Club Background
Whilst the name of Ebbsfleet United is very new in football, the roots of the current football club go back over 100 years. The current name is a rebranding of Gravesend and Northfleet FC, which itself was born in 1946 as a merger between two longstanding local clubs, Gravesend United (1893) and Northfleet United (1890). The story goes that Northfleet were on the verge of collapse but had a decent ground, whereas Gravesend were financially sound but played on a tip – a marriage made in heaven by all accounts.
The new club became a stalwart of the Southern League, yo-yoing up and down between divisions for a while and making hay with the odd good FA Cup run. Always an ambitious outfit, the Fleet were one of the first club’s in the country to install floodlighting in 1953 and around the same time even went full-time for a couple of years in an unsuccessful effort to push for Football League status. However any temporary success attained always seemed to be followed by setbacks and such has been the story of Gravesend and Northfleet (and Ebbsfleet United) since – a series of promotions followed pretty quickly by relegation and always with a lack of cash to consolidate on any success.
A vague Yeovil connection with the club typifies the Fleet’s history: The club were going through a successful phase in the late 70’s and were amongst the founder members of the Conference (or the Alliance as it was then known), finishing that first season a very creditable fifth and hoping to push on from that solid base in the years to come. By January ’82 however the club were stuck in the bottom three and looking at relegation – former Glovers manager Stan Harland was brought in to perform a rescue act, but sadly for both Stan and the Fleet a combination of huge debts and cost-cutting meant relegation was inevitable.
The years that followed saw more yo-yoing between divisions in the Southern League until in 1997 a new board decided a change of direction was needed to prevent the club becoming moribund. Accordingly the club resigned from the Southern League and joined the Isthmian League. That saw them enjoy a new successful phase, winning the Kent Senior Cup twice in three years and then beating off the challenge of an ambitious Canvey Island side in the 2001-02 season to earn promotion to the Conference.
For a very brief moment (one season) our paths crossed again during the 2002-03 season which saw Yeovil Town promoted to the Football League, and allowed travelling fans the unusual luxury of seeing an Andy Lindegaard hat-trick on their travels, in what had been our first visit to their ground for 21 years.
Thereafter, the history of Gravesend and Northfleet FC took a few unexpected twists. Firstly in the 2007-08 season, they entirely changed their name to Ebbsfleet United. The motive was to capitalise upon the new Ebbsfleet International railway station that had opened in Northfleet to support the Eurostar services. Ebbsfleet as a ‘town’ is still a fledgling concept – following on from the creation of the station, there is a strategic attempt from National Government to create a place called Ebbsfleet Valley with 15,000 homes, styled as a ‘Garden City’. However, ask any of the locals where you are when you get out of your car and they’ll probably still reply ‘Northfleet’.
During the 2008-09 season, Ebbsfleet’s second transformation took shape when they were taken over by something called MyFootballClub – a sort of an opportunity for people to play their favourite Football Manager PC game, only with a real club, with real players and real supporters. Around 27,000 MyFootballClub members each paid £35 for the privilege of being shareholders in Ebbsfleet, with those members becoming voters on major decisions in the club.
Initially that was a great success as Ebbsfleet won the 2008-09 FA Trophy, but that was the peak of this bit of experimenting. Reaching a peak of 32,000 excitable sofa-managers, they dropped to 9,000 members in 2009 and then 3,500 members by September 2010. The problem was expecting such ‘shareholders’ to cough up every year once the novelty wore off, wasn’t easy for a club that the majority had no affiliation with. By the end of the 2009-10 season Ebbsfleet had been relegated into Conference South.
There was a quick return for them during the 2010-11 season when they were promoted again via the Conference South Play-Offs, but the MyFootballClub well was running dry and during the 2011-12 season they were at risk of going out of business. As such most non-armchair Fleet fans welcomed the decision in April 2013 to hand two-thirds of the MyFootballClub shares over to the Fleet Trust, even if it was accompanied by yet another relegation down to Conference South.
The Supporters Trust only held the reins for a short period, as in May 2013, a group of Kuwaiti investors arrived to take over the club. Under the name of KEH Sports Ltd, Dr Abdulla Al Humaidi has been the figurehead for the club, giving Ebbsfleet some significant financial backing that eventually took them up via the play-offs during the 2016-17 season, having had two other unsuccessful play-off experiences. The club’s finishes – 6th and 8th in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons respectively – suggest a club on the cusp of the Football League.
