In the days of Roker Park, the ground (albeit in a daft location) was always alive and buzzing in the area..... The Derby pub was probably the main haunt for many looking for a pre-match bevy or two... The Cliff was pretty similar, people even used to go to the Cambridge..... The Grange and Blue Bell, buzzing... But how is pre-match now, especially for those who travel a distance.... Is the build up to the main event as good as ever? This is how the Derby has turned out since the ground moved.. http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/...-despite-objections-from-neighbours-1-4430285 Must admit, it's still what i would class as one of my locals when i'm in the country.
I used to love a pint in the Howard Arms on my way to Roker Park...Now I normally drink in the Railway Club on Holmside before heading off to the stadium...
Many a pint in the Pilot Cutter before it changed into the Harbour View, now its Mill View club or The Albion post match.
As a Fulwell lad, it was Bell, Derby at Roker, then Bell, Grange at the SOL. As an ex-pat, I end up in the city centre, which is frankly devoid of any life whatsoever in my opinion on a matchday. Absolute ****e. We always dip in the Tavern for one, that's usually canny with a few away fans in the mix.
Sister lived just round the corner from The Cambridge and knew the owners daughter so we used to go there after the Howard Arms for a couple of cheap beers. It was then down to The Derby early enough to find a spot far enough away from the bar not to get caught up in the feeding frenzy but, close enough to just sidle round the corner if we needed any more. These days it's a quick one in Jamesons or straight to The Gunners club then the long walk over the bridge to SOL.
I used to travel in by train so it was always the Blue Bell for me followed by a walk to the ground to a sweet shop, the name escapes me, for a quarter of midget gems given that the food at RP was largely unedible!
I used to travel up with my dad, have a cowboy meal near the ground and then pop across the road for a cup of tea at the WI inside the church. Until I hit 11 and chose the back and white path..
