Heading to a west ham game? Here's where to eat and drink

Working out where to eat and drink before a West Ham game at the London Stadium mostly comes down to which station you're arriving at. Come in via Hackney Wick and you're spoilt for breweries, bars and proper restaurants a short walk from the turnstiles. Here's where to go, and who each place suits.

Crate Brewery

If you're arriving via Hackney Wick, Crate is the obvious first stop, and for good reason. It pairs a strong selection of lager and ale with pizza that holds its own, so you can line your stomach and get the first round in without changing venue.

Who it suits: Groups who want beer and proper food in one place before kick-off.

Website: cratebrewery.com

Verdict: The default Hackney Wick pre-match stop, and it earns the title.

Howling Hops

Prefer your beer closer to the source? Howling Hops is the move after Crate. It's got a real brewery and tank bar feel, the kind of place where the beer is the point and everything else is secondary.

Who it suits: Beer people who'd rather drink in a brewery than a bar, and anyone doing a two-stop warm-up from Crate.

Website: howlinghops.co.uk

Verdict: The second pint of a well-planned Hackney Wick crawl.

Lanterna

Over on Fish Island, about five minutes from the stadium, Lanterna is the pick if you want a sit-down meal rather than a pint and a slice. It runs a full menu alongside a well-stocked bar, so the drinkers and the diners in your group can both get what they came for.

Who it suits: Anyone treating match day as a proper day out, and mixed groups where not everyone wants to stand at a bar.

Website: lanternafishisland.com

Verdict: The best bet for a real meal five minutes from the ground.

INIS

Also on Fish Island, INIS is small and Irish-owned. It's certainly at the higher end on price, but it's well worth considering if you want somewhere with a bit more character than a busy match-day bar.

Who it suits: Smaller groups or couples happy to spend a bit more for something more personal.

Website: inisfishisland.com

Verdict: The splash-out option, and a good one.

Two More Years

Two More Years is a straightforward place to drink and socialise before the game, with no pretensions about being anything else. It's at 7 Roach Road.

Website: twomoreyears.co.uk