However, the 2018-19 season, was far from a happy off-the-field with the club’s players issuing a statement in February claiming they had only been paid once on time and had unwittingly been playing without the right medical insurance in place. The club accused players of “straying in to fantasy” with their claims which did not go down well as they refused to warm-up ahead of a fixture with (pre-money) Wrexham in March 2019 – a game they still went on to win, as I say, Wrexham before the money.
The dispute led to many players being able to leave on free transfers and by October 2019, Hill had departed after just two wins with his assistant Kevin Watson given the job until the end of the season. If you recall, the 2019-20 season was the one cancelled in March due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and, on the points per game formula used to calculate finishing places, Ebbsfleet were relegated back to National League South. Watson was told his services were no longer required and in the summer of 2020, the club appointed Dennis Kutrieb, whose playing and managerial experience was exclusively in the lower reaches of German football. By the end of the 2022-23 season, he had got them back to the Premier, winning the South division with an impressive 103 points and 110 goals scored.
However, life back in the top flight of the non-League pyramid was neither kind to Kutrieb or his players and he was given his marching orders at the start of 2024 and replaced by Danny Searle, who kept them up by two points last season. Off-the-field (yes, other clubs have just as much drama as us) the good Dr Al-Humaidi resigned as chairman after declaring himself bankrupt and was replaced by…..his cousin, Mr (Abdulla) Al-Humaidi. The 38-year-old had been brought down by plans to build a £3.5bn amusement park in, wait for it, Dartford, Kent. Yes, it was actually dubbed ‘Dartford Disneyland’ – can you imagine it? But there was even more drama with that bastion of truth and accuracy, the Daily Mail, claiming Dr Al-Humaidi had been using Ebbsfleet for “improper means.” He claimed the accusations were “a smear campaign” by his enemies. No suggestion of AI being involved, but he quit. Draw your own conclusions. Meanwhile, in April 2024, the club received planning permission for a new 8,000-seat stadium on basically the same spot they are currently in, but it will mean Stonebridge Road will be demolished. Work was due to start in September and…..well, we’ll tell you whether it has when we visit.
On the pitch, this season (2024-25) has not started well for Ebbsfleet and that led to Searle’s sacking after seven straight defeats with his replacement, Harry Watling, who had coaching experience at both Rangers and QPR, lasted just three months before he was given his marching orders in mid-December. At the time of writing, midfielder Josh Wright is the man in charge.
We’ve Met Before
Previous Results for Yeovil Town First Team vs Gravesend and Northfleet
| 21/12/1946 | Home | SL | W | 1-0 | Hickman | ||
| 11/01/1947 | Away | SL | L | 3-4 | Hartburn, Doyle, Own Goal | ||
| 13/09/1947 | Home | SL | W | 5-1 | Marshall(2), Swinfen, Boulter, Gore | ||
| 26/03/1948 | Away | SL | D | 1-1 | Swinfen | ||
| 17/03/1949 | Home | SL | L | 0-1 | |||
