Headed to London in a couple of weeks

I got most of my London portion somewhat figured out, but just looking for some tips/ideas for a good gameday experience at the Cottage. This will be my first time at the Cottage, so I can't wait.

I have tickets for the Chelsea match and crossing my fingers that the more-than-likely Europa League 4th round match that week is at home.

Like how many hours should I show up beforehand? Good bars or spots to go to before the game? Anything else I should know?

Also, I have most of the touristy stuff figured out, but anything else "under the radar" about London that I should check out.

 

LAX

I usually hit the Golden Lion or the Cottage pub, both are fairly easy to find. No offense to the Lion, but the cottage pub seems a bit more laid back, so its generally my preference. Really can't go wrong, both serve beer and will be full of Fulham fans. The stuff right around the tube is usually WAY over crowded and/or filled with away fans.

Since its your first trip, I would recommend getting to a pub around 2.5 to 3 hours before kickoff. Have a pint or 3 with enough time to relax. But I would get down to the stadium a bit early so you can soak it up. It will be crazy crowded 20 minutes before kick off especially for this game so get down there at least an hour before kickoff, maybe a bit more. Shopping at the cottage shop?? add a few more minutes.

Get into the stadium a bit early when it hasn't quite filled up, take some pictures, have a Carlsberg and pie and just watch the faithful file in. Then grab your seat and enjoy!

Oh yeah, try to walk to and from the grounds along the park, in fact pretty much a must.

Hopefully you find this helpful. I will be at the game and if you are interested, more than willing to raise a glass with you before the game. Just let me know closer to match day.

...and Covent Garden sometimes falls low on folk's list of to do's in London. I personally think its worth spending a couple of hours tooling around there.

 

Re: RE: Headed to London in a couple of weeks

Yeah... in the 'people watching' category, that's good.. And Leicester Square area in the evening. But then it's been almost thirty years for me.

 

RE: Re: RE: Headed to London in a couple of weeks

Enjoy Lax, it's a wonderful time. Sully said it all.

 

RE: Re: RE: Headed to London in a couple of weeks

Regarding Sully's comment about the club shop, as of the last time I visited, the shop in the Cottage was fairly small and the one on Fulham Road had a better selection. This was a couple of years ago, though, so it's possible that this has changed in the interim.

Have a great time!

 

I'll be there as well. I'm probably gonna start out at the Cottage Pub if anyone's interested in meeting up.

 

Thanks for the info Sully, I would be down for having a beer or two.

I will message your when it gets closer to the game.