LEEK - AN UNOFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
In your separate thread on travel, I noted that not many people plan on taking full advantage of the facilities available in Leek itself. Buses and cars from the Macclesfield direction will arrive at Harrison Park before going anywhere near the town itself - and it would be a shame if visitors with time on their hands were to restrict themselves to the pub adjacent to the ground.
The TownSituated on the edge of the Peak District, within the backdrop of the spectacular Staffordshire Moorlands, Leek is off the beaten track, but remains a vibrant market town.
If your alternative is spending time before the game in either Hanley or Macclesfield, I would encourage you to arrive early in Leek and have a look at what the town can offer.
DrinkOne thing Leek does have is plenty of pubs, despite the raping of the industry by the major pub companies.
On the market place itself, The Engine Room is a large, soulless Baracuda-chain pub – a bit like a poor man’s Wetherspoons. What it does do though, it does well. If you’re after a cheap pint, Sky Sports and a burger and chips, head here. Almost next door to the Engine Room is the Hyde’s pub The Red Lion. Again, this is very similar to the Engine Room and caters for the tracksuit-wearing lager & chips brigade.
Far better alternatives exist on Derby Street - Leek’s main shopping thoroughfare. The Cock Inn is a Joule’s Brewery house serving real ales and simple, home-cooked food. The Roebuck Hotel is a Titanic Brewery pub, recently refurbished and fully stocked with Titanic’s signature cask bitters. Note that the Roebuck does not really cater for lager drinkers, who are expected to pay a premium price (£3.70) for Amstel, while the bitter drinkers enjoy far more choice and much lower prices.
If you can battle past the building site at the top end of Derby Street, behind the war memorial is the Cattle Market. Now a Marsden’s pub, head here if you want a game of pool or darts, and the cheapest beer. Note that they don’t serve food in the Cattle Market, although just next door is the highly recommended Monrose sandwich shop, serving everything from cheese-filled North Staffordshire oatcakes to bacon sandwiches.
At the other end of Derby Street (opposite side to the war memorial), you’ll find The Valiant, Belgian Bar ‘Den Engel’, The Black Swan and The Bird In Hand.
All of the pubs listed above are a 15 minute walk from the ground, but it’s all downhill. Close to the ground, you’ll find both the Dyers Arms and the White Lion.
EatOne ‘feature’ of Leek is that it doesn’t have a single McDonalds, Burger King or KFC. But fans of the 21st Century need not fear, as a branch of Subway has recently opened on Derby Street. I’m assuming Subway’s slogan “Eat Fresh!” is intended to be ironic.
Other than the pubs listed above, there are plenty of outlets selling take-away food around the town. The best of the fish & chip shops is Monty’s on the market place, while Wright’s Pies on Derby Street serves hot & cold snacks, including pie, peas & gravy for £2.
The GroundHarrison Park has a capacity of 3,000 – including 650 seats and cover on all four sides of the ground. Both ends behind the goal are fully covered terraces, making them ideal for generating noise and atmopshere.
The Blues Bar can only be accessed from inside the ground before kick-off, but is fully stocked for all of your drinking requirements. There’s no Sky Sports I’m afraid. We tried pressing the red button, but it just turned the telly off.
A snack bar is also available inside the ground, selling hot drinks and your usual pies and burgers. The ‘Town Crier’ matchday programme is value for money at £1.20, and is easily one of the best in the league.
Leek Town is proud to be a family-friendly club, and the matchday atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable.
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Leek Town away in FA Cup
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