A visit to Craven Cottage is one of the most enjoyable away days in English football.
Set right on the River Thames and surrounded by leafy streets, Fulham can offer a relaxed matchday experience with plenty of quality pubs, cafes and restaurants to enjoy before and after kick-off.
As usual, home supporters have a vast choice locally, but away fans are also very well catered for, especially if you make a day of it along the river.
FootballGroundGuide highlights the best options to save you time:
Best Pubs for Fans Near Craven Cottage
Fulham fans are spoilt for choice, but two standouts close to the ground are The Golden Lion, a traditional pub with a strong matchday buzz, and The Crabtree, which offers riverside views and a slightly calmer atmosphere.
Away fans often turn matchday into a Thames-side crawl, with plenty of welcoming pubs on the walk from Putney. Popular choices include The Eight Bells and King’s Arms, both well-used by travelling supporters.
Other notable mentions include the Chancellors, which is particularly popular for its excellent pizza offering.
Classic Matchday Food Spots Close to Craven Cottage
Several of the aforementioned pubs offer great food, allowing fans to combine the need to eat with a great pre-game atmosphere.
Meanwhile, if you’re after something quick and filling, Putney Pies just over the bridge is a favourite for classic British comfort food.
Restaurants and Cafes By Craven Cottage
For breakfast and early arrivals, The Hive and The Glasshouse are both reliable spots for coffee, pastries and brunch before heading toward the river.
For a proper sit-down meal, Fulham Kitchen is one of the area’s highest-rated restaurants, serving excellent Serbian and European dishes in a cosy setting.
If you’re looking for something truly special, then The River Cafe is a world-famous, Michelin-starred Italian restaurant right on the Thames. It’s around a 15–20 minute walk from the stadium and comes at a premium, but the quality is exceptional.
Another strong option is Manuka Kitchen, known for modern European dishes and it is one of the better brunch menus in the area. Fans of grilled food may also want to try 696 Mangal, which offers well-regarded Turkish cuisine
Quick Fast Food Options Near Craven Cottage
For familiar fast-food chains, Fulham Broadway is the main hub.
Options include Wendy’s, Pepe’s Piri Piri, Five Guys and Taco Bell, all within a short walk of the station. McDonald’s on North End Road is another option, though it can get extremely busy on matchdays.
FGG Verdict: Where Should You Go?
Fulham supporters will find The Golden Lion hard to beat for atmosphere, while away fans should embrace the river walk from Putney, stopping at pubs like The Eight Bells before heading to the ground.
For food, Putney Pies is perfect if you want something quick, while Fulham Kitchen stands out for a quality sit-down meal.
If the budget allows, The River Cafe offers one of the most memorable dining experiences near any football stadium in the country.