One of the reasons why West Ham United fans have struggled to adapt to the London Stadium is the lack of pubs around the ground. At Upton Park, you had The Boleyn with its fantastic atmosphere that was just a stone's throw away from the stadium. You also had other great boozers such as The Black Lion and The Abbey Arms. However, they are a fair distance away from the London Stadium.
At the London Stadium, there are bars around the Westfield shopping centre, but they are a bit pricey. On the other side of the Stratford Centre, there are more affordable pubs, but they are a long walk from the ground. You can also go to Hackney Wick if you like the hipster vibe and craft beer.
Ranking the pubs and bars to go to before West Ham games
15. Freaks and Geeks
This pub changes its name very often. It is a gaming pub that can be quite fun. However, the choice of drinks is unusual.
14. Cart & Horses
If you like rock music, this pub is for you. It was where Iron Maiden was formed.
13. Roof East
Scenic views as it is on top of the Statford Centre. However, quite expensive. Somewhere to go for one, take a few pictures and then head down to the Wetherspoons.
12. Crate Brewery
Lively pub, but with a hipster vibe. Craft beer is not for everyone. There are other hipster pubs on the Hackney side of the ground too.
11. The Neighbourhood
If you are arriving from Statfod International, this is one of the first pubs you come across. A bit pricey, but a nice place to drink on a sunny day.
10. The Cow
Proximity-wise, this is the closest pub to the ground, but it is expensive. You are also drinking on the edge of the shopping centre. If you are short on time and only going for one or two, it is fine. However, not a pub to have a session in due to the price of beer.
9. Bat & Ball Stratford
Good fun if you like table tennis. Often lively, but fairly pricey too.
8. Golden Grove
Nice big beer garden, which is lovely when the weather is nice. Cheap, good beer, as it is a Wetherspoons. Decent atmosphere too. Limited West Ham memorabilia, though.
7. King Edward VII
Known locally as the 'King Eddies', this pub is like the TARDIS as it is bigger on the inside. You can also play darts and pool in this pub.
6. The Queens Head
Located on the island where West Ham Lane meets Broadway. Good pub to play darts and has decent beer. Quite small, so it can get quite rammed.
5. The Carpenter's Arms
Good atmosphere, and popular with many Hammers fans. However, it is a bit out of the way as it is located between the ground and Stratford High Street DLR station.
4. The Abbey Tap
This pub is owned by the Stonegate Group, which also owns The Sportsman. They are similar pubs, but The Abbey Tap is a bit smaller. It has a good atmosphere and TVs for watching football. It also has a soft-tip dartboard, which is fun but not the same as a proper board.
3. The Spotsman
Decent sports bar with screens, a pool, and darts. The beer is okay, but the Ales can sometimes be a bit off. Good selection of ciders behind the bar. However, some are quite strong, so drink responsibly! Must remember your ID, as they scan it before you go in.
2. The Railway Tavern
Good atmosphere, with space to drink outside too. Lots of West Ham memorabilia, and staff in Hammers shirts too.
1. Ye Olde Black Bull
Good atmosphere, decent beer, and full of West Ham memorabilia. The staff also wear West Ham attire on matchdays. Has TV screens to watch the early and late kick-offs too. However, being on the other side of the Stratford Centre, it is a fair walk to the ground.
Add us as a preferred source on Google