| 30/03/1949 | Away | SL | D | 2-2 | Bryant, Rogers | ||
| 22/04/1950 | Home | SL | W | 4-1 | Philips(2), Wright(2) | ||
| 03/05/1950 | Away | SL | L | 1-2 | Foulds | ||
| 19/08/1950 | Away | SL | L | 2-3 | Wright, Foulds | ||
| 27/01/1951 | Home | SL | W | 3-2 | C Hayward, Rae, Wright | ||
| 08/03/1952 | Away | SL | D | 2-2 | Stenner, Hamilton | ||
| 03/05/1952 | Home | SL | L | 4-8 | Hunter, Easton(2), Neville | ||
| 07/02/1953 | Away | SL | L | 1-6 | Hindle | ||
| 09/04/1953 | Home | SL | W | 4-3 | Lunn(4) | ||
| 05/09/1953 | Away | SL | D | 1-1 | Clarke | ||
| 16/01/1954 | Home | SL | D | 5-5 | Ryan, Clarke(3), Lunn | ||
| 22/01/1955 | Home | SL | W | 3-2 | Clarke, Own Goal, Fraser | ||
| 05/02/1955 | Away | SL | D | 0-0 | |||
| 12/11/1955 | Away | SL | W | 3-2 | Fraser, Fidler, Reid | ||
| 24/03/1956 | Home | SL | W | 4-1 | Fraser, Elder, Easton(2) | ||
| 22/08/1956 | Away | SL | L | 1-4 | Fidler | ||
| 13/09/1956 | Home | SL | W | 4-2 | Gaillard, McKay(3) | ||
| 24/08/1957 | Away | SL | L | 2-5 | McKay, Riseborough | ||
| 21/12/1957 | Home | SL | W | 6-2 | Torrance, McKay, Travis(2), Elder, Alexander | ||
| 13/09/1958 | Home | SL | W | 1-0 | Earl | ||
| 29/11/1958 | Away | SL | L | 3-4 | Dennis, McConnon(2) | ||
| 22/08/1959 | Away | SL | L | 0-2 | |||
| 19/12/1959 | Home | SL | W | 3-1 | Dennis, Emmonds, Phillips | ||
| 24/09/1960 | Home | SL | W | 5-2 | Taylor(2), Paton, Albury, Hayward | ||
| 24/04/1961 | Away | SL | W | 3-1 | Pounder, Taylor(2) | ||
| 07/03/1962 | Home | SL | D | 1-1 | Coughlin | ||
| 24/03/1962 | Away | SL | W | 2-1 | Coughlin, Hirst | ||
| 27/10/1962 | Home | SL | W | 3-1 | Hedges, Own Goal, Foley | ||
| 16/03/1963 | Away | SL | L | 1-5 | Hall | ||
| 07/10/1970 | Home | SLC2 | W | 3-0 | Weller, Myers(2) | ||
| 30/10/1971 | Away | SL | D | 1-1 | 641 | Weller | |
| 19/02/1972 | Home | SL | W | 5-0 | 2230 | Cotton(3), Weller(2) | |
| 14/10/1975 | Away | SL | D | 0-0 | 772 | ||
| 15/11/1975 | Home | SL | W | 3-1 | 2109 | Plumb, Brown, McMahon | |
| 21/01/1976 | Home | SLC4 | W | 1-0 | 1448 | Plumb | |
| 11/09/1976 | Home | SL | D | 0-0 | 1801 | ||
| 19/02/1977 | Away | SL | D | 0-0 | |||
| 10/12/1977 | Away | SL | L | 1-2 | Plumb | ||
| 20/04/1978 | Home | SL | L | 1-3 | Clancy | ||
| 10/01/1979 | Home | SL | W | 4-0 | 1179 | Morrall, Green(2), Platt | |
| 02/05/1979 | Away | SL | W | 1-0 | Sturgess | ||
| 08/12/1979 | Home | APL | D | 1-1 | 1504 | Green | |
| 19/01/1980 | Away | APL | L | 0-2 | 884 | ||
| 27/12/1980 | Home | APL | L | 1-3 | 1502 | Green | |
| 28/02/1981 | Away | APL | D | 2-2 | Green, Platt | ||
| 26/08/1981 | Home | BLT1A | L | 0-2 | 675 | ||
| 31/08/1981 | Away | BLT1B | D | 0-0 | 953 | ||
| 26/09/1981 | Home | APL | W | 2-1 | 1036 | Bell, Beck | |
| 20/02/1982 | Away | APL | D | 1-1 | 845 | Platt | |
| 17/08/2002 | Home | Conf | D | 2-2 | 2948 | Crittenden 67, Skiverton 90 | |
| 04/01/2003 | Away | Conf | W | 4-2 | 1404 | Jackson 13, Lindegaard 35, 57, 90 |
Results Summary For Yeovil Town First Team vs Gravesend and Northfleet
| Home | Away | Overall | ||||||||||||
| W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A |
| 19 | 5 | 5 | 79 | 46 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 38 | 55 | 24 | 16 | 16 | 117 | 101 |
Previous Results for Yeovil Town First Team vs Ebbsfleet United
