MILLWALL - THE NEW DEN
The ground is a dramatic improvement from the dank and foreboding 'Old' Den and is quite smart looking. The new Den is made up of four fair sized two tiered stands that are of the same height. The corners of the ground are open, apart from one corner where there is a large video screen. Steve Armstrong informs me; 'the stadium is used to film the Sky One Channel TV show; Dream Team, which features an imaginary team called Harchester United.'
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are located at one end of the ground in the North Stand (usually in the upper tier only). Around 4,000 away fans can be accommodated in this end. Like the general improvement in football, a trip to Millwall is not as threatening as it once was. However, it is hardly a relaxing day out and I found the Den to be quite intimidating. The large police presence at the match I attended did nothing to dampen this feeling. I would advise that you exercise caution around the ground and not to wear club colours. The most popular method of travel for away fans to the Den, is by official club coach, or by train from London Bridge. The Police are well drilled in dealing with the coaches and supporters arriving by train. Once inside the ground you will generally find the stewards helpful & friendly.
Richard Langran a visiting Leicester City fan adds; 'We chose to drive down to Millwall and park away from the stadium. It was somewhat intimidating walking to and from the ground and the Leicester fans were kept back inside the stadium for quite a long time after the final whistle.
Where To Drink?
I wouldn't recommend drinking around the ground. If travelling by train then it is probably best to grab a beer around London Bridge before moving onto the stadium. However there are bars at the back of the stands that serve alcohol as well as some decent food such as chicken and chips.
Chris Lynskey a visiting Scunthorpe United fan recommends; 'The Shipwright Arms on Tooley
Street, near London Bridge. Come out of London Bridge tube station, turn right and its only 200yds
down the road on your right hand side. A lovely little pub which also serves food. We left the pub at 2.15pm to go and catch the train to the stadium and made it comfortably for kick off'.
On the Borough High Street by London Bridge is the CAMRA Beer Guide listed Barrow Boy & Baker, which is a Fullers pub. Further down the High Street is the Borough Market, which on nearby Stoney Street is situated the legendary Market Porter pub. This pub is also a regular listing in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and always has 9 real ales on tap. Mick Hubbard adds; 'Also on Borough High Street is the George Inn, which is owned and leased by the National Trust. It is an outstandingly beautiful building, and the pub itself retains its wooden flooring and wall panelling. It serves its own ‘George Ale’ which went down nicely'.
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
There are number of ways of getting to the ground, but the most straightforward, if not the shortest in distance is to follow the A2 into London from Junction 2 of the M25. The A2 actually passes the ground. Once you go past New Cross Gate tube station on your right the ground is about a mile further on. The only awkward bit is about half way in-between New Cross Gate and the ground where the road splits into two. Keep to the right following the signs A2 City/Westminster. You will come to the ground on your right. Street parking can be found on the small estate on your left just past the ground. There are no sizeable car parks around the ground (typical British Planning!).
By Tube/Train
There are two tube stations that are about 15-20 minutes walk away from the ground. Surrey Quays & New Cross Gate, both on the East London Line.
It is probably best to go by rail, as South Bermondsey Railway Station is only a few minutes walk from the ground. There is a direct walkway specifically built for away fans which takes you directly to the away end and back to the station afterwards. This has made the Police's job of keeping rival supporters apart so much more manageable. If your team brings a sizeable following, then an 'away fan' football special may be laid on from London Bridge. In these instances the police are well drilled in getting away fans into the ground from the special train and safely away afterwards. Although don't be surprised if you are held in the stadium for sometime after the final whistle, before being allowed back up the walkway to the station.