Our continued guide to away games, Anne Noble turns her attention to Crystal Palace with directions a good guide to finding your favourite drink.
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
Leave the M25 at Junction 7 and follow the signs for the A23 to Croydon. At Purley bear left onto the A23 at its junction with the A 235 (to Croydon). You will pass roundabouts and junctions with the A232 and A236 as you pass Croydon, after which the A23 bears left at Thornton Heath (at the Horseshoe pub roundabout). Here you must go straight over, into Brigstock Road (B266), passing Thornton Heath Station on your left and bearing right on to the High Street. At the next mini roundabout, (Whitehorse Road/Grange Road) go left into Whitehorse Lane. The ground is on your right.
An alternative route for fans coming from the North, is to leave the M25 at Junction 10 and follow the A3 towards London. After about ten miles you will reach the Tolworth roundabout at which you turn right onto the A240 towards Epsom. After about three miles turn onto the A232 towards Sutton. Follow the A232 through Sutton and Carshalton and just before reaching Croydon, turn left onto the A23 north towards Thornton Heath'. Where the A23 bears left at Thornton Heath (at the Horsehoe pub roundabout) then as above.
There is plenty of street parking in the area. Please note that the traffic can be pretty bad on Saturdays even without football traffic, so make sure you allow yourself some extra time to make the journey.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are Selhurst or Thornton Heath which are served by London Victoria main line station, Clapham Junction, London Bridge (every 30 mins) and East Croydon (every 15 mins). You can also use Norwood Junction station which is also served by Victoria, but is a little further away. It is then a 10-15 minute walk to ground. Please note that Crystal Palace station is nowhere near the ground.
Where To Drink?….
Opposite Thornton Heath Railway Station there is a Wetherspoons pub, popular with both home and away supporters. It is about a 15 minute walk from here to the ground (as you come out of the pub turn right and follow the other fans). There are plenty of Kebab & Chip shops available on the route to the ground.
Around Selhurst Railway Station:
Two Brewers – Gloucester Road
From the station cross the road using the zebra crossing and turn right (heading away from ground). Gloucester Road is third on the left. Comfortable cottage type pub. Small public bar, Shepherd Neame ales on sale – rare outside Kent.
Clifton Arms Clifton Road
Turn left out of the station and take the 3rd road on the left. This is the nearest pub to Stadium. A big Victorian corner pub well known for high quality of ales. Selection changes weekly. 3 or 4 bitters always on. Drawback: due to popularity away fans will only be admitted if they turn up early. After One thirty it's Palace season ticket holders only past the doorman.
Around Thornton Heath Railway Station:
The Railway Telegraph – Brigstock Road
From the station cross the road (zebra) and turn right. Pub is 100 yards down this road. A spacious Youngs house. Firm favourite with away fans. Also there's a Wetherspoons pub directly opposite the station.
Around Norwood Junction Railway Station:
The Alliance – Station Road (by clock tower)
A gem. Usually two real ales. Narrow shape of bar does means it can get crowded when waiting for service. Bar staff are friendly.
Wetherspoons – South Norwood High Street
A few doors down from the Alliance. Standard Wetherspoons fare.
The Ship – South Norwood High St
From Station Turn right at Clock Tower into the High St. Continue down to cross roads with Portland Road. Cross with care and carry on for another 100 metres. The Ship is a free house with 3-4 real ales and ciders. Has wooden floor, juke box SKY TV. Very noisy.
The Portmanor – Portland Road
From Station Turn right at Clock Tower into the High St. Continue down to cross roads with Portland Road. At crossroads turn right heading downhill under railway bridge You can't miss the pub. Do not be put off by garish disco decor this place serves great beers. Usually 3 real ales. Banks of TVs behind the bar are continuously screening football.
There are also plenty of refreshments available in the ground, including burgers and chips. However, if there is a sizeable away support, then getting food and drink could be a problem, as there is only one small refreshment area to cater for everyone. Plus as there is no formal queuing system, then joining the scrum that inevitably ensues at the counter, is not for the faint hearted so you may consider getting something outside of the ground before the game starts.
Selhurst Park is a short distance away (5 minute drive depending on traffic) from Croydon Town Centre with its multitude of shops, bars and restaurants. Parking in the town centre can be expensive but there'd be greater choice for a lunchtime meal and pre match drink. If anyone wants to make a night of their trip to South London then the town centre has a lively nightlife
Thanks to Alan Palmer, Susan Bowen and the Football Ground Guide for the tips featured in this article