Whether you are a loyal home football fan who watches the Gunners through rain and shine, a dedicated fan from abroad, or an away fan hoping to get some points at the Emirates, there is nearly always that one thing on your mind, “Where can I grab a beer before the game?”.
In big cities, such as London, traveling for sports events can be overwhelming, with endless options. It is important to plan your trip to the Emirates ahead of time.
In this guide, I have selected a list of pubs and bars close to the Emirates that are going to give you the most authentic match-day experience. These are some of the best options available to either quench your pre-game thirst, celebrate the win, or drown your post-match sorrows.
Which nearby pubs are the best for traveling to the Emirates?
The Gunners Pub
The Gunners Pub was flagging up on all the searches and Premier League fan forums when I was planning for my trip to the Emirates. So I needed to see what all the hype was about. From talking to those who had been there, one word comes to mind when describing their experiences. Atmosphere. It is a true location built for fans and football lovers.
Although the welcoming vibe, comfortable sofas, broad selection of beers, and friendly staff make it an attractive spot at any time of the day, pre-game is where it really shines.
Only a seven-minute walk from Arsenal underground station and 10 minutes from Finsbury Park, it is easily accessible. The 13-minute walk to the stadium gives you ample time for the excitement to ramp up whilst taking in the local area that makes a trip to Arsenal so unique.
Location
204 Blackstock Road Islington, London N5 1EN England
The Tollington Arms
The Tollington Arms, the award-winning pub, boasting the ‘Best Bar None’ and ‘Best Arsenal Pub for the 2014/2015 season’ titles, is one of my favourite pubs to visit when traveling to the Emirates.
One of its standout aspects is the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff who really understand what we need as football fans. We don’t ask for much. Just good food, good beer, and an environment where we can connect. They offer an English menu alongside a Thai menu, which has given it a cult following within the community.
The range of lagers and wines available, along with the oversized (but impressive) plasma TVs scattered around the place, makes The Tollington Arms a must-visit, even if you’re just there to watch the match on screen.
However, there is a fairly significant 13-minute walk to get there (less if you don’t walk slowly like me). However, you’ll be pleased to know that being only a stone’s throw from the stadium, the majority of the walking is done upfront.
Location
115 Hornsey Road, London N7 6DN England
The Duchess of Kent
The Duchess of Kent is more of a traditional affair, with a mix of classic English food, a family-friendly atmosphere, and impressive decor.
Although I stuck to the beer, they had plenty of cocktail choices on offer, along with an impressive selection of wines. If you are looking to visit the Emirates on a Sunday matchday, be sure to check out the Sunday Roast. You will not be disappointed.
If you are looking for a pre-game session surrounded by die-hard Gunners, this might not be the place for you. I say this, as despite the great atmosphere, it is also a family-friendly pub with plenty of non-football fans enjoying their Sunday dinner. However, if you are more inclined towards a calmer environment and would like a well-rounded experience beyond solely drinking, this might be the spot for you.
Your best bet for reducing walking time, and saving yourself from going back-and-forth through London, would be to get the train to Highbury & Islington station, and then walk 6 minutes to get to the pub. From there, it is a scenic 14-minute stroll to the stadium.
Location
441 Liverpool Road, Islington, London, N7 8PR
The WB Yeats
Named after the renowned Irish poet William Butler Yeats, The WB Yeats has Ireland at its core. I found it to be one of those all-day spots that you could sit in for hours and try the excellent Guinness more than once.
Much like The Duchess of Kent, there is a more reserved, quaint atmosphere. This doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic venue to take in the pre-game anticipation. There was a palpable feeling of a community there. Besides, who wouldn’t be in a joyful mood when there is a 12 pm Sunday roast available?
Despite a clear appreciation for the establishment, there is one downside that is hard to ignore. The walk to the Emirates is far longer than many others on the list, at 23 minutes. Finsbury Park station is only 8 minutes away, however.