| 13/08/2019 | Away | NATL | W | 3-1 | 1057 | Murphy 27, Hutton 47, Whelan 81 | |
| 20/03/2020 | Home | NATL | X | P-P | X | Game cancelled due to COVID-19 | |
| 20/08/2024 | Home | NATL | W | 3-2 | 3295 | McGavin 25, Smith 40, Greenslade 81 |
| Home | Away | Overall | ||||||||||||
| W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
Club Statistics
RECENT RESULTS
| 26/10/2024 | Wealdstone | Home | NLP | D | 2-2 | 1498 | Cosgrave 86, Thomas 90+1 | |
| 09/11/2024 | Tamworth | Away | NLP | D | 1-1 | 1141 | Cosgrave 28 | |
| 16/11/2024 | Solihull Moors | Home | NLP | L | 0-6 | 1664 | ||
| 27/11/2024 | Eastleigh | Home | NLP | L | 0-1 | 1023 | ||
| 30/11/2024 | Boston United | Home | NLP | D | 0-0 | 1563 | ||
| 07/12/2024 | Sutton United | Away | FAT3 | L | 3-3 | 955 | Kane 47, Cosgrave 54, Harriott 64 Sutton win 4-2 on penalties | |
| 10/12/2024 | AFC Fylde | Away | NLP | L | 0-2 | 963 | ||
| 14/12/2024 | Barnet | Away | NLP | L | 1-4 | 1583 | Poleon 83 | |
| 21/12/2024 | Gateshead | Home | NLP | L | 1-4 | 1275 | Cordner 85 | |
| 26/12/2024 | Southend United | Away | NLP | L | 0-4 | 8406 | ||
| 01/01/2025 | Dagenham & Redbridge | Home | NLP | L | 0-2 | 1395 | ||
| 0/01/2025 | West Ham United U-21s | Home | NLC | |||||
| 11/01/2025 | Boston United | Away | NLP |
LEAGUE ATTENDANCE STATISTICS
Highest League Attendance: 1,664 – vs Solihull Moors (16/11/24)
Lowest League Attendance: 1,175 – vs Aldershot Town (10/09/24)
Average League Attendance: 1,435
CURRENT LEAGUE SEQUENCE STATISTICS
| Games Without A Win: | Games Without A Home Win: | |||
| Games Without An Away Win: | Games Without Defeat: | |||
| Games Without A Home Defeat: | Games Without An Away Defeat: | |||
| Games Without A Draw: | Games Without A Score Draw: | |||
| Games Without A No-Score Draw: | Games Without Scoring: | |||
| Games Without Conceding: | Home Results Sequence: | |||
| Away Results Sequence: | Overall Results Sequence: |
Club Information
Address :
The Kufflink Stadium
Stonebridge Road
Northfleet,
Kent,
DA11 9GN
Telephone Number : 01474 533796
Email : info@eufc.co.uk
Chairman: Abdullah Aaaf Alhumaidi
General Manager :Aimee Beagley
Club Secretary : Katie Knowles
Team Manager : Danny Searle
Capacity : 4,769
Seated : 2,179
Covered Terrace : Swanscombe End (away supporters) is uncovered
Surface : Grass
Record Attendance : 12,032 – vs Sunderland, FA Cup 4th Round – February 1963
Colours : Red shirts, white shorts
Nickname : The Fleet
Programme : £3.00
Ticketing
Tickets for our trip to Ebbsfleet on Tuesday 14th January 2025 went on sale at the start of December – see here – and are available to buy – HERE.
Tickets are available to buy on the night with a £1 increase in pre-match prices.
Click on the link , select your tickets (family options are available), either log-in, register an account or CONTINUE AS A GUEST with a valid email; Bob’s you’re uncle.
Prices :
Adult: £19.00
Concession: £15.00
Young Adult (17-21 years): £13.00
Youth (12-16 year): £9.00
Under-12s: £1.00
Family 2 (x2 adults, x2 youths): £45.00
Family 1 (x1 adult, x1 youth): £25.00
Some extra information which may be of use:
“Admission to league fixtures at the Kuflink Stadium. Valid for the away section (Swanscombe End) of the ground.
*Concessions: Over 60s and 17-21-year-olds in full-time education. Entry subject to satisfactory ID.
