Yep, I’m heading to the frozen north this Sunday and FINALLY getting to see my first PL game in 18 months!
Downside is that I have to hurtle back up to Heathrow right after the final whistle to get an overnight flight back down to the Sandpit.
Our normal routine is Fish & Chips in Queensway before a game but that would put my rental car thingy on the wrong side of town to get away fast. So where do you guys plan to meet up? Where is the best place to park for a (reasonably) quick getaway?
Will be cool to meet you, Phil.
We alternate between the Rockstone (Bevois Valley) and The Stable (Above Bar) at the moment.
Depending on how tight your flight is, you might have problems. There is no reasonably quick getaway by car for about an hour.
Have done “the rush” quite a few times over the years, mainly for the BA flight at 21:45. This time I’m on Emirates at 22:00 so with online check-in as long as I hit the Car Rental Drop off at 8pm I have time and route options to make it safely!
Anyway, we’ll be 4-0 up with 15 mins to go so I can always sneak out 
I assume you are wedded to needing a car. Otherise, a leisurely 17.30 or even 17.47 train from Soton will get you to Heathrow before 20.00.
I will be getting the train with my Toon mate for this one. Last time we did this, we rocked up the Rockstone before even Goaty had set his beady eyes on the ale pumps. But the Stable works for me if you good sotonians want it.
Hmm I may not be the only person flying back from here for the Chelsea game next week. JRod & Florian are here…
Other rumours are circulating. #stalkmodeengaged
Steve Wright @ Stevewrightphys 23h23 hours ago
Sunsets on a gr8 training camp # toppros # hardwork @ JayRodriguez9 @ floringardos5 @ styles_bill @ S0Shea # wemarchon
Be good to meet you DP. I recommend parking on horseshoe bridge, st denys near the junction pub. Right on thomas lewis way for easy access to motorway. 5 minute walk to the rockstone for burger and beers. 15 minute walk from st marys back to car. Free parking.
Yeah unfortunately. I have to cover so many locations Public Transport will not cut it. Mates in Southampton & Bompey. Family in Salisbury, Grandson in Essex and all the running in between, then I REALLY don’t want to be trying to get into the Chapel with all my bloody luggage!! 
I read the “Laptop” story on a match thread not long ago!
Originally posted by @Goatboy
Be good to meet you DP. I recommend parking on horseshoe bridge, st denys near the junction pub. Right on thomas lewis way for easy access to motorway. 5 minute walk to the rockstone for burger and beers.
15 minute walk from st marys back to car. Free parking.
Although your kids will need paying for the “protection”?
Originally posted by @Lets-B-Drinking
Originally posted by @Goatboy
Be good to meet you DP. I recommend parking on horseshoe bridge, st denys near the junction pub. Right on thomas lewis way for easy access to motorway. 5 minute walk to the rockstone for burger and beers.
Although your kids will need paying for the “protection”?
Ha Ha … has Pap Fagin been bringing some scallies down with him “to look after your car mister”
What is the going rate nowadays?
I was replying to Goat. No need to import.
Haven’t made pre-match drinks since Watford (owing to having had to miss 3 of the last 4 home matches - that season ticket’s looking better value all the time).
So I’m bang up for this!
Can’t you get your golfing mates to tee you up, pull a one wood out and “drive” you to these locations?
Actually yes, but not for 6 days! Looking at that plan for our Glasto trip but I have stuff to do places to be and PIG to purchase from Supermarkets, Ain’t gonna get from Wilton to Tesco in Salisbury on Hants & Dorset in under 2 hours each way and simply don’t have time for all that being green crap when I am actually having to travel overnight because I am saving the planet here on Sunday blah blah blah
Originally posted by @pap
Can’t you get your golfing mates to tee you up, pull a one wood out and “drive” you to these locations?
Pap - do yourself a big favour and don’t mention Golf!!
I know DP is driving so is this session going to be all about the tee?
Nah. Only if you lot ask 
2 pints of Ale for me is enough, 3 if the pub has edible scoff based on the 30 minutes per half pint that should see me run to the loo 3 times during the game & annoy the peeps around me!
Cheers for the parking info GB, I’ll no doubt get completely lost! But a sound plan
Potential venue suggestion: Sadlers on London Road. Was an offshoot from The Rockstone called Marshalls, but they went under and Sadlers brewery took over. Still run by The Rockstone guys though. Lots of beers (craft/real ale) and a mega-meaty menu, if anyone plans to eat.
I used to drink in there in the early 2000s. Was it called Butlers then?
Yep. It’s where our lot meet up and it was an off shoot of The Rockstone last year, until it went tits up.
Good range of ale, when they have enough and bloody slow service.
