I could say the same about bristol being a good place to visit!
Good pubs:
Admiral Benbow - Swan Hill - 6 Local good ales plus euro beers, no kids, only snacks
Coach and Horses - Swan Hill - 6 v.Good ales, recommend Salopian Oracle (hoppy & pale), good food
The Three Fishes - Fish street - quality timber framed pub selling wide range of ales, does food if you can get a table.
The Salopian bar - Smithfield Road - Modern look but friendly and busy, close to station and Wetherspoons. Wide range of good ales and loads of euro/craft bottled ales, snacks & rolls only.
The Armoury - Victoria Avenue - quite large but unique pub, loads of ales and does good food but a bit more pricey.
The Wheatsheaf - High Street - Marstens Pub, but in excellent condition and does a great lunch that is actually proper food!
The Nags Head - Wyle Cop - Does 5 odd ales in good nick, can get busy
The Lion and Pheasant - Wyle Cop - Hotel and a bit contemporary, but does three local ales in good condition. Good if you have a partner with you!
Bar wise armoury and Salopian will appeal. Montgomery towers (posh wetherspoons)- clairmont bank, near wetherspoons and Belstone Barker St is newly reopened and I believe sells ale but will be 'upmarket'
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The Prince of Wales - Bynner Street - On the way to the ground, can park there if early enough and get a bus to ground and back. Great choice of beers, local and from afar.
The Belle Vue Tavern - Belle Vue Road - On the way to the ground, should be friendly.
The Charles Darwin - Sutton road - All welcome here, can park in pub carpark if early enough and as long as you spend in the pub can leave it there. Estate around it is warden controlled in match time. the Brooklands - Roman Road - Never been in, closest to ground and supposed to be for both fans but...
Local brewery beers to look out for - Salopian (award winner), Three Tuns, Hobsons (award winner), Ludlow, Six Bells, Rowton, Dickensian, Stonehouse Others that are popular in the town - Oakhams, Darkstar,
Depends how you're travelling up. If you are getting train then there is a dedicated bus from the Station and other Arriva buses also head that way. Taxi's are dead cheap too, Central Taxi's 01743 44-11-44 if you book earlier.
http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/serviceIn...216&r=Midlands Number 27 bus route
If driving there are several park and rides to choose from and there is a P&R by the Meole Brace retail park that people use. Many park in the Meole Brace retail park, but be wary as they ticket on a saturday during games! Sainsbury's doesn't seem to, but that is a risk you take.