Normally, of course, we depend on Geordiesaddler’s invaluable guide to the pubs of England and Wales on our away trips, but knowledge of the valleys is a little harder to come by! We thank our good friends at the Merthyr Supporter’s Trust (www.themartyrs.com), Mark Evans and Mike Donovan for the following precious information!

Pubs

The best option from 5.30pm onwards is RMs which is on Bethesda Street, easily accessible from the Castle Car Park and also from Brecon Road where it would seem the coaches will be dropping your supporters prior to the game. The landlord is happy to welcome Walsall fans.

(In fact, Mike Donovan has sent this further email about RMs: “I have spoken to the landlord Chris and he is expecting you. There is room for 300 downstairs and it’s likely that you’ll be the only people in there - he’s openingup an hour or so early hoping that you’ll all be there”).

The other option in Georgetown which just around the corner from RMs is The Lantern which is a good pub, open all day, but is a lot smaller than RMs.
The Park View pub on the Brecon Road, the nearest one to our ground, is not recommended.
As for the Town Centre, the best option would be Y Dic Penderyn which is a Wetherspoons pub however it is quite a trek up the hill to the ground.

Car Parking

Car parking is limited around the Brecon Road area, it’s all street parking which could be problematic. Any Walsall fans driving down to the game are advised to use either Castle Car Park directly opposite the Castle Hotel in the town centre (next to the Bus Station), it’s quite convenient then for fans to walk up the British Tip which a path opposite the Salvation Army HQ to the end of Brecon Road, you will come out directly opposite RMs.
The other option is the use the College Car Park which is over the river Bus Station, fans could then walk over the river bridge, past the Fire Station, and turn left heading for both Lantern and RMs.

Food

There is a Chinese take-away on Brecon Road called Chun Fay which is OK. There’s another one at the top of the High Street called the China Chef.
If any fans are staying over on Friday night and fancy a late night feed then head for the High Street and try Hing Hongs (Chinese) or Balti Wallah (Indian) restaurants, both are worth experiencing.
In fact there are plenty of chip shops etc in Merthyr, you shouldn’t go hungry.

I hope you enjoy your visit to Penydarren Park, no matter what the result.