Location
20 Fonthill Road, London, N4 3HU
El Comandante Che
When planning for your trip to Arsenal match at Emirates Stadium you may prefer to be close to the stadium before the game. Well, there’s a perfect solution to that problem in El Comandante Che. Sitting just around the corner from the Emirates, it is going to take around 6 minutes to get there, with the stadium well in view from the outset.
This quirky establishment is named after Che Guevara and has a Latin twist. With Arsenal currently under the wing of a Spanish manager, this just adds to that authentic feeling. With a beer garden and an array of exotic beers from South America available, it is worth checking out. The unique theme might not be for everyone, but it is certainly one that you will not forget quickly.
For ease of access, this sits firmly near the top of the list, with an 8-minute walk from Holloway Road station. If you are traveling to see Arsenal and you have some concerns about travel safety and do not have a grasp of the wider area, this option is great, as you are within the Emirates area at all times.
Another more undesirable quirk is the lack of cashless payment, so be sure to bring some cash with you.
Location
10 Annette Rd, London N7 6ET
Islington Sports Bar & Grill
Perhaps you are not a fan of traditional pubs, fancy somewhere that resembles a sports bar, and want to be within touching distance of the stadium. The Islington Sports Bar & Grill ticks all these boxes.
With a measly 8-minute walk to the stadium, it rivals the El Comandante Che for accessibility. The choice then just comes down to the atmosphere you desire. For me, the clean, open feeling was a breath of fresh air compared to the slightly more claustrophobic quirkiness of the El Comandante Che.
I would also highly recommend it for a post-game drink, where you can assess the game, moan, or celebrate with other fellow Arsenal fans.
Location
274 Holloway Rd, London N7 6NE
The Famous Cock Tavern
The Famous Cock Tavern is revered within the Arsenal fan community as another regular drinking spot. The pub has a reputation for its various seating options and excellent customer service, which goes a long way when preparing for the big game.
Despite the relatively lengthy walk of around 16 minutes to the stadium, its proximity to the Highbury & Islington train station makes it an easy stop-off that can easily be incorporated into the pre-match walk.
Although the pricing of the drinks can be expensive, you get what you pay for with the impressive interior and well-crafted seating layout. This is a great option for both home and away fans, as I found that the atmosphere isn’t so overbearing that it could boil over, but it also contains a buzz that preps you perfectly before heading for the stands.
Location: 259 Upper St, London N1 1RU
What are the best pre-match pubs around the Emirates Stadium?
From experience, you need a vibrant atmosphere pre-game to get the excitement flowing and burn off that nervous energy. Walking distance is also important to factor in, especially for fans who are new to the area. My recommendation for fans traveling from around the world would be the Islington Sports Bar & Grill or El Comandante Che. It is then just down to personal preference as to which environment you feel most comfortable in.
For the diehard fans or those who want a truly authentic day out, The Gunners Pub would be my suggestion. It is a spot that is iconic within the Arsenal community, and for good reason.
What are the best post-match pubs around the Emirates Stadium?
Again, for fans who want to soak up what the Emirates has to offer, the Islington Sports Bar & Grill is great for a post-match drink. It has a reputation for its lively atmosphere after games, especially when Arsenal has bagged the three points.
If you are seeking a more chilled-out atmosphere, are willing to go a bit further afield, and still want to be surrounded by the Arsenal faithful, then I would recommend the Tollington Arms. You can address your post-match hunger with their excellent Thai and English cuisine while catching up on the day’s football action from around the grounds.
The Gem (Our Pick)
As one of the premium stadiums in England, the Emirates and its surrounding area are known for their upper-class feel. The pubs are no different, as every establishment on the list is hospitable, accommodating, and comfortable for most fans traveling to watch Arsenal. Any choice will be a good choice, we can assure you of that.
However, The Tollington Arms just resonated with me. The vibrant mood, delicious food, and manageable distance to the stadium stuck with me the most. Granted, my wants and needs from a location will vary drastically from the next person, so be sure to look up these places for yourself and see what connects with you.
