Craven Cottage, the historic home ground of Fulham FC, is not just famous for the football played on its pitch. It’s also renowned for the numerous pubs in its vicinity. Whether you’re a Fulham fan or a visiting supporter, these pubs offer a taste of British pub culture, along with an atmosphere that’s nothing short of electric on match days.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 best pubs near Craven Cottage. If you have any personal recommendations, feel free to get in touch with us here.
Quick Look
So, What are the best pubs near Craven Cottage?
The Duke's Head
Let’s start off by checking out one of our first pubs near Craven Cottage on the Putney side of the river – The Duke’s Head. This quintessentially British pub is Fulham FC through and through and finds itself sitting riverside in a grade II Victorian listed building, built nearly 150 years ago. Located just a 20 minute walk across the Thames to Craven Cottage, this spot has been a go-to pub for Fulham fans for years and years!
Featuring live sports and an expansive craft beer menu, The Duke’s Head is definitely worth a visit before heading to the game. As with most of the pubs listed in this article, you’ll be looking to pay around £6 a pint in here. This is one of the most popular Fulham pubs on the Putney side, so expect big queues, but a very lively atmosphere.
The Duke’s Head, 8 Lower Richmond Rd., London SW15 1ER
The Spotted Horse
Our second pub The Spotted Horse, found on the bustling Putney high street, is a traditional English pub with a modern twist. This is primarily a Fulham FC fan pub, so we don’t recommend heading here if you are an away fan! Like its equine name suggests, this pub has a long and storied history, tracing its roots back to the early 16th century.
This charming pub is a hotspot for football fans. Its live sports broadcasting creates an energetic, lively atmosphere, especially on match days. The beer selection here includes a range of local and international craft beers, costing around £6 per pint. Despite its busy location, the Spotted Horse manages to maintain an inviting, homely feel – but do anticipate a crowd when the games are on!
The Spotted Horse, 122 Putney High St, London SW15 1RG
This article has been supported by Fulham FC fans at Friends of Fulham to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date 2023/2024 season information. If you have any personal recommendations, please get in touch with us here.
The Durrell Arms
Just a short 10-minute stroll from Craven Cottage, you’ll find The Durrell Arms, a cornerstone in the Fulham football community. A staple in the area for decades, this traditional pub exudes a unique charm that’s deeply tied to the rhythm of match days. With an inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and the familiar camaraderie of loyal fans, you’ll immediately feel at home here. Definitely one of the most popular pubs near Craven Cottage.
Offering a variety of beers and ales at the typical rate of £6 a pint, The Durrell Arms guarantees a quality pub experience. It’s a prime spot to soak up the match-day vibes, with live music performances adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the buzz. Be warned, though: due to its popularity, the pub tends to fill up fast on match days, so an early arrival is recommended if you want to secure a good spot.
The Durrell Arms, 704 Fulham Rd., London SW6 5SA
The Crabtree
Nestled on the riverbank and a mere 15-minute walk from Craven Cottage, The Crabtree stands as a beacon for both local and visiting fans. With its stunning Victorian architecture and panoramic views of the Thames, this pub uniquely combines the classic English pub feel with a little bit of tranquility. I visited here at the start of 2023, and I have to say I was very impressed.
Inside The Crabtree, you’ll find a great selection of beers and ales available for the usual £6 a pint. But the highlight here is the spacious beer garden – a stunning, green oasis perfect for a sunny day pint. On match days, this pub comes alive with football talk and anticipation, creating a very lively atmosphere. Just remember, like most popular spots on game day, it’s best to arrive early to secure your place in The Crabtree.
The Crabtree, Rainville Rd, London SW6 6TY
The Eight Bells
This is a personal favourite of me. Located a comfortable 20-minute stroll from Craven Cottage, The Eight Bells is a charming and intimate pub that prides itself on its diverse range of craft beers and its cosy, laid-back atmosphere. Set in a historic building dating back to the 17th century, this pub combines old-world charm with modern comfort. This is one for the away fans, and definitely our pick for away fan pubs near Craven Cottage.
The Eight Bells is unique for its quaint beer garden, where you can enjoy a pint under the sun for the usual price of £6. While it may not have the capacity of some of the bigger pubs, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. The place is full of energy on match days, so make sure to get there early to snag a spot in the garden.
The Eight Bells, 89 Fulham High St, London SW6 3JS
Enjoy drinking at the best pubs near Craven Cottage!
Whether you’re a Fulham fan or an away fan travelling to the capital, there’s no shortage of great pubs near Craven Cottage. As with most pubs on match-day, the places talked about in this article all get very busy, so we do recommend leaving plenty of time for pints before heading to the stadium.
Be prepared to pay upwards of £6 a pint around Craven Cottage, but with prime locations and plenty of craft beers, we think the prices are justified! If you’re driving here, make sure to check out our article on the best parking near Craven Cottage here on Fan Lounge.
FAQ
What is the best pub before a Fulham match?
A: On the Putney side of the river, The Duke’s Head is our pick. While on the Hammersmith side, head to The Durell Arms.
Which pubs near Craven Cottage are best for away fans Fulham?
A: If you’re an away fan heading to Craven Cottage, we recommend going to The Eight Bells, located just a short walk from the ground.
