The perfect Match Day experience...

[Gittle]

Let's see...your hotel is across from a Sainsburys grocery, so you'll be able to get some cheap snacks there (bagels, OJ, etc) rather than live off of the mini-bar. There is a BK and I think a Pizza the Hut there as well. There is a nice (chain) chicken place called 'Nandos' located just across the street from the Gloucester Road tube (and down a bit) right on the corner.

Pizza the Hut(t)? Man, somebody is a fan of the work of one Melvin Kaminsky Brookman, aka Brooks. You know, I think I'll take a look at Mr. Radar and get some flicks from Mr. Rental. :D

Anyway, Nando's is a Portuguese-themed restaurant; they specialise in cooking chicken using "piri-piri" sauce (which, for some reason, they spell "peri-peri" :confused:). However, with all due respect to Nando's if you want the authentic stuff and don't want to get gouged, you're going to have to go to Lisboa or Algarve or anywhere else in Portugal. (Did I mention Lisboa is Europe's least expensive capital? :D)

5. The Arsenal Tavern is close to the Arsenal tube stop, about a 5 minute walk when you turn left out of the station. On the corner of Blackstock and Gillespie I believe it is. Also it is also known as the "@ club" something which confused me at first.

You're close. According to Google Maps, it's actually across from Chatterton Road, which is in between Gillespie and Monsell/Brownswood. It's in between the Arsenal and Finsbury Park Tube stations (as most everything is). Although Google Maps has been known to be slightly off, so you could be correct.

Speaking of Tube station names, since Arsenal's ground is now closer to Holloway Road than it is to Arsenal, then shouldn't TfL change Arsenal back to Gillespie Road, and change Holloway Road to Arsenal? After all, that would be a bit more geographically correct.

Anyway, I'm done with my, erm, off-topic musing. I have some queries in this area, but I will pose those in a bit. Talk to you all later!

[Bluto11]

oh Nandos. went to one of those in Bristol. wasn't that bad

[Rick B]

You're close. According to Google Maps, it's actually across from Chatterton Road, which is in between Gillespie and Monsell/Brownswood. It's in between the Arsenal and Finsbury Park Tube stations (as most everything is). Although Google Maps has been known to be slightly off, so you could be correct.

Speaking of Tube station names, since Arsenal's ground is now closer to Holloway Road than it is to Arsenal, then shouldn't TfL change Arsenal back to Gillespie Road, and change Holloway Road to Arsenal? After all, that would be a bit more geographically correct.

Anyway, I'm done with my, erm, off-topic musing. I have some queries in this area, but I will pose those in a bit. Talk to you all later!

The Tavern is NOT accross from Chatterton. It is actually on the corner of Blackstock and Mountgrove roads which is right accross from Gillespie. It is also NOT inbetween Arsenal and Finsbury Park tubes on any map that one cares to look at. The road inbetween the two tubes is St Thomas's and the Tavern is a lot further East. It is much nearer to Arsenal tube.

As for re-naming the tube's....................again take a look at a map. You will actually find that the stadium is eqidistant between the two stations. As Holloway Road station is closed for much of the match day and Arsenal station is the main station used for match days - then no, it shouldn't be changed.

The reason I am posting like this is that I have seen before people telling others they need to go to this and that tube to get to my meeting places. Please leave any advice of that to those that have done it. As Shibby has done it for quite a few games I would suggest his directions to the Tavern are fine....................

[carw2005]

Got the squits from nando's, i dont recomend it.

My perfect Matchday includes lots of lager pre and post match with me mates. Plenty of greasy grubby food and a win for The Arsenal!

Going with family is great too, I took my lil brother to his first Arsenal game on Sunday and now Robin Van Persie is his hero... there was a period of time where i thought he was going to a be a Newcastle fan (random i know!) but i think I have got to him in time...:rolleyes:

[Gittle]

The Tavern is NOT accross from Chatterton. It is actually on the corner of Blackstock and Mountgrove roads which is right accross from Gillespie. It is also NOT inbetween Arsenal and Finsbury Park tubes on any map that one cares to look at. The road inbetween the two tubes is St Thomas's and the Tavern is a lot further East. It is much nearer to Arsenal tube.

