Crewe, despite the awful grimness of the place itself is often a cracking day out with a plethora of pubs within five minutes walk of the ground. On some occasions however when we have taken a large away following it has been known for the pubs around the ground to be closed early, or even just closed full stop so with that in mind I have checked with The Royal (see below) and they inform me they are open on Saturday before the game.

Although the ground is on the edge of the town-centre it does of course have the massive advantage of being only a two minute walk from Crewe’s railway station. As such the logical and most convenient drinking establishments for those arriving by train, are those dotted along Nantwich Road, most of which have a reputation for being away friendly despite doormen operating at most.

The Brunswick can be iffy about letting away fans in so the Royal Hotel across the road from the entrance to Gresty Road is usually the away fans pub of choice. Bouncers will direct away fans to their own bar. The latter offers a decent selection of lagers and keg beer and has Sky Sports. It does get absolutely packed after 2pm however.

Personally, if it’s worth shifting from there I wouldn’t bother with The Bank, or the Barrel which has had an American style refurb, but head instead to The British Lion which does hand-pulled Tetley and dark mild.

There are numerous other pubs within 10 minutes walk of the ground generally, including the family orientated Brocklebank (Brewsters) which is handy for families or anyone daft enough to drive and end up parked on the nearby industrial estate.

Those venturing away from the ground might like to try The Borough Arms on the edge of the town, (about 10 minutes walk) which is probably the best pub in Crewe for choice of ale, and offers a more traditional and relaxed atmosphere to those adjacent to the stadium without being too much of a bladder-busting hike come quarter to three. Take a right down Mill Street (after The Royal), then right and right again into Earle Street.