Diego_Sideburns Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 (edited) Roots Hall, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea , Essex SS2 6NQ. The away entrance is in Fairfax Drive. Roots Hall has modern electronic turnstiles. Try to keep your ticket relatively uncreased because it has to be inserted in a bar-code reader at the turnstile to gain entrance to the stadium. NOTE: Stewards are alerted when a concession or junior ticket is being used, so that they can check that it was for the appropriate person. Away fans are housed in the North Stand, the front of which is below pitch level, with steps leading up to each pitch access points. Like most former terraces that have had seats bolted onto them, the leg room and height distance between each row is less than desirable, resulting in little leg room between the rows and frequent banging of knees on the row in front and getting kneed in the back from the row behind. There is also a problem with the large number of supporting pillars impeding the view. Although this does not make for a great experience, at least the Stand is covered and its barrel-shaped roof enables comparatively few away fans to really make some noise, if prepared to sing. The usual range of refreshments within the away area is served from a 'transport cafe' type establishment, complete with tables and chairs. NOTE: Alcohol is not served in the stadium. Disabled facilities: Disabled supporters are advised to contact the Club before match-day to confirm arrangements as disabled facilities are very limited. In order to qualify for concessionary ticket prices and a complimentary ticket for the helper, supporters must produce evidence of disability living allowance. There are six seats in the East Stand and a further two seats in the adapted executive box in the East Stand for visually impaired supporters. Headphones are provided and helpers are allocated seats alongside. How to get there: By road From the North: From M25 Junction 29 take the A127 signposted Southend and stay on that road past ‘Welcome to Southend’ signs, over 3 sets of traffic lights and straight over Tesco's roundabout (the Strawberry Fields pub [brewer’s Fayre] and Premier Travel Inn). Over next traffic lights (the Bell pub) and at the next roundabout take the third exit into Victoria Avenue. The away end at Roots Hall is right at the next traffic lights into Fairfax Drive, although the club car park is straight ahead at those lights halfway up the hill and on the right by the club shop. From the South: From M25 Junction 30 take the A13 signposted Tilbury and stay on that road following signs to Southend, past Basildon, through Hadleigh and right into town. About 37 miles from Junction 30 you pass a large park (Chalkwell Park) on your right. Continue on the A13 towards the town centre for half a mile and the Palace Theatre is on the right, bear left along West Road and the ground is on the left after about half mile. The visitors seats are left at the traffic lights, down the hill + left again at the next traffic lights. The club car park is half way down the hill by the club shop. Parking: There is plenty of street parking to be found. Otherwise there is a car park at the ground, behind the Main Stand, or there is the Southend High School For Boys which also offers car parking (the school entrance is on Prittlewell Road). By train: The closest station to the ground is Prittlewell, about a five minute walk away. It is served by trains from London Liverpool Street. As you exit the station turn right, you will then come to a crossroads with traffic lights. On your right is the 'Fish House', fish and chip shop. Pass this and turn right. Walk about 100 yards and the ground is tucked away on your left. NOTE: The Railway Tavern is a large pub right outside the train station and very much a ‘home’ pub – away supporters are advised not to enter. If you happen to end up at Southend Central station (served by trains from London Fenchurch Street), you're about a 25 minute walk from the ground. By bus: The main bus station is close to Southend Central, and therefore it may be an idea to get a bus up to the ground, rather than walking. Arriva buses 7, 8, 9 and 29, and First buses 20,21 and 25 go to the stadium. Food: The Fish House fish and chip shop located across the road from the Blue Boar by the traffic lights is excellent. It is pricey but also serves a ‘bargain’ meal. There is also a the Fishy Flyer chippy about a quarter of a mile from the ground on Fairfax Drive. It's on the same road as the entrance to the away end and in the opposite direction to the ground (away from the traffic lights). Along the sea front there are the normal fast food and slightly more upmarket restaurants off the Esplanade and the streets just behind. Where to drink; On your way into Southend on the A127, you pass the Bell, a large Toby Carvery, and the Strawberry Fields similar to the Clayton Green. This is convenient if staying at the Premier Travel Inn, but about 1.5miles from Roots Hall. The town centre is around a 20 minute walk away, where there are plenty of pubs including a Wetherspoons outlet (the Last Post on Clifftown Road), O’Neill’s, Yates, Varsity and Reflex, as well as plenty of individual