As for re-naming the tube's....................again take a look at a map. You will actually find that the stadium is eqidistant between the two stations. As Holloway Road station is closed for much of the match day and Arsenal station is the main station used for match days - then no, it shouldn't be changed.

The reason I am posting like this is that I have seen before people telling others they need to go to this and that tube to get to my meeting places. Please leave any advice of that to those that have done it. As Shibby has done it for quite a few games I would suggest his directions to the Tavern are fine....................

Tomayto, tomahto, six of one, half-of-dozen in the other....You know, I did say that Google Maps has a tendency to be slightly off. ;)

FYI, I am looking at a map, and I see both Arsenal and Finsbury Park in the frame. Therefore, I consider that to be "in between." St Thomas's Road does run between the two stations, but somebody like me is programmed to seek out a main drag (i.e., Blackstock, the A1201) within this context. However, I understand that some people might not see it that way. Sorry.

I did a walking tour of the area when I was in London two years ago (unfortunately, it was after the season; I had just finished a study abroad program in Sevilla); when I walked past the Arsenal tube on my left, I was greeted on my right with the world-famous sign: "Arsenal and O2 Welcome You to Highbury--The Home of Football." Thus, it seemed to me that Holloway Road was somewhat, if only slightly, closer to Ashburton Grove. Then again, the tour started at Angel and went along Upper Street to Holloway Road, so I guess that would be the logical interpretation from that approach point.

By the way, Rick, I hope everything is okay re the match. I seem to be on a dubious streak right now. :( I really don't like causing difficulties, so please let me know if I am heading towards some serious hot water.

[Rick B]

By the way, Rick, I hope everything is okay re the match. I seem to be on a dubious streak right now. :( I really don't like causing difficulties, so please let me know if I am heading towards some serious hot water.

The only thing you are heading towards is buying me an extra pint!! I never let disagreements get in the way of tickets, you have yours confirmed that won't change!!

[Gittle]

The only thing you are heading towards is buying me an extra pint!! I never let disagreements get in the way of tickets, you have yours confirmed that won't change!!

Okay! One additional pint, coming right up! I will just have to be mindful of my spending in Dublin (hey, I am a graduate student). ;)

I would not call them "disagreements" as much as they are "missteps." I seem to be making egregious errors regarding proper forum etiquette. I'll figure it out sooner or later.

Okay, since I've gone off-topic again, here is the matchday experience query. As I have noted, I will be arriving in London on Friday the 24th (BA 8081 into LGW, Rick :D). My accommodations will either be in a hostel in Chiswick (yes, it's the Globetrotter that many have mentioned; I can get a decent rate for Friday, and I can also tolerate a few "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oy! Oy! Oy!" chants :)) or a "homestay" in Leytonstone. Since the "homestay" will technically have no cost (although I plan to compensate the host), I am leaning in that direction. The question I have is, what is the recommended TfL journey from Leytonstone? Also, how long will it take, and what is the recommended agenda for matchday given this journey?

Once again, I thank all of you for all of your assistance.

[Shibby13]

Take Leytonstone west to Holborn on the Central Line then switch there and take the Picadilly line north to Arsenal. Should take you around 40 mins. I always say just get up as soon as you can and try and get to The Tavern as early as possible, 2 or 3 hours ahead of the match. You can never have enough beer in you. Also you want to be safe and you don't want to miss meeting Rick, like I unfortunately did my first match there. I've also had a few problems with tube delays, on weekends especially, so it's best to leave early and if the tube breaks down or is delayed a lot, get out and take a cab or bus to a closer station.

[surfcam]

The only thing you are heading towards is buying me an extra pint!! I never let disagreements get in the way of tickets, you have yours confirmed that won't change!!

See if you can get the first pint of cider down before demanding another!:D

[GWGunner]

Wow....a lot of good information in this thread. Thanks guys...

Referring to the Bergkamp jersey: I was interested in a vintage jersey of his, do they sell those in the Arsenal store? Or do they only sell the new jerseys? (i.e. only Fly Emirates?? No Dreamcast, O2 etc. old jerseys?)

