Middlesbrough
Our preference historically on visits to Smogland is to catch
the train to Darlo, have a few pints there (as often as not in the legendary
Hogans), then get the last possible train
over to Boro. This costs a bit
more than if you go direct all the way through. And if you do opt for this then
if you're not careful you'll end up getting caught up in a very slow escort from
the station to the ground and may miss the kick-off. If on the other hand you decide to go straight
through to Boro then your choice of pubs is very limited. I once wrote that
Watford is a desert when it comes to decent pubs. While this is true, Watford is
a veritable oasis compared with Middlesbrough. Just about the only place that
gets half decent reviews is Doctor Browns. As it happens this is the second
closest pub to the ground, and it's normal for away fans to get in there. On the
down side, being handy for the ground means it gets very busy, particularly
towards kick-off. In terms of alternatives, you can forget all those around the
station as they're not safe. A bit further afield in
the Isaac Wilson (map),
which is a Wetherspoons. You should be ok in there with no colours on, and they
serve a good pint. A bit more out the way and therefore probably safer again is
The Resolution (Lloyd's No 1). Last time we played Boro the Bridge Inn was
designated an away fans pub. This obviously meant it was safe, but the place is
a dump and absolutely heaving.