pubs and bars. There are a couple of dozen located along the sea front and in the roads just behind. The Shrimpers Bar at Roots Hall is for members only. Last year nine Latics fans, including females and pensioners, went in the Blue Boar. They had been in there for over an hour, more than doubling the pub's clientelle. Then, after being given the 'seal of approval' by visiting Police officers, they could not believe it when they were all told to leave, not because of anything they had done, but simply because they were "away fans". I have phoned the Blue Boar, which is now under new management, and explained what happened last year. The pub’s policy is still not to admit away fans, but the manager told me that if well-behaved away fans were in there before the doormen came on duty, they would be allowed to remain. This is not acceptable, so the ‘Latics nine early birds’ will be not giving this pub their custom. Since last year the Golden Lion has been refurbished after fire damage and it is now the official pub for away fans. It is the nearest pub to the stadium on the A127, just up from the car park entrance to the Main Stand. The nearby Spread Eagle pub is for home fans only. Map of the area showing the Golden Lion: http://www.multimap.com/maps/?zoom=16&...7:0.7044:16|SS2 6NE|SS2 6NE What to do in Southend: Southend has seven miles of award-winning sandy beaches and the world’s longest pier at 1.5 miles long,. The pier is constantly undergoing repair due to fires, boat crashes and storms The town also has Adventure Island – a 40 ride funpark, located on the Western Esplanade straddling the pier, offering all sorts of rides for adults and children. The park has free admission with wristbands available depending on your size, ranging from £7 to £20, allowing unlimited rides throughout the day and into the night in peak season. The Kursaal on the Eastern Esplanade used to house the largest amusement park in the south of England throughout much of the 20th Century. Closing in 1973, the original building gained listed status and is now home to a 30-lane Megabowl and the Rendezvous Casino. The town is one of the most child-friendly with over 80 parks and 40 playgrounds, a Sea-life Adventure Centre on the Eastern Esplanade, the Kids’ Kingdom soft play area on the A127 and a skateboard park and BMX track. For the more adventurous, there’s also the water-sports centre. There are two big shopping arcades at either end of the High Street – The Royals and the Victoria Plaza. There are over 50 pubs, a dozen clubs, and over a 150 places to eat. Edited September 25, 2009 by Diego_Sideburns Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudemedic Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Yet again Diego manages to post something about him being chucked out of a pub in Southend. There is a post from a Southend fan on here that says something about a train strike and how it affects services to Southend- I suggest you include that in your report. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsslatic Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 Last year nine Latics fans, including females and pensioners, went in the Blue Boar. They had been in there for over an hour, more than doub- *jsslatic hangs self* My mate from Southend went to their game against Orient and said the away fans were in the BB, with a sign saying 'Away Fans Welcome'. He then said it was possible it was the Golden Lion, but thought it was still burnt out. He's clearly not that observant. Anywhere's better than The Nelson. That was awful. Looking forward to this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 My mate from Southend went to their game against Orient and said the away fans were in the BB, with a sign saying 'Away Fans Welcome'. He then said it was possible it was the Golden Lion, but thought it was still burnt out. He's clearly not that observant. Anywhere's better than The Nelson. That was awful. Looking forward to this one. If your mate wants to attract the girls, he needs to get his information accurate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 There is a post from a Southend fan on here that says something about a train strike and how it affects services to Southend- I suggest you include that in your report. No sooner said than done. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 My mate from Southend went to their game against Orient and said the away fans were in the BB, with a sign saying 'Away Fans Welcome'. He then said it was possible it was the Golden Lion, but thought it was still burnt out. He's clearly not that observant. In case anyone is confused, the Blue Boar does not welcome away fans, but the Golden Lion, which has been refurbished after a fire, is the official pub for away fans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeslover Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 No sooner said than done. Cheers! You might also want to include some advice about not sleeping rough in Eastborne on the night after the game before having to travel most of the way back to Southend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futchers briefs Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 And if you get in the centre of Southend, there