Why Pubs Are the Ultimate Chelsea Pre-Game Ritual
If you haven’t realized by now, a Chelsea game without a pint in hand is like a biscuit without jam—disgraceful. Pubs are the sacred temples of pre-game hype, where the air crackles with equal parts optimism and dread. But let’s be real: the real drama isn’t just the 90 minutes on the pitch. It’s the 90 minutes before kickoff, where you’re trying to decide whether to order the same beer as your mate or flex your ‘craft brew’ knowledge. Don’t worry—we’ve sorted the chaos for you. Here are the pubs that’ll turn your pre-game jitters into a full-blown (soaked) party.
The Best Pubs Before the Chelsea Game
1. The Blue Lion: Where Blue is the Only Color That Matters
Step into The Blue Lion, and you’ll feel like you’ve been dunked into a vat of cerulean regret. This pub is a Chelsea fan’s holy grail, with walls plastered in blue banners and a menu that includes a ‘Stamford Bridge Stout’ (we kid, we kid). The vibe here is electric—imagine a thousand people chanting “We’re the best” while trying to order a half-pint of lager. Pro tip: Arrive early. The bar staff here are less ‘cheerful’ than a drunk manager after a loss.
2. The Red Lion (Wait, What? Don’t Panic)
Yes, the *Red* Lion. No, you don’t have to leave. This pub is a masquerade ball for neutral fans and die-hard Chelseans alike. They’ve mastered the art of ‘subtle defiance’—their flag is blue, their flag is always flying. The real draw? Their ‘Blue Army Brew’ (a limited-edition lager that’s 90% hops and 10% existential dread). If you’re lucky, the owner might even throw in a free shot if you shout “Blue is the color of success” louder than the guy arguing about the ref’s decision from 2009.
3. The Crafty Chelsean: For the Beer Snobs Who Still Hate Burnley
Think of The Crafty Chelsean as the pub version of a Michelin star—except the stars are all on your forehead from too many shots. This place is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a rotating menu of IPAs that’ll make you question why you ever drank anything else. Their signature ‘Frank Lampard Ale’ is a bittersweet ode to the man himself. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the ‘Disgraceful Dessert Stout’—it’s just coffee, but we’re calling it ‘emotional closure’.
4. The Punter’s Pit: Where the Only Thing Lower Than the Wi-Fi Signal is the Self-Esteem
The Punter’s Pit is where the real magic happens. It’s the kind of pub where the TV is always on mute, everyone knows the score by heart, and the owner has a shrine to Didier Drogba in the corner. The menu here is simple: lager, bitter, and a ‘Chelsea Churn’ (a dessert that tastes like regret and nostalgia). The real reason to come here? The ‘Pre-Game Prediction Pool’—bet on who’ll score the first goal, and if you win, you get a free pint. If you lose… well, you’ll probably need two.
5. The Noble Artisan (Yes, Even Chelseans Need to Pretend)
For the 0.7% of you who think ‘artisan’ is a lifestyle, not a pretentious excuse to charge £10 for a beer, The Noble Artisan is your spot. This place offers a ‘Bluebird IPA’ that’s so crafty, it might start a Twitter war. The downside? There’s a 30-minute wait, and the barista will ask why you’re not supporting Arsenal. Just nod, smile, and leave a 20% tip. Or don’t. We won’t judge.
How to Navigate the Pub Hype Like a Pro
- Arrive Early: Pubs near the stadium fill up faster than a striker in a penalty box. Beat the rush by showing up 60 minutes before kickoff.
- Order the ‘Local’: Don’t try to impress with a ‘craft’ beer if you’ve never heard of the pub’s name. The locals will judge you. Hard.
- Sell Your Beer Online: Got a custom brew? Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer and let the pubs stock it. No, really, it works.
- Bring a Friend (or Two): Pubs can get rowdy. If you’re alone, people will either assume you’re a spy or try to rob you. Best to have backup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Choose the Right Pub Before the Chelsea Game?
Simple: pick the one that sells the most lager and has the least Arsenal fans. If you’re unsure, check Strategies.beer for tips on optimizing your pub game.
What If I’m a Neutral Fan?
Relax. Pubs are neutral zones. Order a pint, pretend you’re a Blue, and no one will question you. If they do, just say, “I’m here for the beer, not the team.” It works 80% of the time.
Can I Make My Own Beer for the Pub?
Absolutely. Take a class at Make Your Own Beer and create a ‘Frank Lampard Ale’ that’ll make even the snobbiest Chelsean cry. (Spoiler: it’s just flat beer.)
Conclusion: Stay Wet, Stay Blue
Whether you’re a die-hard Chelsean or just here for the chaos, these pubs are your gateway to a pre-game experience that’s equal parts thrilling and tragic. Remember: the goal isn’t to get drunk (though we won’t stop you), but to arrive at the stadium with enough liquid courage to chant “We’re the best” without blushing. Now go forth, raise a glass, and remember—custom beer is always better with friends. And if you’re running a pub? Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer and watch your pints fly like a winning team in the Champions League.
