Taking my 6 year old to Millwall

[REDOXO]

48 minutes ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

Yeah it used to be pretty rough, I went to goldsmiths uni so lived there 2002-3.

Got bottled in a nightclub called the Venue because I accidentally spilt some lager on some meatheads shoes. 

Then got chased down depford high street by a Millwall crew because I had a portmouth fc pin badge on my coat. Landlord of the Hobgoblin, knew something was up so tried to get me to leave through the back but they were waiting. 

Character building

You would get chased in Bristol for wearing a Portsmouth badge. It does beg the question why?

[Mr Popodopolous]

52 minutes ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

Got bottled in a nightclub called the Venue because I accidentally spilt some lager on some meatheads shoes. 

Been to The Venue a few times if you mean the New Cross one in 2017 to 2020. Tender to be on a Saturday night.

Seemed okay but I think they have cleaned up a bit, depends when you went. I know the security was pretty rigorous there.

In respect of The Venue, to my disappointment and that of some mates, I seem to recall going there in 2021..about 2 years ago to the week maybe- post Covid and finding it still had not reopened! Remained the case last time I was in the area too.

[Ska Junkie]

1 hour ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

Yeah it used to be pretty rough, I went to goldsmiths uni so lived there 2002-3.

Got bottled in a nightclub called the Venue because I accidentally spilt some lager on some meatheads shoes. 

Then got chased down depford high street by a Millwall crew because I had a portmouth fc pin badge on my coat. Landlord of the Hobgoblin, knew something was up so tried to get me to leave through the back but they were waiting. 

Character building

Blimey Wolfie, at least get a hiding for your own teams badge!  

[StGeorge]

1 hour ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

because I had a portmouth fc pin badge on my coat

Why would you do that? Was it a bet or something?

[Eatin_Triffle]

It’s obvious isn’t it? Partial to being a pompey fan before seeing some light

[redrob]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Been to The Venue a few times if you mean the New Cross one in 2017 to 2020. Tender to be on a Saturday night.

Seemed okay but I think they have cleaned up a bit, depends when you went. I know the security was pretty rigorous there.

In respect of The Venue, to my disappointment and that of some mates, I seem to recall going there in 2021..about 2 years ago to the week maybe- post Covid and finding it still had not reopened! Remained the case last time I was in the area too.

Never reopened and is now something else. 

[WolfOfWestStreet]

1 hour ago, StGeorge said:

Why would you do that? Was it a bet or something?

Im not Bristolian, I'm from Portsmouth, I've only been a City fan since I moved here in 2008. 

This isn't a revelation though I've had shit about it for years.

1 hour ago, REDOXO said:

You would get chased in Bristol for wearing a Portsmouth badge. It does beg the question why?

No you wouldn't. 

[WolfOfWestStreet]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Been to The Venue a few times if you mean the New Cross one in 2017 to 2020. Tender to be on a Saturday night.

Seemed okay but I think they have cleaned up a bit, depends when you went. I know the security was pretty rigorous there.

In respect of The Venue, to my disappointment and that of some mates, I seem to recall going there in 2021..about 2 years ago to the week maybe- post Covid and finding it still had not reopened! Remained the case last time I was in the area too.

I do mean that one but it was a long time ago and likely changed a lot. Used to specialise in tribute acts. 

[WolfOfWestStreet]

1 hour ago, Eatin_Triffle said:

It’s obvious isn’t it? Partial to being a pompey fan before seeing some light

I also support West Ham

[REDOXO]

8 minutes ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

Im not Bristolian, I'm from Portsmouth, I've only been a City fan since I moved here in 2008. 

This isn't a revelation though I've had shit about it for years.

No you wouldn't. 

ok then. Advice is don’t wear it and test that theory. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

54 minutes ago, redrob said:

Never reopened and is now something else. 

Is it?

That's a shame, thanks. I was last up that way a year or 2 ago, been keeping a look out for a while- asking on groups and or Twitter and those behind the page were adamant it was set to reopen for a while but to no avail it seems.

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 hour ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

I do mean that one but it was a long time ago and likely changed a lot. Used to specialise in tribute acts. 

Yeah it'll definitely have changed in varied ways over the years.

I only really got there on Saturday nights, which as I understand attracted a different demographic or crowd to Friday nigh from memory. There is a new place further down the road which seems to have superseded it- Amersham Arms or similar.

