

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I took in pre-game festivities at Chelsea FC two years ago - just to see what goes on beforehand - don't carry a gun or weapon out of the Tube - cops with metal detectors

whole loads of buses with helmeted shield-prepared cops - cops on horses, etc.

but the scene i saw was one of complete tranquility - Dads and kids, etc.

Though this match, vs Liverpool, must of had some potential for violence with the huge police presence - this contrasted to the same pre-game scene i saw the day before out at West Ham stadium - nearly no police visible - but West Ham was like 0-20 or something

the pubs were packed - overflowing out into the street

all in all a festive atmosphere - i did not see any unduly long lines to get in to the stadium

If you have time try to walk thru the adjacent old cemetery - ancient cemetery in the shadows of the stadium - lots of old tipping stones and really a weird atmosphere - Old Brampton could be its name

Know nothing about football but there is an excellent restaurant on the grounds, a Marco Pierre White place

ttt

Unfortunatley my team departed the Premier League many years ago and the only plus side now is you can leave it very late to get the game and have no trouble with traffic getting home.

But from past experience I would aim to get to the ground about an hour before. This will give you some time to walk around the ground outside, get a programme, a bite to eat and drink before finding your seats for the game.

Hope it's a good game and enjoy

Right first things first: Chelsea are shite and all their fans have tiny cocks.

Now we’ve got that out of the way…

The first thing you need to know is that Chelsea isn’t in Chelsea – it’s in Fulham, the tube station you want is Fulham Broadway which has a direct exit straight into the ground. There are bars and fast food joints in the ground but they’re pretty horrible.

The area around the ground is full of bars and restaurants but they get rammed on match days.

There’s also a couple of pubs in the area you should avoid, in particular The Famous Three Kings and the Seven Stars, as this is where the hooligans tend to drink (and stoke have a handy little firm so there will be trouble – but not at the ground)

I would stay on the tube to Putney and look to get lunch there. Putney has many good pubs and places to eat and doesn’t get over run on match days. Then get the tube back to the ground.

If you like this idea I can suggest some pubs etc in Putney.

I’d aim to get there about 20-30 minutes before as the ground is big and if you’re in the Mathew Harding Stand it’s quite a long trek round the outside to get there.

ps the Cemetery is called Old Brompton.

Thanks for the helpful information. CW, please feel free to provide pub information in Putney.

On a side note CW, will you be at the O2 on Saturday for the Dave Matthews Band concert?

yup he's in charge of security!

I can't imagine that Dave Matthews would need much security. 99.9% of Brits have no idea who he is.

So no, I'm not at the Dome for that.


As for Putney. It's quite a nice place, by the river etc (nb you want East Putney not Putney Bridge for Putney itself - turn left from the station away from the Courts. It's a short walk to the top of Putney High St).

My favourite pubs in Putney (I used to live quite close by) are:

The Bricklayers Arms (known locally as "The Brick" which may well be the best pub in London - but it's a bit out of the way just by The Star and Garter building on Watermans Rd by the river. (if you ask for directions ask for the Star and Garter or the Half moon - it's near both)

The Coat and Badge just off the high st is great - especially if it's sunny and the beer garden is open.

Immediately by Putney Bridge is The Eight Bells which is pretty much what most foreigners think an English pub should be like. Friendly locals, soppy dog, pickled eggs and all.

The only pubs I actively dislike in Putney are the Larrik (full of twats and ponces) and the Railway which is pretty grim even by Wetherspoons standards.

Another idea if the weather is clement is to go to Parsons Green (all on the same line as Fulham Bway) and have a pint at the White Horse - aka the Sloaney Pony. This has won pub of the year a few times and would certainly be a memorable part of your day.

http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub1333.php