are 2 indian restaurants - where the first one you come to has a gay asian as the head waiter, whose family live in Coppice!!! Honestly, you couldn't write it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 You might also want to include some advice about not sleeping rough in Eastborne on the night after the game before having to travel most of the way back to Southend. Let sleeping dogs lie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 14, 2009 Author Share Posted September 14, 2009 Yet again Diego manages to post something about him being chucked out of a pub in Southend. What a contrast with the Sportsman & Annexe in Bristol where senior fans are treated with respect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky_Latic Posted September 14, 2009 Share Posted September 14, 2009 And if you get in the centre of Southend, there are 2 indian restaurants - where the first one you come to has a gay asian as the head waiter, whose family live in Coppice!!! Honestly, you couldn't write it!! You love that story big man. About 15 of us down for the weekend again. Not sure i'm going the ground - doubtful seeing as it'll be a waste of money. I couldnt even see the game last year, yet alone realise we'd scored/won. Far too sober at the time. Dont really fancy paying £20 to stare at my feet again. Plan is to simply get pissed in Varsity, Dick De Vignes and other establishments in Southend. Hopefully another top weekend. No being started on by "cage fighters" or nearly getting kicked out of the chinese next door to the hotel this year. Plenty of fishbowls, buca and lovely essex girls again though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoDtS Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 The Train strike was called off Yesterday, so if you're going by Train to Southend the best route is Liverpool Street to Prittlewell then 5 minutes walk from there. By the way the Blue Boar aint the best Pub in the world, it tends to be down to the mood of the bouncers who gets in or not, and if you do get in you'll wonder why you bothered. The Golden Lion is the official away boozer, again not the best pub, it's carefully monitored by the police but they have no problems with singing etc always quite lively when I walk past. I don't know why but their has been a huge police presence this year but then we've played Huddersfield. Millwall, Borient and Leeds and each brought about 2,000. Generally no problems at Southend just come and enjoy the day. Bye DoDtS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsslatic Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 I don't know why but their has been a huge police presence this year but then we've played Huddersfield. Millwall, Borient and Leeds and each brought about 2,000. Generally no problems at Southend just come and enjoy the day. We will bring the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 17, 2009 Author Share Posted September 17, 2009 The Train strike was called off Yesterday, so if you're going by Train to Southend the best route is Liverpool Street to Prittlewell then 5 minutes walk from there. By the way the Blue Boar aint the best Pub in the world, it tends to be down to the mood of the bouncers who gets in or not, and if you do get in you'll wonder why you bothered. The Golden Lion is the official away boozer, again not the best pub, it's carefully monitored by the police but they have no problems with singing etc always quite lively when I walk past. I don't know why but their has been a huge police presence this year but then we've played Huddersfield. Millwall, Borient and Leeds and each brought about 2,000. Generally no problems at Southend just come and enjoy the day. Bye DoDtS Thanks for your help. I've deleted the information about the possible rail strike from the opening post on this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAV Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 The Train strike was called off Yesterday, so if you're going by Train to Southend the best route is Liverpool Street to Prittlewell then 5 minutes walk from there. By the way the Blue Boar aint the best Pub in the world, it tends to be down to the mood of the bouncers who gets in or not, and if you do get in you'll wonder why you bothered. The Golden Lion is the official away boozer, again not the best pub, it's carefully monitored by the police but they have no problems with singing etc always quite lively when I walk past. I don't know why but their has been a huge police presence this year but then we've played Huddersfield. Millwall, Borient and Leeds and each brought about 2,000. Generally no problems at Southend just come and enjoy the day. Bye DoDtS Udders brought 2,000 never Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsslatic Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Udders brought 2,000 never 1,351. