If you’re heading down to Upton Park this year the chances are that you’re going to want a drink before and definitely after the game.

There’s a few around that we frequent, it just depends on which way you come to the ground and which way you’re heading home.

The Boleyn

This is the number one pub you should at least visit once when going to see the Hammers. Situated on the corner of Green Street, down the road from the Bobby Moore enod of the ground

The Queens

If you’re coming via the Upton Park Tube then you’re going to have to go past the Queens pub.

We don’t tend to stop into the Queens on the way, but we always stop off for a beer on the way home while we wait for the crowds to disperse in the usual 10,000 rush of fans heading for the District Line.

Queens is on the right hand side of the road on Green Street between the station and the ground, and if you’re just after the toilets then turn right as soon as you walk through the door (one of our crew has a weak bladder and uses this quite often).

Red House

This is MILES from the ground, but if the District Line is down and you’re walking from Canning town then it’s definitely worth stopping by for a look (and a few pints).

Last year they had Harp Larger on tap for £2 a pint……… this year it’s Kronenburg at £3.

The Duke of Edinburgh

If you turn left instead of right out of the tube station (i.e. away from the ground), before long you will stumble across The Duke of Edinburgh. As it is in the wrong direction, it tends to be slightly quieter than either the Boleyn or Queens, but it still has a good atmosphere, with the benefit of faster serving times!
Again, they are not strict on away fans, but heed the warnings about colors for Queens.

The Green Man

The Green Man pub can be found on the junction of Plashet Grove and Katherine Road. Being around 10 minutes walk from the ground it’s nowhere near as busy as the Boleyn and this is a distinct advantage for those who want a relatively quiet drink and maybe even a chance to sit down.
If you are meeting friends and want a chat you may prefer it. Decor isn’t up to much but the staff are very quick and friendly.

Away supporters can usually get away with wearing team colors though that doesn’t really apply to Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United. Everyone else is probably okay.

You can have a game of pool and also watch the big screen TV. Always handy for those 12pm Sky games on a Saturday that you can see the tail end off and then amble down to the Boleyn.

For those on the yahoo groups West Ham mailing list it’s the traditional place to meet before games and for anyone wanting to meet up for the first it’s easy as it’s not busy.

To find it if you are coming from Upton Park tube station, turn left out of the station. Take the 2nd exit on the mini roundabout and walk down Plashet Grove, you will see it on right hand side of you when you reach the traffic lights.

A map of the area can be found at streetmap.co.uk.

The Barking Dog

The Barking Dog is your typical J.D. Weatherspoon’s pub and is situated rather conveniently, next to Barking Railway station. ‘The Dog’ is an ideal stop off for those coming in from the Essex area.

This pub starts getting busy fairly early and so by 2.00pm you can be ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with other fans. There is always a mad rush to leave at about 2.30. This enables you to easily catch a District Line tube to Upton Park (only 2 stops).
As it is so distant from the ground, away supporters rarely venture here.

All the usual beverages are on offer here; including Stella Artois, Kronenbourg, Fosters, Kozel (my personal favorite!) and a healthy selection of Real Ale for those interested in such brews.

The Black Lion

Located in Plaistow High Street and is only a 5 minute walk from Plaistow Train Station. This historic pub is said to have links with Dick Turpin (as do most pubs in the area!) It is also home to the famous West Ham Boys Boxing Club.

The Black Lion prides itself on its selection of Real Ale, but it also stocks the usual brews. One point to note however, lovers of Stella will be disappointed or be forced and may have to make do with 1664!

This pub is split into two main areas. There is the front bar with its bare floorboards or there is the back bar. The back bar is a little more comfortable and not quite so busy.

Weather permitting; there is also a substantial beer garden with numerous tables and large areas for the youngsters to run around.

The walk to the ground from The Black Lion can become a bit of a mystery tour if you are alone but on match day’s you will have no problem following the large groups of fans that depart for the stadium before kick-off time.

As with most pubs in the area away fans are welcomed so long as they are to have a quiet drink and not too cause trouble.