Many have been quick to point out various teething problems with the London Stadium and the new ticketing system but today we want to highlight something the Stadium operators and club have got right in our new home.
At the first two games many fans complained about over crowding in the concourse areas at half time and the difficulty in purchasing a drink within the 15 minute window.The London Stadium also has a strict no smoking policy which includes the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping as it is commonly used. The mens toilets at the Boleyn Ground used to be a fog of smoke at half time and there was a real risk the behaviour would be replicated at the London Stadium if not catered for.
Well we are glad to report that common sense has prevailed and the stadium operators have listened to feedback as yesterday supporters were allowed outside the stadium to ease congestion, fans were permitted and encouraged to use the outside bars and food outlets and importantly allow those who feel the need to smoke or vape had the ability to do so outside.
ClaretandHugh reader, Scott Smallman was one of the fans to take advantage of this new option and sent us this picture at half time commenting “brilliant idea to open this area up at HT for people that smoke and reduce queues within the ground”
Another thing they got right was the programme sellers, I was queued to buy one and another seller was going up and down the queue so that people with the correct change could just buy them off him which probably halved the queueing time. In the TB lower stand blocks d/e there were longish queues to get a pint of Amstel in comparison to the previous matches, I had to wait between 10 – 15 mins to get served whereas previously had been less than 5 mins. A question for the rest of you guys is there anywhere decent outside of Westfield or the Stadium to have a pre match pint or two ? I can get off at either Hackney Wick or Stratford.
Yes 32 !!! Smoke and bubbles, stour rd , 0208 525 2390 , they were giving out free drink vouchers after game yesterday , couldn’t take the opportunity though , they do west ham memberships ? Gonna check it out Thursday ?
5 mins from ground , brings you to causeway J entrance !!
Good luck .
We went to the Bow Bells, The Lighthouse and the Plough at Swan Wharf on Sunday.
The Bow Bells was the best close to the DLR, we met the landlord Aaron who had made a real effort to welcome West Ham fans. They played Bubbles by the Clash after the game along side Chas and Dave 😉 Proper East end boozer
The Lighthouse pub was also god but more modern and more of a wine bar feel but cheap beer. Good burger van opposite who deliver to the pub. Within 15 minutes walk of Stadium
Don’t bother with the Plough at Swan Wharf, it is packed and big queues for craft beers. The express bar isn’t very express. We gave up queuing and went to the Stadium for a beer instead.
P.S don’t tell everyone though 😉
Stay behind in stadium after the game all the bars are open, 4.50 a pint not extorniate by stratford prices,
very enjoyable after the game actually
Yes ! Hasn’t changed in donkeys years the bow bells ? But then you got to get on the train ,little driver over the road aain’t bad neither , another old boozer ??
Try the one mentioned above , let you know on Friday if its worth it , but I did see something else I passed which had fans having a drink , it may even be smoke and bubbles ??
Thanks all for the advice I will check them out one by one, much prefer a proper boozer so long as the beer is good, leave all these fancy bars to the younger crowds 😉
Derby County let the fans out at half time. Excellent idea
So did we