Edited August 13, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[fgrsimon]

2 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Been to The Venue a few times if you mean the New Cross one in 2017 to 2020. Tender to be on a Saturday night.

Seemed okay but I think they have cleaned up a bit, depends when you went. I know the security was pretty rigorous there.

In respect of The Venue, to my disappointment and that of some mates, I seem to recall going there in 2021..about 2 years ago to the week maybe- post Covid and finding it still had not reopened! Remained the case last time I was in the area too.

Used to be a good live music venue in the 80's and 90's. Saw Spiritualized* there for one of their very early gigs. Not really a typical 'Milwall' band but mind-blowing loud and white light intense. Long 2 Nightbus journey home to N London though.

* Probably means nothing to anyone born after the 80's but a reasonably well known band in 90's, popular enough to sell out Royal Albert Hall and Hammersmith Appollo later in their career

 

 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Should add, hope the OP and 6 year old had a great day and it doesn't get much better than a last minute winner and especially away from home after steadily taking control in the 2nd half.

[Ska Junkie]

18 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Should add, hope the OP and 6 year old had a great day and it doesn't get much better than a last minute winner and especially away from home after steadily taking control in the 2nd half.

This. Been thinking how to put it for a while.

This is as good as it gets!

[Eatin_Triffle]

8 hours ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

I also support West Ham

Nowhere near as many teams as Smithy though

[Red-Robbo]

12 hours ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

Yeah it used to be pretty rough, I went to goldsmiths uni so lived there 2002-3.

Got bottled in a nightclub called the Venue because I accidentally spilt some lager on some meatheads shoes. 

Then got chased down depford high street by a Millwall crew because I had a portmouth fc pin badge on my coat. Landlord of the Hobgoblin, knew something was up so tried to get me to leave through the back but they were waiting. 

Character building

 

At least I didn't spend the New Year's Eve there that my mate endured. He and his gf went to the Marquis of Granby where there was a series of bands on. Some irate nutter, who'd been ejected from the pub earlier in the evening, returned with a machete and the door staff and everyone else had to cower inside while he attempted to hack his way through the door. Luckily, it didn't seem to occur to him that he could've broken the windows to gain access.  Eventually the cops arrived and tased the bloke four times before he went down. He was still trying to demolish the door when the rozzers surrounded him!

All this was mid-2000s, so as someone said, it may well be gentrified a bit by now. I forgot how quickly London postcodes can turn from ghetto to desirable chic. 

 

[Wilse]

I asked my son for his post match report for OTIB and he said “That was good. I loved it. Bristol City won. I loved it so much!”

We were in the first row of the top tier, right behind the goal, so the view was great. He was amazed by (and a bit scared) of the noise. As an aside, I was surprised how flat Millwall were considering all the emotion that surrounded the match.

In truth, 90 minutes was too long for a 6 year old, so he playing on my phone for a while, which meant he was oblivious to whatever the Millwall fans were up to at the back of stand. Thankfully he was back into the match by the end so he saw the goal and loved it!

He was quite happy playing with his new friend while we waited to be let out after the match (thanks @redrob) He did wonder why there were so many police following us back to the station! 

All in all it was a really good experience and I’m glad I took him, so thanks for the encouragement! 
 

[BCFC1512]

16 minutes ago, Wilse said:

I asked my son for his post match report for OTIB and he said “That was good. I loved it. Bristol City won. I loved it so much!”

We were in the first row of the top tier, right behind the goal, so the view was great. He was amazed by (and a bit scared) of the noise. As an aside, I was surprised how flat Millwall were considering all the emotion that surrounded the match.

In truth, 90 minutes was too long for a 6 year old, so he playing on my phone for a while, which meant he was oblivious to whatever the Millwall fans were up to at the back of stand. Thankfully he was back into the match by the end so he saw the goal and loved it!

He was quite happy playing with his new friend while we waited to be let out after the match (thanks @redrob) He did wonder why there were so many police following us back to the station! 

All in all it was a really good experience and I’m glad I took him, so thanks for the encouragement! 
 

Memories for life mate (for you and him) I took my lad from 6 he’s now 12 and totally hooked

[Olé]

This is a surreal thread reading OTIB regulars talking about my locals 10 years to the day since I moved to the area.

