The Ultimate Home & Away Pub Guide: Arsenal v Manchester United

Amelie Kirk
Jan 7
3 min read

With Arsenal vs Manchester United fast approaching, matchday rituals are firmly on the agenda and few do them better than the pubs surrounding the Emirates. From pre-kick-off anticipation to post-match analysis, this guide rounds up the best spots for soaking up the atmosphere, whether you’re backing the home side or travelling in, on the pints or opting for something fizzy. Expect good vibes, good drinks, and a shared love of football, whatever colours you’re wearing.

For the Gooners (home fans)

1. Tollington Arms

If you’re not quite ready to let matchday end, this is the obvious first stop. Just moments from the Emirates, The Tollington Arms is where Arsenal fans spill into post-whistle mode, pints in hand, voices raised and plenty of passionate debriefing. Expect high energy, a strong home-crowd presence and that unbeatable feeling when a win is still fresh.

2. The George Pub

A little calmer but still very much in the Arsenal orbit, The George is ideal if you want space to actually talk through the game. It’s a longtime favourite with local fans and has a welcoming, everyone-knows-the-chants feel, great for rounding up mates, ordering another round and reliving the best moments without shouting over the bar.

3. The Gunners Pub

You don’t get much more Arsenal than The Gunners. Just a short walk from the Emirates, it’s steeped in club history and comes into its own after full time, when fans pile in to replay the big moments and keep the matchday energy going. Expect scarves on the walls, a solid post-match crowd and a proper home-fan atmosphere.

4. The Highbury Barn Tavern

Tucked slightly away from the stadium rush, The Highbury Barn Tavern is a solid shout if you want breathing room after full time. Big enough for groups, sociable without being hectic, and perfect for stretching the evening, especially if you’re hungry and settling in for a longer stay.

5. Bank of Friendship

A favourite with Arsenal fans who like their post-match pints with a bit of atmosphere but no edge. The Bank of Friendship draws a lively, mixed crowd and comes into its own after the game, especially if the beer garden’s open. Good energy, decent drinks and ideal for easing from matchday into evening plans.

Neutral Pubs (Home & Away Fans)

1. The Faltering Fullback

A long-time favourite for good reason. The Faltering Fullback is big, relaxed and reliably mixed, making it one of the easiest places for both sets of fans to settle in after the game. The garden is genuinely one of the best in London (my personal favourite) and it’s the kind of place where post-match chats naturally turn into staying for “just one more”.

2. The Twelve Pins

On Premier League matchdays, The Twelve Pins can feel firmly Arsenal-coded, but for WSL fixtures, the vibe is noticeably more relaxed. Post-match, it fills with a genuinely mixed crowd of fans just looking for a pint, some food and a seat, making it an easy, low-pressure option if you want to keep the evening going without the intensity.

3. Brook Gate

Brook Gate is a proper neighbourhood pub that works well for post-match drinks on WSL days. It’s not heavily club-coded and tends to attract a mixed, low-key crowd after full time. A blend of fans, locals and people just stopping by. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than rowdy, making it a good option if you’re after a calm pint and a chat once the stadium buzz has eased.

Red Devils (away fans), this one's for you!

Drayton Park Arms

Sitting right by Drayton Park station, the Drayton Park Arms is the natural post-match landing spot for Manchester United fans. On WSL matchdays it tends to skew firmly away-crowd, making it a comfortable place to regroup, replay the big moments, and grab a pint without the full Gooner takeover. It’s not about lingering all night; think quick debrief, easy drinks and a smooth route home.

If you are in the mood to hang out into the evening, the neutral pubs around Finsbury Park are an easy wander away, mixed crowds, relaxed vibes and no awkward colour-coding required.

So those are the pubs to head to once full time’s called, but if you’re arriving early, we’ve got plans for before kick-off too. On the 10th of January, we’re hosting a Panini sticker swap outside The Armoury from 11.30am, ahead of Arsenal v Manchester United. Bring your doubles, your album (or just a pocketful of swaps) and come say hi. Home and away fans are both welcome. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to kick off matchday, meet other supporters and lean into the rituals that make women’s football such a good day out. See you there or maybe at the pub after the final whistle.