*All Under 12s must be accompanied into the ground by a paying adult. To purchase an U12 ticket you must also purchase an adult/concession.”
DISABLED ACCESS AND INFORMATION
ARRIVAL AT THE GROUND
Limited disabled parking is available free of charge for blue badge holders in the club car park at the away end subject to availability. These spaces are located close to the turnstiles and gate leading to the away end. Please email info@eufc.co.uk well in advance of your visit if possible to allow us to make any necessary arrangements before matchday. Our disability liaison officer Kevin Spencer (contact details below) will endeavour to answer any questions you may have in advance.
WHEELCHAIR USERS
We currently have wheelchair bays in front of the old stand which are at pitch level and wheelchair bays in the Main Stand. In the old stand, companions can be seated in the row behind the wheelchair user. This depends on the number of ambulant disabled supporters requiring seats on the front row. Please note that we only have a limited number of spaces available for wheelchair users, and allocation is subject to availability.
CARER TICKETS
The club operates a ticketing policy that recognises that disabled supporters may need assistance to fully enjoy the matchday experience. Disabled supporters are entitled to bring a personal assistant/carer to matches free of charge when the club is provided with proof of receipt of Disability Living Allowance/PIP for either mobility or care. EUFC reserves the right to ask for proof of disability before issuing any concession. To secure a carer ticket, please purchase a valid matchday ticket and email info@eufc.co.uk with your DLA/PIP proof at least 24 hours in advance of matchday and we will issue the carer ticket.
AMBULANT DISABLED SUPPORTERS
There are no step-free seats at ground level, but there are seats with just a few steps and handrails in the old stand. There is a lift for both wheelchair and ambulant disabled users in the Main stand.
TOILETS
There is a disabled toilet behind the old stand which is accessible for ambulant disabled fans and it is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. There is also a fully accessible disabled toilet in the Main stand and in hospitality areas.
DISABILITY LIAISON OFFICER
Kevin Spencer is the Fleet Supporters’ Trust disability liaison officer. Kevin is an ambulant user himself and has experienced very contrasting levels of facilities and accessibility at grounds across the country in the National League. It is essential that we try our best to cater for and welcome every fan, no matter what their individual needs. Everybody should be able to enjoy the game and feel a part of it.
We hope you will find this information helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kevin by email on dlo@kevins.co.uk
Official Away Travel
The Green & White Supporters’ Club is running away travel to Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday 14th January, 7.45p.m. kick-off.
Details are as follows:
Members: Adult £30; Concession £28
Non-Members: Adult £33; Concession £31
Coach departs Huish Park: 1.30pm
To book, call Paul Hadlow on 07736 044570 (after 6.00 p.m. please).
If you are getting in touch by email, please make it clear which match you are booking for and that you give your full name, the names of people that are travelling and a contact telephone number.
You may be asked to pay a £5 deposit to reserve your seat.
Directions To The Ground
General
You may struggle to find the name Ebbsfleet on a map. More likely you’ll pinpoint the area under the club’s former name, situated in Northfleet, close to the larger town of Gravesend. This is just outside the M25 in Kent, on the south bank of the River Thames as it snakes its way out into the sea. So go up the A303, then M3, then take the south side of the M25 past Gatwick. However, don’t go across the river at Dartford – you’ll need to turn eastbound off the motorway before you hit the Dartford Crossing.
By Road
From the M25 at Junction 2 take the A2 eastbound towards Rochester and Chatham. Leave the A2 at the Northfleet/Gravesend West junction. At the roundabout, follow signs to Ebbsfleet International Station/A226 which will take you on to Thamesway and past Ebbsfleet International. Once past the station, the ground is at the end of that road.
Parking
There is limited spaces in side streets. Note that Thames Way (A226) close to the station is designated as a ‘Clearway’ which means that if you park there then you’ll get ticketed. The recommended car park is at Ebbsfleet International railway station. Use Car Park C which will cost £3.00 and leaves you five minutes away from the ground. There is a club car park but this isn’t generally available to away supporters unless you’ve agreed this with Ebbsfleet.
By Rail
The nearest station is Northfleet which is only about 200 yards from the ground and connects from Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge, meaning it is the most obvious one for Glovers fans coming in via Waterloo mainline station. As you leave Northfleet station go (more or less) straight ahead until you reach the main road. Turn left and walk down the hill and the ground is on your right.
