Twickenham is a fantastic area of London with ample welcoming places to have a few drinks before watching a game or a concert at Twickenham Stadium. One of the more popular pubs with the rugby crowd is 'The Cabbage Patch', popular in part because it is opposite the train station. Expect big crowds but if you get there early you can enjoy big screen TV's, drinks and ample pub food.If you are coming from the Richmond Station direction then you can follow the crowds to the 'Orange Tree' and enjoy live sport and a short walk to the stadiums shuttle bus. Another popular pub, complete with a fantastic garden and terrace is the 'Turks Head'. All of these pubs are very welcoming, especially on match days, for home and away fans alike.

A nice chilled beer (perhaps even two?) can be the perfect preparation for a big rugby game, and my favourite little spot is The Fox. It's an old-fashioned pub that sells real, tasty ales and hearty grub at a fair price. Only drawback is that it's just over a mile from the stadium. A closer option would be the Cabbage Patch, virtually next to the venue. They even do special 'match day' food menus (at least most of the time) which is a bonus!