This weekend is going to be momentous. Oasis, in London… for the first time in more than 15 years. Woosh. Your dad is positively trembling, his bucket hat ripe to fall off. It’ll probably knock the thick-rimmed spectacles from his tired nose on the way down.
Such is the promise of excitement that it’s likely countless will be scouting for drinks after the show. Many will head to town, or to their local, or to M&S tinnies on the train. But the fact is a restorative, calming pint post stadium, pre-public transport is usually a good idea.
Wembley and its surrounds isn’t a top postcode for boozers. A great curry? Hey, the options are vast. Pubs less so. Boxpark is open before the concert and also afterwards.
Still, you can’t really go wrong with The White Horse (4 Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley Park, HA9 0HP), one of the closest to the stadium. Here you’ll find local ales and draught beer, a lengthy wine list, and a fairly decent burger.
Also nearby is Feed The Yak (51 Olympic Way, Wembley Park, HA9 0EG), a bar with one of the biggest selection of beers, ciders and natural wines in north west London. It’s a modern, light and airy option, perfect for those who want what might be a quieter refuge among the chaos. Then again, all of Wembley promises to be bouncing.
The Green Man (Dagmar Avenue, Wembley HA9 8DF) is a no-frills boozer, perfect for a quick pint or two. It gets particularly busy on event days so bear that in mind if you want to pay a visit. The Torch, up past Wembley Park station, is another reliable option, as is the Wetherspoon pub on the High Road. You know what you’re getting there.
Other pubs include the Parish Bar (120 Wembley Park Drive, Wembley Park, HA9 8HP), a Celtic boozer and home to a sizable beer garden, and the Wembley Tavern (121 Wembley Park Drive, Wembley Park, HA9 8HG). Both are relatively modern, straightforward pubs, and each is a safe bet for those hoping for a pint or two ahead of the show or after without having to think too much.
A little farther away but near enough is the Swan (789 Harrow Road, Harrow, HA0 2LP), a fairly classic venue and a comfortably affordable option. It’s your everyday boozer, with a dart board, pool table, live sports and lagers. It’s close to Sudbury Station — so a 20 minute walk, but worth it once there, not least for less hectic trains.
The Fox and Goose hotel (Hanger Lane, W5 1DP) is another option for punters looking to get out of the melee but not go too far. About a 30 minute walk, it gets you good beers and traditional pub grub and is positioned close to lots of rail and bus routes.
Otherwise, give Sky Bar 9 (Lakeside Way, Wembley Park, HA9 0BU) a go. It’s one of the fancier establishments in the area. Find it at the Hilton hotel. The cocktail list is solid if not entirely adventurous — it deals in the classics, from cosmopolitans to Negronis — but this place is all about the view. Depending on where you sit, you’ll either get an eyeful of Wembley Stadium’s famous arch or a panorama of north west London and beyond.
Wembley Stadium, Wembley Way, HA9 0WS, wembleystadium.com