The next nearest is the Ebbsfleet International station, which connects from London St Pancras. Exit the station through Car Park C and towards the roundabout where you will see the stadium in front of you.
Alternatively, you can go to Gravesend Station and get a bus to the ground. Come out of the station on the Town side and turn right. There are some bus stops just by the station. You can catch a 480 or 490 bus which will drop you outside the ground. There is also the Fastrack B Service which goes to Ebbsfleet International Station – see above for navigation from there.
By Bus
Bus routes are really only relevant if you choose to come in via Gravesend. Take the 480 or 490 bus which will drop you outside the ground. There is also the Fastrack B Service which goes to Ebbsfleet International Station.
By Taxi
A selection of contact details for local taxi companies in the Northfleet area can be found here.
Web Resources
Web Sites
Ebbsfleet United FC – official site
Social Media
EUFCOfficial – official Twitter/X
Ebbsfleet United – official Facebook
eufc_official – official Instagram
The Fleet Zone – fans’ podcast/Twitter channel
Local Press
Kent Online – Ebbsfleet United FC
Food & Drink
General
Given Stonebridge Road (currently called Kuflink Stadium) is in a sprawling industrial estate that is almost a cut off ‘island’, bounded by marsh, aggregate extraction and cement works to the north, the Thames to the east, and the Eurostar line to the west, this is a pub guide that won’t take long. To be fair, Gravesend itself appears to be attempting to become the Micropub Capital of Britain, with four so far: Compass Alehouse (2014), 7 Manor Road, DA12 1AA (Open 18:00-22:00; Three Pillars (2017), 25 Wrotham Road, DA11 0PA (Open 14:00-21:00); Invicta Bar (2017), 31 Windmill Street, DA12 1AS (Open 11:00-00:00); Mole Hole (2019 – should be open by the time we play Ebbsfleet), 17 High Street, DA11 0BA (Closed Tuesdays). Unfortunately, the ground is about 2.2 miles walking from here, but all are close (or reasonably close) to Gravesend station which in turn is one stop from Northfleet station, or there are buses. The area around Ebbsfleet’s stadium, conversely, is not as well blessed with pubs.
Club Bar
Whether the Fleet Lounge Club Bar is available to away fans depends whether Ebbsfleet has decided to segregate the match or not. Generally, they don’t segregate. When they do provision for the away Swanscombe End is pretty limited: a burger van (Eat Street) doing some basic hot food and drinks.
According to the Ebbsfleet website there is also a ‘Prosecco bar’ in the away end with beers on tap including Brewdog, Hofmeister and Iron Pier as well as sausage rolls and pasties.
Local Pubs
The Rose: If you’ve been to an away game at any point in the past couple of seasons and heard people singing about being “on the piss, in The Rose” – this is The Rose. Closest pub to the stadium, at not much more than five minutes walk away, and also convenient for Northfleet railway station. Does two, sometimes three, Real Ales: St Austell’s Tribute, and usually something more local. No food. There’s a Sky Sports banner on the outside of the pub in some photos that appear to be recent, but we’re not guaranteeing that’s still on offer. Has a pub garden. Regular beers: Two Changing Cask Ales – often Doom Bar or Harvey’s. Opening times: Tue 14:00-23:00.Address: The Rose, 1 Rose Street, Northfleet, DA11 9EQ. Tel: 07547 344438 https://www.facebook.com/Therose100
Iron Pier Taproom – Excellent Micro Brewery with Taproom named after the Gravesend Town Pier, the oldest remaining Cast Iron pier in the world. The pier which opened in 1834 was designed by William Tiernwey Clark, and constructed by William Wood, at a cost of £8,700. The Brewery Taproom opened in 2018 and hosts at least two Beer Festivals per year. Regular beers: Three Changing Cask Ales & Variety of Keg. Opening times: Tue 17:00-22:00.
Address: Iron Pier Taproom, Unit 6 & 7 May Industrial Estate, May Avenue, Northfleet, DA11 8RU.
