Brentford meet-up

[Phil Whalley]

Suspend any anti-London prejudices before reading on, my friends, for in Brentford we have a far more interesting proposition than the dull suburbia of Barnet. Surrounded though it might be by posh Chiswick and even posher Richmond, Brentford is proletarian, and the Bees faithful have a strong attachment to the area. So if you’re out and about for a drink before or after, worry not about the locals. They are genuine fans, contemptuous of the financial obesity of their West London rivals Chelsea and Fulham, and with exactly the right attitude towards QPR – i.e., just what is the point?
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In terms of drinking, it is true that Griffin Park boasts a pub in all four corners of the ground, the problem being that they aren’t nearly as good as some of those a bit further away. Of the four, the best is The Griffin, on the south-west corner (57 Brook Road South, TW8 0NP). This is a Fullers pub, meaning a limited range of beer, though we might be lucky and catch a barrel of the excellent London Porter or the nearly-as-good Jack Frost. A few Fullers in the area have also started serving the delicious but wickedly strong Gale’s Mild. Don’t have too many of these if you want to stay upright behind the goal. I’d say this was the only one worth a visit, although the Royal Oak on the north-west corner (38 New Road, TW8 0NU) has its devotees.
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If you want to stay close to the ground, there is a mini-crawl to be had just a few minutes walk north of the ground. The Lord Nelson (9, Enfield Rd, TW8 9NY) is a popular haunt during the week for a lunchtime bite, so this might be a good bet for some food before the game. Close by is The Globe (104 Windmill Road, TW8 9NA), renowned for its live jazz and blues music, though probably not on a Saturday lunchtime, unless Zero is in the mood for a guerrilla gig. Both are Fullers pubs.
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The most interesting drinking can be had further into the town centre. The pick of the bunch is the Magpie and Crown (128 High Street, TW8 8EW) which will have at least four real ales on tap and not just the usual suspects. The Brewery Tap (47 Catherine Wheel Rd, TW8 8BD) is just a couple of streets along and is a superior Fullers, offering a guest ale alongside the usual range.
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For those who are thinking of making a weekend of it, there is a Premier Inn hotel which is advertised as being in Kew but in fact is right in the heart of Brentford and just a few minutes from the ground. Not sure about local B&Bs (which might be cheaper) but to book in the Premier call 0870 990 6304. The delights of Kew Gardens are just a short bus ride away, as is the relatively genteel town of Richmond, full of Young’s pubs and home to one of Britain’s finest trees. The number 65 bus will take you to both places with the minimum of fuss.
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I guess that where you intend to go depends on where you’re starting from and how mobile you are. If you’re on the tube, head for South Ealing station, turn right and just keep going; or jump on the 65 bus, it stops outside the ground. I’m intending to start at the Magpie & Crown around midday, the Brewery Tap by around 1.30 and the Griffin for a swift one before kick-off. I’m hoping that our small but high-quality group of London-based supporters will be in tow, and, as always, you are more than welcome to join us.
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Phil