Away Match Build Up Derby pre match beers

Steve Gilbert

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Rather than have fans sift through the pre match thread for where fans are planning on going before the game, I thought it would be best for people to post which pubs they plan on going to so that we can try and aim for the same sort of area and create a party atmosphere.

This is a reply from a previous thread from a derby fan:

Out of the station there are two exits - stadium side and City side

On the stadium side you have the Harvester and that's pretty much it for away fans (The Merlin is strictly home fans as is The Yard at the stadium)

If you go out the city side you have:
Brunswick - is 'home fans only' but if you're not wearing colours and in a small group then you'll be welcomed and it's a oretty friendly place

The Alexandra Hotel (the alex): cracking pub and welcomes all fans with a decent sized beer garden

The Smithfield: about a 7 minute walk from the station and a subsequent 30 minute walk to the away end but is Derby's pub of the year (I believe 4 times in a row now) with a great beer garden that looks over the river.

The Exeter Arms- great pub great beers and another 5 minutes walk from the smithfield

The Tap - Derby brewing company Tap house and right next to the Exeter Arms. There is also a matchday bus that runs from here to the ground for a few quid ahead (ask on arrival) it usually leaves about 45 minutes pre kick off and is first come first served. (You can also sample there new beer 'On Clowes9' to celebrate the club being saved

I would highly recommend doing a few of these and there's always taxis ready on a matchday from the further away pubs - Albatross cars or Uber - surge pricing will probably take you to £10-12 if close to kick off
 
City side for me - Smithfield & Exeter, maybe the Tap on the way in .............. and on the way back. :ROFLMAO:

About 20 minutes each way on the chuff chuff. (y)
 
City side for me - Smithfield & Exeter, maybe the Tap on the way in .............. and on the way back. :ROFLMAO:

About 20 minutes each way on the chuff chuff. (y)
My train gets in to derby at 11.45am so will be heading to a few on the city side before the game so may well see you in the Smithfield or the Exeter!
 
For fans of of real ale / craft beer - you've hit the jackpot.

If you arrive early enough, come out of the station through the main entrance (city side) there are regular buses to the city centre bus station £1 (5 minutes journey)

Although taxis are an option, there are plenty of football special buses from the centre that take you to the stadium for £ 1.50 and run up to surprisingly close to kick off. Be aware that you would be dropped off near the Clough/Taylor statue which is the opposite end of the ground for away fans. If not, you can still walk it especially if you end up at the Smithfield (20 - 25 mins)

As far as I'm aware, the Tap, Exeter & Smithfield serve your drink in glasses rather than plastic. Beer never tastes the same out of plastic.

The Smithfield has a beer festival on this weekend as well. Check out their Facebook page, 40 beers, burger van & live music on Saturday 12 till 12 (but no car parking although there is a privately owned matchday car park across the road from it)

I'm not sure about door policy but if you get in, you are very unlikely to encounter any bother at these pubs

As has been said the closest real ale pubs to the front of the station are the Brunswick & next to it, the Alexandra, but getting in is more hit and miss for away fans. BTW they are both fantastic pubs but will be packed. Actually, i'd forgotten about the Bustler Market if it's not raining which is near the station, £1 entrance but they have street food & live music too. Check out their website as i've never been.

For fans of fizzy generic lagers, maybe Derby isn't for you as the pubs that specialise in that are the ones to avoid - for personal safety reasons !!

Have fun ( I don't do this for all away fans )
 
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Bustler is 2pm open on a Saturday.

In addition to those mentioned already, if you end up in town, you have some other good choices
Proper pubs:
-The Silk Mill
-The Dolphin
-The Flowerpot
-The Furnace Inn (bit further out but proper old school pub that doesn't look too appealing from the outside but great choice of beer and good crowd)

Craft Ale Places:
Suds and Soda
Worm Has Turned

The Clubhouse by Derby Brewing Company is a sports bar that has real ales plus shuffleboard tables.

The Hideout (used to be a walkabout) is a bit of your generic lager type bar. As is Derby Sports Bar.

Not sure why I keep subjecting myself to these threads when I'll still be away. 45 other fixture dates and the game in the city where I live is when I'm on holiday 😂

Also, the footbridge in the station is a public right of way so just ask the gateline staff to let you through if crossing from city side to stadium side of the railway line. May well be open for football crowds anyway.

Go well Yellows!
 
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For those of us going by coach, what's the nearest watering hole to the stadium for away fans? Coach is leaving at 10:30 so should get there around 13:00
 
For those of us going by coach, what's the nearest watering hole to the stadium for away fans? Coach is leaving at 10:30 so should get there around 13:00

You`ll get directed to the Harvester............. good luck.
 
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