We're coming from the Holiday Inn in Kensington, so it sounds like the Tube might take up to 45 + mins. We're planning on getting the Arsenal station way too early, having plenty of beer for breakfast, and meeting new friends in the Arsenal Tavern before & after the match.

Perfect!

Cheers....
GW

[leepyswetr]

oh Nandos. went to one of those in Bristol. wasn't that bad
oh Nandos. went to one of those in Harare. wasn't that good

[Red Agave]

oh Nandos. went to one of those in Harare. wasn't that good

Yeah, the Denny's in Zambia was much better. ;)

[Rick B]

Yeah, the Denny's in Zambia was much better. ;)

Those Denny's burgers were good!! The chips were really good and the meat pie we tried was pretty tasty as well. Was that in Kolomo?

[leepyswetr]

Those Denny's burgers were good!! The chips were really good and the meat pie we tried was pretty tasty as well. Was that in Kolomo?
Monze.
http://www.golazy.com/gallery/albums/africa0607/IMG_1531.sized.jpg

[KevTheGooner]

Wow....a lot of good information in this thread. Thanks guys...

Referring to the Bergkamp jersey: I was interested in a vintage jersey of his, do they sell those in the Arsenal store? Or do they only sell the new jerseys? (i.e. only Fly Emirates?? No Dreamcast, O2 etc. old jerseys?)

We're coming from the Holiday Inn in Kensington, so it sounds like the Tube might take up to 45 + mins. We're planning on getting the Arsenal station way too early, having plenty of beer for breakfast, and meeting new friends in the Arsenal Tavern before & after the match.

Perfect!

Cheers....
GW

And don't forget the fry-up!

You might be able to buy a Bergy t-shirt or something on the street from a vendor but Arse World of Sport only sells new merchandise (w/current logo, sponsors, etc.). If you want an older Dennis shirt you might want to ask around here to buy a blank one off someone and have the letters put on (I'm still thinking of a getting #10 GOD shirt myself, just to be retro).

[Rick B]

Monze.
http://www.golazy.com/gallery/albums/africa0607/IMG_1531.sized.jpg

I was so tired after that burger I just had to yawn.....................:D

[arsenlmc58]

It is impossible to have a bad matchday unless you are playing the likes of West Ham and creating millions of great chances and lose 1 nil!! Sorry, just venting a bit. Other then that, dont be late to meet up with Rick, like i am pretty much every time, and you will be good to go!

[4_Arsenal]

Quick question about the Tube. We're going to be staying at the Waltham Abbey Marriott. Should we take the Loughton tube to Statford, then take the National Rail to Highbury/Islington. Or just go Loughton to Holborn to Arsenal? Not sure if the National Rail is part of the tube or not. About how long is that going to take early on a Sunday morning? I was thinking about 45 min. Thanks for the help.

[surfcam]

Quick question about the Tube. We're going to be staying at the Waltham Abbey Marriott. Should we take the Loughton tube to Statford, then take the National Rail to Highbury/Islington. Or just go Loughton to Holborn to Arsenal? Not sure if the National Rail is part of the tube or not. About how long is that going to take early on a Sunday morning? I was thinking about 45 min. Thanks for the help.

National rail is different from the tube IIRC. It would probably be easiest to just get on the tube. It looks like you could take the Central line to Liverpool Street then transfer to either Hamersmith & City, Circle, or Metropolitan up to Kings Cross, then Picadilly to Arsenal. A real Londoner will give better info though!:o:)

[Rick B]

Quick question about the Tube. We're going to be staying at the Waltham Abbey Marriott. Should we take the Loughton tube to Statford, then take the National Rail to Highbury/Islington. Or just go Loughton to Holborn to Arsenal? Not sure if the National Rail is part of the tube or not. About how long is that going to take early on a Sunday morning? I was thinking about 45 min. Thanks for the help.

The much better way is to take the train into Liverpool Street from Cheshunt and take the tube from there. PLEASE DO NOT THINK YOUR JOURNEY WILL TAKE ANYTHING LIKE 45 MINS!!!!! You are looking at least an hour, much more like 1.5 on a weekend. Please go to www.tfl.gov and there is a journey planner on there that will give the quickest routes. Ignore the journey times though.