Thousands of Newcastle fans have their sights set on Wembley as the Carabao Cup final at the famous stadium looms later this month.
Whether you're lucky enough to be a ticket holder or just want to be there to soak up the incredible atmosphere, London is sure to welcome Geordies in their droves on the weekend of February 26. And if you're one of them, you'll no doubt be wondering where you can go for a pint around the stadium to calm your nerves beforehand - or celebrate afterwards.
Luckily, Wembley is full of pubs, bars and restaurants you can check out on the weekend. Here's what you can find by way of pubs and bars in and around the stadium, as well as the top places to grab a pint in the area according to punters.
READ MORE: Where to eat in Wembley if you’re planning to go to see Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final
In the stadium
There are bars inside the stadium itself, located on levels one and five - note that these are card-only, and cash will not be accepted. The stadium promises "an extensive and tasty range of food and drinks" within the venue, including draught bars where you can choose from a range of beers as well as other hot and cold drinks, and express bottle bars serving bottled beers and soft drinks.
Around the stadium
There are also plenty of pubs and bars to choose from that are just a stone's throw away from the stadium. Here are 10 of the closest pubs and bars which are all no more than a 15-minute walk away, according to Google Maps, and what they say about themselves:
- The White Horse - Offers a 'varied and interesting range' of beers, wines and spirits with 'all your favourites' on tap , alongside all-day dining with a menu of pub classics with a twist. Five-minute walk
- BOXPARK - A huge venue where you can grab beer, wine, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks alongside street food from more than 20 different vendors and activities like axe throwing, virtual reality and crazy golf. Six-minute walk
- Mirage Sports Bar - Located in the Wembley International Hotel, the bar screens live sports and offers pub grub like burgers and fish and chips along with favourite tipples on tap. 10-minute walk
- Blue Check - A restaurant and bar offering all-day dining and an extensive drinks menu with draught beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and more with prices starting from just £3.50. 10-minute walk
- Stadium Sports Bar - Self-described as 'Wembley's premier venue for live sports, music, parties and great beer and wine' this sports bar has all the popular drinks on the menu as well as burgers, grill favourites and breakfasts. 11-minute walk
- The Wembley Tavern - Popular with event-goers and locals for over two decades, the tavern offers pub classics on its food menu from starters and light bites through to desserts, and shows all the sport channels to enjoy while you drink. 11-minute walk
- The Parish Bar - This bar prides itself on being a 'home away from home' where you will be greeted with a warm welcome, offering 'quality beer at quality prices' - and even claims to be the 'best pub in Wembley'. 12-minute walk
- The Corner House - A traditional pub that has been part of Wembley for many years, described by one punter on Google Reviews who visited after going to the stadium as "a lovely place with a very warm welcome". 12-minute walk
- The Crock of Gold - One Google reviewer who visited the pub this February wrote: "Very friendly staff, nice atmosphere, beers on tap are just amazing. Highly recommended." 13-minute walk
- JJ Moon's JD Wetherspoon - A classic Wetherspoon with all the favourites you would expect on the food and drink menus. 15-minute walk
Tripadvisor’s top three
While you may have to stray slightly further from the stadium to find them, there are three top pubs in Wembley that have been rated as stand-outs by visitors according to reviews left on Tripadvisor.
1. The Preston
What to expect: Earning the number one spot for pubs in Wembley on Tripadvisor, The Preston is a "warm and welcoming" gastropub serving up a wide selection of dishes, buffet choices and Sunday lunch options as well as a "huge range" of both alcoholic and soft drinks. The beverage menu includes beer and cider, ale, wine, gin, cocktails and fizz alongside non-alcoholic options.
What visitors say: One person praised the "fantastic prices" in a five-star Tripadvisor review, saying they were "affordable for everyone's pocket" and adding that the food and drink was "great value for money". Meanwhile, another visitor stopped by the pub after an event at the stadium and said they would "definitely return" after an "enjoyable" experience with a sit-down meal.
Distance from Wembley Stadium: 28-minute walk
2. The Torch
What to expect: Run by the Greene King group, The Torch on Bridge Road specialises in serving up flame-grilled food with dozens of options available. The drinks side also has everything you would expect to find in a well-stocked pub with beer, ale, cider, gin, rum, wine, cocktails and mocktails all on the menu.
What visitors say: One customer praised the "exceptional service" at the pub, saying that staff made them and their family "feel welcome in every way possible". Another diner said that their steak and lasagne were "yummy" and hailed the white wine they had with their meal as "fantastic value", while someone else said they were "so impressed" with the venue that they now visit whenever they're in Wembley.
Distance from Wembley Stadium: 14-minute walk
3. The Arch
What to expect: Also a hotel and restaurant, The Arch on Harrow Road is a sports bar with a heated outdoor terrace where footie fans can grab a pint. If you're feeling peckish, this venue specialises in Indian dishes including a wide range of curries, and has an American-style burger and wings menu too.
What visitors say: One person hailed The Arch as a "great spot before Wembley", writing: "Came for pre-drinks and food before Coldplay. Atmosphere was great and the food was really tasty. Well worth visiting before an event." Another visitor similarly said: "You must come here when you go to Wembley events - food service and drinks were excellent."
Distance from Wembley Stadium: 11-minute walk
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