A lot has changed but there is still an edge here.

Hobgoblin @WolfOfWestStreet used to be a proper boozer now gentrified to **** called the Rose and eye watering prices. But probably the easiest place as a Bristol City fan to get a drink before the Millwall game. Even seen City shirts in there in previous seasons on match days. Not my choice but easy place to recommend.

Marquis of Granby @Red-Robbo hasn’t changed at all but no live music (that’s New Cross Inn opposite) and full of students so biggest trouble at the moment is misgendering someone. Landlord is lovely bloke and got a job lot of Addlestones out of nowhere about 2 years ago so popped in quite a bit until it ran out. 

Venue @Mr Popodopolous yes now closed down, temporarily opened a large bar in the building after Covid dedicated to street art so felt more like a Bristol thing but that’s also now stopped. Used to remind me of Odyssey, an absolute monster of a club but can’t say I enjoyed the music much and dangerously under age.

White Hart flirted with being a strip club then reinvented itself as an ultra gentrified independent pub that attracted all the right on people in the area and had a 6am license to run breakbeat DJ nights. Had rhubarb cider on tap. Developer built one flat above it who instantly complained about the noise and got it shut down.

Amazing area when you consider Skehans is currently rated by Timeout as number one pub in London. I know the Irish landlord Bryan and used to drink in there after getting back from City games all the time, had a wonderful lock in culture with some old Millwall boys, but now so painfully popular it’s difficult to enjoy it.

The last remaining proper boozer here is Five Bells my local and favourite and probably resembles all the stories rolled into one. Proper Millwall pub and always something kicking off in or outside but absolutely lovely people and some real characters. Bit of banter about football but also somewhere people know your name and say hello.

Unfortunately Strongbow on tap but the Landlord got a ten pack of Gold on Thursday and proceeded to work through it with me this week ahead of the game. The pub is probably the safest place in New Cross because the locals look after it and one another, outside however I’ve seen it all. Shootings, beatings, runaway mobility scooter.

But what a place as per video below - not much to look at and packed with Millwall until late last night, but karaoke in full swing, eclectic mix of people and one of the last proper locals you will find in South London, not all this gentrified over priced nonsense. One of the reasons I love away games is many more real pubs up North.

 

[2015]

Went alone yesterday and absolutely loved it. Worth it for the 94th minute beauty. Safe to say the locals were not too impressed 

[slartibartfast]

4 minutes ago, 2015 said:

Went alone yesterday and absolutely loved it. Worth it for the 94th minute beauty. Safe to say the locals were not too impressed 

Yes, how was the trip back to the station, or anywhere else for that matter.....everyone survive.......did the netting do its job ?

[Ziderarmy]

1 hour ago, Olé said:

This is a surreal thread reading OTIB regulars talking about my locals 10 years to the day since I moved to the area.

A lot has changed but there is still an edge here.

Hobgoblin @WolfOfWestStreet used to be a proper boozer now gentrified to **** called the Rose and eye watering prices. But probably the easiest place as a Bristol City fan to get a drink before the Millwall game. Even seen City shirts in there in previous seasons on match days. Not my choice but easy place to recommend.

Marquis of Granby @Red-Robbo hasn’t changed at all but no live music (that’s New Cross Inn opposite) and full of students so biggest trouble at the moment is misgendering someone. Landlord is lovely bloke and got a job lot of Addlestones out of nowhere about 2 years ago so popped in quite a bit until it ran out. 

Venue @Mr Popodopolous yes now closed down, temporarily opened a large bar in the building after Covid dedicated to street art so felt more like a Bristol thing but that’s also now stopped. Used to remind me of Odyssey, an absolute monster of a club but can’t say I enjoyed the music much and dangerously under age.

White Hart flirted with being a strip club then reinvented itself as an ultra gentrified independent pub that attracted all the right on people in the area and had a 6am license to run breakbeat DJ nights. Had rhubarb cider on tap. Developer built one flat above it who instantly complained about the noise and got it shut down.

Amazing area when you consider Skehans is currently rated by Timeout as number one pub in London. I know the Irish landlord Bryan and used to drink in there after getting back from City games all the time, had a wonderful lock in culture with some old Millwall boys, but now so painfully popular it’s difficult to enjoy it.

