Aldershot
Basingstoke
Bedford
Billericay
Borehamwood
Braintree
Canvey Island
Chesham
Croydon
Enfield
Gravesend
Grays
Hampton
Harrow
Hendon
Heybridge
Hitchin
Kingstonian
Maidenhead
Purfleet
St Albans
Sutton
CROYDON
Croydon's ground
lies some distance north east of the city centre, although is now accessible
on the new Tramlink system by alighting at Arena station on the Beckenham
branch. This means that you can ride in from as far afield as Wimbledon,
and is an interestin
g
option if you're making a day of it . If you choose this option and decide
to spend some time in Central Croydon first there are a variety of decent
pubs to choose from. Traditionalists might opt for the old DOG & BULL*
in Surrey St (1), in the centre of the lively street market, an attractive
Young's house, sensitively extended and sporting a courtyard garden. No
frills food is available as well as a range of Young's beers.
Another good choice is the popular ROYAL STANDARD* (2), (Sheldon St),
a traditional Fuller's house where beer quality is always good and a limited
range of food is available. The setting, adjacent the flyover and a huge
multi car park, is redolent of Croydon's sixties past but the pub is a
firm beerhound favourite.
Special accolade should go to the new Wetherspoons opposite West Croydon
station, the SHIP OF FOOLS (4); Although your scribe is no fan of chain
pubs, this is by far the best Wetherspoons I know of for guest beers of
quality and variety, very well kept. Can get a bit full of kiddies in
the evenings though..
Sticking with a more modern ambience, try also the SPREAD EAGLE (8), Fullers,or
the HOGSHEAD* (3), another bank conversion with a range of changing beer
If you're coming
by train to the ground direct, get off at Norwood Junction (map B). The
rather gruesome looking PORTMANOR* in Portland Rd nearby (5) has some
interesting guest beers, well kept. You could try the ALLIANCE* (6) in
the High St with Courage, plus two guests, often Youngs and Pedigree,
on tap.
The nearest pub to the ground is the ALBERT TAVERN (9), (65-7 Harrington Rd, on the corner of Albert rd), serving Courage, Greene King and guests- looks hideous but beer OK if you've not time to go further afield.
If you travel via
East Croydon before or after the game, the CLARET FREE HOUSE*(7) 5a Bingham
Cnr., at Addiscombe is highly recommended.
Exit via Lower Addiscombe Rd. and turn left. It will be only place on
your footie travels in the league that you can expect Palmers IPA from
Dorset, as well as an impressive guest beer list from independent breweries.