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share Posted September 26, 2009 NOTE: The Railway Tavern is a large pub right outside the train station and very much a ‘home’ pub – away supporters are advised not to enter. Since last year the Golden Lion has been refurbished after fire damage and it is now the official pub for away fans. It is the nearest pub to the stadium on the A127, just up from the car park entrance to the Main Stand. We went in the Golden Lion, which proved to be a big disappointment. The place had hardly any furniture and had just a lick of white paint on the walls. There was a very limited choice of drinks, served in plastic glasses. Mr. S. had a pint of Guinness which tasted of chemicals and was quickly replaced. The new management was very amateurish. So we walked to the Railway Tavern near Prittlewell Station and found the above information very misleading about being only for home fans. It was a great pub, with a big selection of drinks served in proper glasses. There was live football on the big screens and a good mix of home and away fans. We were made very welcome and thanked for our custom when we left. What a refreshing change from last year! The Blue Boar - "To help not hinder" - my arse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futchers briefs Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 And the good ship RockyLatic informs me that the pub where we frequented last year....was this year SHUT! Still didn't stop their pillarage of the south coast.this year....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeslover Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 We went in the Golden Lion, which proved to be a big disappointment. The place had hardly any furniture and had just a lick of white paint on the walls. There was a very limited choice of drinks, served in plastic glasses. Mr. S. had a pint of Guinness which tasted of chemicals and was quickly replaced. The new management was very amateurish. So we walked to the Railway Tavern near Prittlewell Station and found the above information very misleading about being only for home fans. It was a great pub, with a big selection of drinks served in proper glasses. There was live football on the big screens and a good mix of home and away fans. We were made very welcome and thanked for our custom when we left. What a refreshing change from last year! The Blue Boar - "To help not hinder" - my arse! The Golden Lion is a contender, in a field with strong competition, for the worst pub I have ever been in. More bouncers than bar staff, more beers off than on and the beer they did have was utterly rank. The Southend ticket office was also the least competent operation I have seen in a very long time. About 8 people, including the bird whose job was clearly to stand and pout, but only one of them could do anything at one time as they only hard one very slow machine printing tickets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 27, 2009 Author Share Posted September 27, 2009 The Golden Lion is a contender, in a field with strong competition, for the worst pub I have ever been in. Did you go in the Nelson last season? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeslover Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Did you go in the Nelson last season? No, heard it was full of trouble makers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldham Community Trust Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 No, heard it was full of trouble makers. No trouble makers at Southend. The Nelson is a bit of a dive but a friendly pub! They too have npw banned away supporters. I would say one to bear in mind for next season but not sure this will be a fixture one way or the other! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diego_Sideburns Posted September 27, 2009 Author Share Posted September 27, 2009 No trouble makers at Southend. The Nelson is a bit of a dive but a friendly pub! They too have npw banned away supporters. I would say one to bear in mind for next season but not sure this will be a fixture one way or the other! Have you got an opinion on the Blue Boar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldham Community Trust Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Have you got an opinion on the Blue Boar? Its an OK pub but very important in the history of SUFC. I think the problem we have is the idiots that come to the Hall! With it being a seaside town we tend to attract a larger then normaal fair share of idiots and the police rather then the landlords set the rules! Railway and Spread are both decent pubs too. Its a sham the only official boozer available is the Lion which is truly awful! Good 3 points for you yesterday and a real chance to add another 6 this week with 2 very winable matches! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeslover Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 No trouble makers at Southend. The Nelson is a bit of a dive but a friendly pub! They too have npw banned away supporters. I would say one to bear in mind for next season but not sure this will be a fixture one way or the other! The trouble maker in question is an Oldham, "fan," not that many of us consider him as such. He went on a mad pub crawl last year and slapped numerous peace-loving Southend fans in the face with his pension book and attempted to put Marmite into the vinegar shakers of several pubs, then cries wolf because he was thrown out. Most of us wash our hands of him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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