The last remaining proper boozer here is Five Bells my local and favourite and probably resembles all the stories rolled into one. Proper Millwall pub and always something kicking off in or outside but absolutely lovely people and some real characters. Bit of banter about football but also somewhere people know your name and say hello.

Unfortunately Strongbow on tap but the Landlord got a ten pack of Gold on Thursday and proceeded to work through it with me this week ahead of the game. The pub is probably the safest place in New Cross because the locals look after it and one another, outside however I’ve seen it all. Shootings, beatings, runaway mobility scooter.

But what a place as per video below - not much to look at and packed with Millwall until late last night, but karaoke in full swing, eclectic mix of people and one of the last proper locals you will find in South London, not all this gentrified over priced nonsense. One of the reasons I love away games is many more real pubs up North.

 

I’ve heard worse karaokes as well. She’s half decent 

[Loosey Boy]

24 minutes ago, slartibartfast said:

Yes, how was the trip back to the station, or anywhere else for that matter.....everyone survive.......did the netting do its job ?

A slow walk back to the station but police handled it well to be fair….

[Olé]

24 minutes ago, Ziderarmy said:

I’ve heard worse karaokes as well. She’s half decent 

Absolutely, she's one of the barmaids, there's two of them who both have amazing voices. Lead singer of Dreadzone also drinks in there and does a ridiculous turn. It must be something about the pub, a lad who used to work behind the bar when he was 18 is now lead singer of Skinner Brothers who I'm reliably informed are one of the most in demand groups in the indie/punk/casuals music scene.

[italian dave]

1 hour ago, Olé said:

This is a surreal thread reading OTIB regulars talking about my locals 10 years to the day since I moved to the area.

A lot has changed but there is still an edge here.

Hobgoblin @WolfOfWestStreet used to be a proper boozer now gentrified to **** called the Rose and eye watering prices. But probably the easiest place as a Bristol City fan to get a drink before the Millwall game. Even seen City shirts in there in previous seasons on match days. Not my choice but easy place to recommend.

Marquis of Granby @Red-Robbo hasn’t changed at all but no live music (that’s New Cross Inn opposite) and full of students so biggest trouble at the moment is misgendering someone. Landlord is lovely bloke and got a job lot of Addlestones out of nowhere about 2 years ago so popped in quite a bit until it ran out. 

Venue @Mr Popodopolous yes now closed down, temporarily opened a large bar in the building after Covid dedicated to street art so felt more like a Bristol thing but that’s also now stopped. Used to remind me of Odyssey, an absolute monster of a club but can’t say I enjoyed the music much and dangerously under age.

White Hart flirted with being a strip club then reinvented itself as an ultra gentrified independent pub that attracted all the right on people in the area and had a 6am license to run breakbeat DJ nights. Had rhubarb cider on tap. Developer built one flat above it who instantly complained about the noise and got it shut down.

Amazing area when you consider Skehans is currently rated by Timeout as number one pub in London. I know the Irish landlord Bryan and used to drink in there after getting back from City games all the time, had a wonderful lock in culture with some old Millwall boys, but now so painfully popular it’s difficult to enjoy it.

The last remaining proper boozer here is Five Bells my local and favourite and probably resembles all the stories rolled into one. Proper Millwall pub and always something kicking off in or outside but absolutely lovely people and some real characters. Bit of banter about football but also somewhere people know your name and say hello.

Unfortunately Strongbow on tap but the Landlord got a ten pack of Gold on Thursday and proceeded to work through it with me this week ahead of the game. The pub is probably the safest place in New Cross because the locals look after it and one another, outside however I’ve seen it all. Shootings, beatings, runaway mobility scooter.

But what a place as per video below - not much to look at and packed with Millwall until late last night, but karaoke in full swing, eclectic mix of people and one of the last proper locals you will find in South London, not all this gentrified over priced nonsense. One of the reasons I love away games is many more real pubs up North.

 

Enough of all this self indulgent reminiscence....get on with your match day report 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Cheers @Olé

That's a shame about Venue, heard of and been to one or two of the other places. Under age and some risky clientele clearly an issue as one of and probably often when I went they were not only checking passports but scanning or photographing them or something. Rather tight security anyway!

I was holding out hope it was a tax year timing thing (not that I condone but certainly it can happen) post Covid but definitely gone by the sound- just not viable anymore or?