Earl Grey – Late 18th Century Red Brick & Flint exterior. Regular beers: Shepherd Neame Tied House – usually 2-3 Cask Ales. Opening times: Tue 12:00-23:00.
Address: Earl Grey, 177 Vale Road, Northfleet, DA11 8BP.
These next two will both be closed by the time any Yeovil fans make it to Gravesend or Northfleet, but leaving them in the guide in case anyone is getting there (very) early:
Ye Old Coach & Horses Inn: Northfleet is a bit of a sprawling mess, but in what probably passes for the centre of town, and 0.8 miles from the ground, is this Ei chain pub. Real Ale is Sharp’s Doom Bar, plus one other usually sourced from a major brewer. A real cider is from Weston’s. Has car parking, Sky Sports, a pool table, darts and garden with covered heated smoking area. Food is served lunchtimes only, from noon – 5.00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 11.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Sunday. Opens at noon every day, closing 11.00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Address: Coach & Horses, 25 The Hill, Northfleet, DA11 9EU. Tel: 01474 395088 https://www.facebook.com/yeoldecoahcandhorseinnpublichouse/
Ye Olde Leather Bottel: Still in the ‘centre’, but slightly further away from the ground at 0.9 miles than Ye Old Coach & Horses (above), is another offering from the Ei pub chain. No Real Ale. Has Sports TV, pub garden and a car park. Food served all day from noon – 9.00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, noon until 5.00 p.m. Sunday. Opening is 11.00 a.m. every day, closing 11.00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Address: Leather Bottel, Dover Road, Northfleet, DA11 9PH. Tel: 0147 355266 Website: http://yeoldeleatherbottel.co.uk/
Gravesend
Three Pillars – Gravesend’s second Micropub which opened underneath the Masonic Hall in 2017. Steep steps on the right-hand side of the building lead down to what was, at one time, the Masonic Hall’s own bar. Two carpeted front rooms, with standard tables and chairs, lead to the bare brick floored bar counter area with its high tables and at the bar seating. Real ales and ciders are sold from a two tier stillage on gravity dispense from a temperature controlled cellar room. Branch Cider Pub of the Year 2020. Also sells wines and spirits and a range of gluten-free drinks. Regular beers: At least Five Cask Ales – often Kent, Cellar Head or Mighty Oak + Cider. Opening times: Tue 14:00-22:00.
Address: Three Pillars, 25 Wrotham Road, Gravesend, DA11 0PA
Jolly Drayman – The Jolly Drayman is a Low Beamed Traditional Pub known to the locals as the “Coke Oven” it was formerly the Druid’s Head from 1843-1879. There is evidence that the cellars of the pub were used during World War II to offer shelter to the local residents from the German bombing which targeted nearby industry, Many of the bar staff and customers have, over the years, seen the pub ghost. It seems that the spectral figure of an old lady can sometimes be seen sitting in the corner of the old public bar. Perhaps she is the one who has been known to stack lumps of coal from the fireplace overnight when the pub is empty. Regular beers: Three Permanent Cask Ales from Skinners, Dark Star & St. Austell + Two Guest Pumps. Opening times: Tue 12:00-23:30 Address: The Jolly Drayman, 1 Love Lane, Wellington Street, Gravesend, DA12 1JA.
Likelihood the Natives Will Understand You: 25 miles from London – what do you think they sound like? If you’re fluent in Estuary English then you’ll fit in perfectly.
Top-Tip: When setting off to “Ebbsfleet in Kent” make sure you actually travel to the correct one! Dating all the way back to the Roman Empire, there is a small hamlet called Ebbsfleet situated near Ramsgate in Kent. This is on the East coast of Kent and thus on entirely the wrong side of the county. Head there and you may find the attendance for the match is lower than you expected.
Local Amenities: Gravesend has the oldest cast iron pier in the world, if that’s your thing.
Other Points Of Interest: Ever thought Pochantos was just a Disney character (ever cared?), well, Gravesend can tell you different. In fact a Native American woman born in the late 1500s, who converted to Christianity, married an Englishman and moved to Kent. She died in Gravesend in 1617 and there is a statue of her in St George’s Church not far from the pier, but a good 45 minute walk from the ground.
[No responsibility is taken for any inaccuracies. This page is entirely the product of bias and prejudice. ]