The Hawthorns Sports Fan Tips
The Hawthorns is a venue in or near West Bromwich that is most often used for Soccer
Best restaurants near The Hawthorns?
The Vine is one of the best pre (or post) match pubs in the area; it also doubles as probably the best restaurant to get some food after a game! Welcoming to all fans (home and away), the menu is extensive, well-priced and delicious. West Bromwich is home to an unusual amount of Asian eateries, as well as hybrid restaurants like The New Talbot which serves British classics alongside a host of curries and veggie options.
Best Pubs around The Hawthorns?
I like to mix and mingle between home and away fans when I go to a match, so I have to recommend the The Vine, between the stadium and the town centre. It's spacious, not too crowded and a great atmosphere. 15-20 minutes' walk. The Royal Oak (a mile from the stadium) also welcomes all fans, serving cheap beer and some Asiatic cuisine. If you're being driven, you can leave the car at the Park Hotel (£5) and use their bar for a couple drinks as well.
Best Insider tip at The Hawthorns?
Parking can be pretty scarce around the stadium, which is why you're usually better off with public transport. However, some local knowledge says that you can park at the Beeches Road Methodist Church for only £5; few cars, little trouble leaving after the game and there are security cameras! Similarly, the St John's Ambulance Depot allows a day's parking for £3, just by the Vine, which happens to be the best pre-match pub in the area!
How do I get to The Hawthorns?
My recommendation is to use either the train or metro system. There's a railway and metro station that specifically serve the stadium (5 mins' walk). The easiest way to get there is from Birmingham New Street in the city centre.If you opt to drive, there is a smattering of private car parking spaces as well as the Hawthorns own car park (£4). As with most stadiums, the smart move is to arrive and find a space early, and plan for a bit of a delay getting out of the car park.
What to expect from the The Hawthorns crowd?
Attendance has been dropping of late, and it's not gone unnoticed by fans and media alike. Despite having a good season (currently 8th in the Premier League) attendances have been way below last season's average, by as much as several thousand fans. Some fans pulled their season tickets as a result of Tuny Pulis' "boring” football style, but I think we can expect a resurgence in attendance and atmosphere if the Baggies can maintain their current form!
Things to check out around The Hawthorns?
West Bromwich is a lovely area and offers much more green space than you might associate with a football ground! If you want to diversify a little, or get away from people after a tough loss, then the Sandwell Valley Country Park has breath-taking views and scenery which will help you forget all about it.A more energetic alternative has to be Boulder Central, the indoor climbing haven suitable for children and adults alike. It's great fun, and can be competitive if you're out with your mates!
The Hawthorns seating?
If you're in it for the raucous atmosphere and want to be in the middle of the chanting and excitement, then it's the Smethwick. Be warned, the fans will be standing (even though it's against the rules) and so if you want to sit, you'll not be seeing much.Away fans are also kept in part of the Smethwick end, though separated (a bit) from the home fans. The views are very good, but the legroom leaves rather a lot to be desired. Maybe that's why the rowdy home fans insist on standing so much?
Best Food and Drink at The Hawthorns?
For whatever reason, The Hawthorns provides a more plentiful and substantially cheaper menu than most of its Premier League rivals:Cheeseburgers - £3.70Pukka pies (incl chicken + mushroom, steak and kidney and chicken Balti) – £3Sausage rolls – £3Pasties - £3 Drinks are pretty standard as well, and the price is similarly not too bad. They've got bottles of Carlsbeg, Cider and Tetleys ale for under £4. There's wine and even some spirits on offer too, also around £4.