Amersham Arms seemed to be some kinda ad hoc replacement 

That other pub, great name typical name for a pub, Five Bells. Looks decent certainly. Possibly on my bucket list but not while Bristol City at Millwall on a matchday! Possibly not when Millwall at home too . 

Skehans, not really heard of that one but another for the list maybe.

Edited August 13, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[pongo88]

2 hours ago, Wilse said:

I asked my son for his post match report for OTIB and he said “That was good. I loved it. Bristol City won. I loved it so much!”

We were in the first row of the top tier, right behind the goal, so the view was great. He was amazed by (and a bit scared) of the noise. As an aside, I was surprised how flat Millwall were considering all the emotion that surrounded the match.

In truth, 90 minutes was too long for a 6 year old, so he playing on my phone for a while, which meant he was oblivious to whatever the Millwall fans were up to at the back of stand. Thankfully he was back into the match by the end so he saw the goal and loved it!

He was quite happy playing with his new friend while we waited to be let out after the match (thanks @redrob) He did wonder why there were so many police following us back to the station! 

All in all it was a really good experience and I’m glad I took him, so thanks for the encouragement! 
 

You realise what you’ve done, don’t you? You’ve started your son on a lifetime of raised hopes, only to be dashed by crushing disappointment, following City. 

[Red-Robbo]

4 hours ago, Olé said:

This is a surreal thread reading OTIB regulars talking about my locals 10 years to the day since I moved to the area.

A lot has changed but there is still an edge here.

Hobgoblin @WolfOfWestStreet used to be a proper boozer now gentrified to **** called the Rose and eye watering prices. But probably the easiest place as a Bristol City fan to get a drink before the Millwall game. Even seen City shirts in there in previous seasons on match days. Not my choice but easy place to recommend.

Marquis of Granby @Red-Robbo hasn’t changed at all but no live music (that’s New Cross Inn opposite) and full of students so biggest trouble at the moment is misgendering someone. Landlord is lovely bloke and got a job lot of Addlestones out of nowhere about 2 years ago so popped in quite a bit until it ran out. 

Venue @Mr Popodopolous yes now closed down, temporarily opened a large bar in the building after Covid dedicated to street art so felt more like a Bristol thing but that’s also now stopped. Used to remind me of Odyssey, an absolute monster of a club but can’t say I enjoyed the music much and dangerously under age.

White Hart flirted with being a strip club then reinvented itself as an ultra gentrified independent pub that attracted all the right on people in the area and had a 6am license to run breakbeat DJ nights. Had rhubarb cider on tap. Developer built one flat above it who instantly complained about the noise and got it shut down.

Amazing area when you consider Skehans is currently rated by Timeout as number one pub in London. I know the Irish landlord Bryan and used to drink in there after getting back from City games all the time, had a wonderful lock in culture with some old Millwall boys, but now so painfully popular it’s difficult to enjoy it.

The last remaining proper boozer here is Five Bells my local and favourite and probably resembles all the stories rolled into one. Proper Millwall pub and always something kicking off in or outside but absolutely lovely people and some real characters. Bit of banter about football but also somewhere people know your name and say hello.

Unfortunately Strongbow on tap but the Landlord got a ten pack of Gold on Thursday and proceeded to work through it with me this week ahead of the game. The pub is probably the safest place in New Cross because the locals look after it and one another, outside however I’ve seen it all. Shootings, beatings, runaway mobility scooter.

But what a place as per video below - not much to look at and packed with Millwall until late last night, but karaoke in full swing, eclectic mix of people and one of the last proper locals you will find in South London, not all this gentrified over priced nonsense. One of the reasons I love away games is many more real pubs up North.

 

 

Yer right. It's many years since I ventured into SE14 so the story got clouded in my memory.  The Granby is the nominally Irish pub. This would've been the New Cross Inn with its multiple rooms. Does the Hobgoblin still exist? That's where the Goldsmiths students all used to drink?

Edit: No need to reply. I just read your reply to Wolfie. Gentrification hadn't set in 2004. Putrefaction, yes, but not gentrification. 

Edited August 13, 2023 by Red-Robbo

[Wilse]

2 hours ago, pongo88 said:

You realise what you’ve done, don’t you? You’ve started your son on a lifetime of raised hopes, only to be dashed by crushing disappointment, following City. 

That’s been my dream since the day he was born!