Chelsea match day guide: How to plan the perfect day out at Stamford Bridge

Match day: The home of Premier League heavyweights Chelsea
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Harry Fletcher28 September 2018

Every other weekend during football season, plush west London is transformed for match days at Stamford Bridge, home to Premier League heavyweights Chelsea.

Tucked away among handsome surroundings off Fulham Road, Stamford Bridge has hosted football since the 19th century and been the home of Chelsea since their formation in 1905.

A slightly curious ground in some respects, with the two on-site hotels giving it an unconventional look, the place is always rocking on match days.

It’s smaller than most top grounds too, with a capacity of just 41,000, but when the Blues are on song it’s an electrifying place to watch football.

Fans have enjoyed great success here, especially over the last 15 years, with Chelsea winning the Premier League title five times since the arrival of owner Roman Abramovich in 2003.

Plans for new stadium developments which would have seen Chelsea temporarily move to Wembley are seemingly on hold for now, so it looks like fans will be watching their team here for years to come.

This is the match day guide to the Bridge.

The Bridge: The ground has hosted Chelsea games since back in 1905 
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How to get there

The best way to travel to games direct is via Fulham Broadway station, which is on the District Line and sits right outside the ground.

London Overground and Southern rail services also operate via Imperial Wharf, which is a ten minute walk from the ground and avoids congestion.

The number 14, 211 and 414 buses stop outside Stamford Bridge on the Fulham Road.

Fans are advised by the club not to drive to the ground due to parking restrictions in the area.

Breakfast Spots

The Imperial Arms is a smart bet for breakfast on Saturdays, serving both traditional and veggie full English options. Bear in mind the brunch menu is replaced by the roast menu on Sundays. The pub itself is also a good spot for a quick drink — it used to be a little rough around the edges, but recent renovations have made it a really comfortable place to take in the pre-match atmosphere.

Love Walk Cafe is a slightly more affordable option for full English and American breakfasts on Jerdan Place, just a short walk from the ground.

Away fans tend to congregate in Parsons Green before heading into Fulham Broadway, and District on Parsons Green Lane does great takeout coffee for the journey.

Pre-match pints

The Rose pub, found a short walk away from the ground on Harwood Terrace, does good beer and reasonably priced food. The paved beer garden is a nice place to spend time on sunny days too.

If you’re in a hurry, the Wetherspoons pub Oyster Rooms in Fulham Broadway station is good for a swift pint or a cheap and cheerful meal. Don't expect any oysters, though.

The Butcher’s Hook, found directly opposite the ground, sounds much more menacing than it is. It’s actually a really comfortable Fulham pub, with a well stocked bar, a wide selection of craft ale and an inviting mezzanine area to enjoy them in.

If you want to get even closer to the ground, Frankie’s Sports Bar & Diner is found in the stadium complex itself. It’s worth visiting if you’re into your American sports, which are shown regularly here.

Away fans gathering in Parsons Green tend to head to The White Horse — a Victorian gastropub with a wide selection of beers.

Kick-off

Food and drink inside the ground is expensive, naturally. Expect to pay around £5.50 for a beer and £4.50 for a burger. We recommend getting food before heading in to avoid the inflated prices and queues.

The club also offer a variety of corporate hospitality for members. For more information about the club's membership scheme and Diamond suites, head here.

After that, it’s a case of taking your seat and enjoying the game — expect to hear Chelsea’s unofficial anthems The Liquidator by the Harry J Allstars and One Step Beyond by Madness blared out over the speakers before and after matches too.

Post-match refreshments

The best pubs to watch football in London

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Fans looking for a place to head after games are spoiled for choice in Fulham, with the King’s Road, Knightsbridge and Mayfair all nearby.

Megan’s on King’s Road is great for Mediterranean food and Lucky Pig on Clipstone Street is great for cocktails and pizza, as well as cheese and meat platters.

Cafe Brazil offers up an intriguing mix of Italian and Brazilian cuisines, while The Botanist is one of the most stylish bars on the King’s Road. The dining room in Jak's is a lovely open space, perfect for bigger groups looking to tuck into pizza and pasta.

If you’re looking to keep the party going, live music and events venue Under The Bridge is found, as the name suggests, directly underneath the ground and throws some pretty great club nights from time to time. Make sure to check out our guides to the best clubs in west London too.

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