There are no shortage of bars opening around Hill Dickinson Stadium.
With 53,000 thirsty fans set to descend on the docks this weekend we decided to go off the beaten track and asked fans for their recommendations for the best bars near the stadium that others may not know about.
Of the better-known bars, the Bluehouse and Terrace Bar directly outside the northern entrance to the stadium will be popular options for home fans before and after the game. Both are large multi-storey bars and will be packed out fo the Brighton game.
A fan told us: “The Bluehouse was a mad house. Very busy but the bar was rammed. Very lively though and a good happy atmosphere.”
Read more: Exploring the pubs of Bramley Moore
The Bramley Moore Pub near to the southern gate will also be busy and as a small pub you will have to get there early to enjoy a drink in the ground’s oldest nearby pub.
Ten Streets Social and Murphy’s Distillery are vast spaces doing food and drink in a lively atmosphere – but what about the lesser-known bars of Regent Road? We asked Evertonians who attended the test events and the Roma friendly to offer their thoughts on other bars in the area that may interest fans on Sunday.
Royal Crest Bar
Those walking from Sandhills Station might have spotted two small bars en route. The Sandhills Cafe next to the station has obtained an alcohol licence and was doing a roaring trade for the Roma game.
However it was a second bar on the way to the stadium that earned good reviews from fans.
The Royal Crest Bar has been refurbished in time for the new season and despite its small size it did allow fans to spill out onto the street and enjoy the sunshine before the short walk to the stadium.
A matchgoer told us: “I went into the Royal Crest it was small and very very busy. The weather helped as we had the drinks outside. Nice bar with football on and staff were quick and friendly.”
Get there early and it could be a winner.
The River and Roads Cafe
If the Royal Crest is busy you can always turn and walk away from the stadium. A short distance to the north is the River and Roads Cafe, a superb little cafe that usually finds itself catering for truckers.
Longer term they want to expand into the space next door and become more of a sports bar for Evertonians but even now it has come highly recommended by one match goer.
They told us: “Decent pint around £5. Sells street food at reasonable prices. Some tables upstairs inside and tables outside. Good atmosphere and friendly staff.”
Fliers
Fliers is a strange one. A short walk past Ten Streets, Murphy’s Distillery and the Invisible Wind Factory on the way from the stadium into the city centre, Fliers was our post-match choice as we were looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
The golf centre has big screens and was relatively empty when we arrived. There was lots of seating including cosy booths and it took seconds to be served by the friendly staff. Set back slightly from Regent Street, this is a great option if you want a stop off on the walk into the city centre after the game but you do not want to be queuing at a bar for ages.
There is also a small outside area when the weather is nice.
Read more: Ten Streets Social reveals Everton fan park
The Lock Up Bar
The Denbigh Castle has (rightly) become the club’s go-to bar in the city centre. Well placed near Moorfields station, the pub is run by Evertonians, stocks a range of excellent beers, and has a brilliant pre- and post match atmosphere.
There is a second option in town. The Everton-themed Lock Up Bar is a short walk from Moorfields Station and has Everton-themed decor and affordable drinks.
A fan told us: “Lock Up Bar just down from Moorfields. It was easy to get served there, good atmosphere and easy 10 min walk to the bus station for a service to the stadium.”