A TRIP to Stamford Bridge is a special one for any football fan.
Some 40,000 fans packed into one of London’s oldest stadiums, with excellent views throughout, and a belting atmosphere in store for both home and away supporters.
Sitting in a prime location near the River Thames and just a short walk from Fulham Broadway tube station, fans are spoilt for choice with options for a pre-match pint or a quick bite to eat near Chelsea’s stadium.
Yet, with so many options to choose from, it can almost be overwhelming – and that’s where SunSport can step in to help.
We took a trip to west London to check out some of the best boozers on offer, guided by Thomas J Vosper, author of Historic Pub Crawls Through London and the man behind Instagram and YouTube pages Historic Pub Crawls.
So, with no further ado, here are the five best pubs for supporters to head to for a pre-match tipple on their next visit to Stamford Bridge – including an iconic boozer where the Blues were founded.
1. The Butcher’s Hook
Situated directly opposite Stamford Bridge, on the corner with Holmead Road, the Butcher’s Hook is about as close to Chelsea’s ground as physically possible.
Previously named the Rising Sun, the Blues were founded inside this classic London boozer on March 10th 1905.
Thomas tells SunSport that the other names considered for the club were Kensington FC, Stamford Bridge and London FC.
With plenty of space inside, the Butcher’s Hook is often packed to the rafters on matchdays, with a host of nods to the club throughout – including the Chelsea Pilsner on tap.
When SunSport visited, there was a wide range of beers on draught, including Guinness, Amstel, Peroni and a Level Head Session IPA.
2. The Chelsea Gate
Barely a minute away from the turnstiles lies this stripped back, quintessential British pub.
Once named the Chelsea Pensioner as a nod to the residents of the Old Soldiers Retirement Home just around the corner, the Chelsea Gate is just a short walk away from Fulham Broadway, West Brompton and Imperial Wharf stations.
With a wide array of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on offer, Thomas picked a Madri while I picked a Peroni, desperately trying to fit in with the billionaires living on every street in this cosmopolitan part of West London.
The best bit about the Chelsea Gate? The delightful ‘secret’ beer garden tucked away in the basement, and for anyone who feels like singing the Blues before taking their seat in the stands, there’s even a karaoke bar!
3. The White Horse
This one’s for the away fans!
Visiting supporters typically gather a bit further afield, usually opting for the Parson’s Green area where the majority of pubs will accommodate away fans.
Still only a 10-15 minute walk away, or one stop on the District Line along to Fulham Broadway, the White Horse is a relaxed family friendly pub.
The owners pride themselves on an ever-changing range of beers on tap, brewed across the UK and with a selection from further afield too.
The food options aren’t to be sniffed at either, with the handmade scotch egg going down a treat on our visit, and a number of other mouth-watering options on the menu too.
With a large outdoor terrace and plenty more space on the street to gather and chat, the White Horse absolutely needs to be considered for any visiting supporters making the trip to the capital.
4. The Fox and Pheasant
This discreetly tucked away 17th Century gem was bought by English singer-songwriter James Blunt in 2017.
Located just off Fulham Road, it’s a three or four minute walk from the turnstiles, and just a short walk further to Fulham Broadway tube station.
The ‘You’re Beautiful’ singer saved the pub from oblivion some seven years ago, and has been known to do the occasional shift behind the bar.
Thomas describes the pub as “feeling like an English country pub in busy West London”, with much of the interior remaining largely untouched from renovations in 1930.
Boasting their own Fox ‘n’ Fez Lager on tap, plus a host of other both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, there’s something for everyone in here.
Despite being tucked away in a picturesque Chelsea mews, the Fox and Pheasant boasts an elegant beer garden and an impressive dining room too for those feeling a quick pre-match bite to eat.
5. The King’s Arms
Claiming to be ‘Chelsea’s best sports pub’, this stylish boozer on Fulham Road is a favourite among locals, and the perfect place for a pre-match pint.
Just a short walk from Gloucester Road station, the King’s Arms shows both Sky Sports and TNT Sports, and shows anything and everything.
When SunSport visited in early August on a warm Friday night, punters were treated to showings of both Man Utd vs Fulham and Coventry City vs Oxford United – with the pub opening early the following morning to show Australia vs South Africa in the rugby too!
With a huge selection of draught beers and cocktails, plus some delightful-looking pub grub, this cosy spot is a traditional English boozer with a modern twist.
Visiting supporters should be aware, however, that this is a home fans only pub – with security manning the door too.
