Saturday is one of those rare occasions in Non League football, especially down at step 5 when a visiting side might just turn a few heads in the town they are visiting.
The FA Vase Quarter Finals come to Bracknell on Saturday with the visitors Marske United making the arduous 270 mile journey from Redcar, just east of Middlesbrough.
We understand that there are three coaches travelling down from the North East along with unknown numbers of car and train journeys. Given that means a minimum 150 away supporters (admittedly including players) we thought we’d use our local knowledge to highlight a few places worth seeing.
Where to drink
Let’s not beat about the bush, pre match football supporters will be looking for somewhere to drink and Duds has highlighted what will be available at Bracknell Town Football Club on the day. Anyone looking to go slightly further afield should make note of these venues, all within 10 minute walking distance of the football club.
1. The Old Manor
A classic Wetherspoon’s Pub with decent grub and good beer. It’s a decent size too and there’s plenty of outside seating – mind you you’ll probably want to wrap up warm at the weekend. The pub is five minutes walk from Larges Lane and on the way to the ground from the town centre. Address: Grenville Place, Bracknell RG12 1BP
2. The Royal Oak
On the London Road just down from the Travelodge. We haven’t been here in a little while but worth a quick visit on your way to the ground and as a bonus it’s next door to a cash point! Address: London Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2NN
3. Bracknell Rugby Club
We’re good friends with the Rugby club and they have very kindly offered drinks discounts to away supporters flashing their Marske United merchandise. The Rugby club is to the left of the Running Horse Pub and a little further down from the Royal Oak. It will be open from midday. Address: Lily Hill Park, Lily Hill Dr, Bracknell RG12 2UG
The town centre and where to eat
20 odd years in the making, Bracknell has a brand new town centre that opened in September 2017 called The Lexicon. There are all the expected restaurants – Nando’s, Wagamama and Pizza Express as well as the 18th Century pub The Bull that is now run by Young’s.
Outside that Bracknell has some fine indian restaurants, particularly the Koh I Noor in Priestwood Square. Worth booking a table though, you can do so on 01344 869 966. Website: www.koh-i-noor.co.uk
We can also heartily recommend Blue’s Smokehouse which is in a converted pub just off the ring road. Website: bluessmokehouse.com
And further afield?
Where to start? Bracknell is surrounded by Swinley Forest which is a 2,600 acre area of gentle hills operated by the Crown Estate.
The Look Out is a brilliant outdoor centre that operates in the Forest and is next to Coral Reef Leisure Pool which is great for the kids.
There are two cinemas in town as well, a Cineworld (comfy) and Odeon (less so) but the Odeon has a large bowling alley attached which is never a bad thing.
