Aston Villa were the surprise package in the Premier League last season – qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 1983. Unai Emery has been the catalyst for Villa’s recent success, and they will be hoping that it can continue in the next few years.
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, here is a guide to the best park near Villa Park. This includes everything you need to know about drinking near the ground, notably the best options for home and away fans.
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Best pubs near Villa Park for Aston Villa fans
There are many pub destinations on matchdays for Villa fans, so we have whittled down the list to four. First on this list is The Aston Tavern, which is only a five-minute walk away from the ground.
It is a traditional pub known for its pre-match atmosphere, and it often gets busy, so make sure you arrive early. The beers and food are also affordable, so it is worth visiting if you’re planning to watch a game at Villa Park.
Other options include The Yew Tree, The Holte Pub, and Sacret Heart Club. The pick of the bunch is The Holte Pub, which has a wide range of draught beers and ales, along with live music and large TV screens showing live football.
ASTON VILLA FC @AVFCOfficial
The Holte pub , Trinity Road, Aston in 1990 pic.twitter.com/JElEJSKHAX— FootballRetroPlus (@robertmdaws) March 4, 2024
- The Aston Tavern, 10 Aston Hall Rd, Birmingham B6 7FF
- The Yew Tree, 23 Brookvale Road, Witton, Birmingham, B6 7AR
- The Holte Pub, Trinity Road, Birmingham, B6 6HE
- Sacred Heart Club, Witton Lane, Birmingham B6 6HN
Best pubs near Villa Park for away fans
The selection of pubs near Villa Park for away fans is much less varied, but there are still some notable options. Previously, The Witton Arms, which is only a two-minute walk to the stadium was a popular venue for away fans. However, in recent times it has now become a pub only for home fans.
Forza Garibaldi provided the following advance for travelling Nottingham Forest fans in February 2024:
“The Witton Arms pub is just across the road from Witton Station and has traditionally been the main place for away fans around the ground. However, this has apparently now become a home only pub.
“As mentioned in the Q&A below, the Yew Tree is a little further away (you pass it on the way down from the suggested parking spot) and we have drunk in here before, but it seems to have now got a little tighter on letting away fans in. If you are not in colours, you might have a chance.
“There now doesn’t appear to be a designated away pub around the ground so you may be best drinking further afield unless you want to take a chance on pubs nearer the ground.
“For those who might be taking kids and therefore might be looking for something a little different to a pub, then last year we found ourselves at the Family Fun Zone inside the Villa Academy building very close to Villa Park. There are various football activities inside, even free training sessions run by coaches. Even though our kids were dressed in Forest gear, they were made to feel very welcome and it’s a great alternative to the usual pre-match. For those who might need it, there is also a bar inside.”
- The Yew Tree, 23 Brookvale Road, Witton, Birmingham, B6 7AR
Drinking at Villa Park
Alcohol is not available to away supporters, but only in the upper tier of the Doug Ellis Stand. It is for fans in the lower tier, though, with options including Carlsberg, Somersby Cider and Greene King IPA.
Buying a pint inside Villa Park costs around £5.20, which is reasonable compared to the prices at some of the London grounds, including the London Stadium. However, it is still at the top end in terms of pint cost, so it is worth checking out the venues listed above if you have some time before kick-off.