- Joined
- Jan 17, 2015
- Messages
- 4,526
- Reaction score
- 1,554
- Points
- 113
- Location
- London WC1E
- Supports
- Barnet
Ground Guide - The Hive Barnet FC
How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)
Unlike a lot of other grounds in London, driving to the Hive is an option. From the North, I'd probably exit the M1 at Junction 4, while from the south it is possible to exit the North Circular Road at Staples Corner, then take the A5 up to Edgware and then turn left onto either Whitchurch Lane or Camrose Avenue.
There is car parking at the ground accessible from Camrose Avenue but it is a tad pricey at £5 on matchday and it will take a while to exit the car park after a match. Other options include free parking on Honeypot Lane and then walking (about 10 minutes), parking at Canons Park Station (much cheaper for Saturday matches) or parking at Stanmore station and then taking the tube a stop down to Canons Park.
Public transport links are pretty good. Both Canons Park and Queensbury stations are on the Jubilee line and are walking distance to the Hive (5 minutes from Canons Park; 10 minutes but uphill from Queensbury). If you get off at Canons Park, you'll have a scenic walk through the rest of the training complex.
If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?
See above. There are options but getting away can be an issue.
Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?
Away fans will have the option of either standing in the North Terrace or sitting in the away section of the West Stand. The stadium is only 2 years old so is modern with no pillars in the way. The view from the stand is excellent and it is a comfortable place to sit. The view from the terrace is not so great although perfectly adequate as it is only a shallow terrace with only a few metal (not concrete!) steps. Be aware that the away terrace is due to be replaced by a seated stand. Planning permission has been granted for this work but I don't know when this will be effected.
How Were The Stewards on The Day?
In our first season at the Hive , some away followings did have issues with our stewards where it seems that our stewards showed their lack of experience in dealing professionally with large away followings. It seems that they have learnt from this.
If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?
There is quite a wide variety of food on sale at the Hive now, especially if you can gain access to the home Hive Bar where they sell a variety of cooked meals and you can watch Sky Sports. The away section has a bar under the stand as well.
How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?
I would say that creating an atmosphere at the Hive has been a problem for us where even a fairly modest away following can outsing us. Most of the Barnet regulars prefer to sit in the West Stand (as the view is so much better) so the contingent of home fans on the South Terrace is too small to make a lot of noise. Away fans, being congregated on one terrace, can certainly make a lot of noise.
How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?
As stated before, away fans whether seated or standing can access the bar under the away section of the stand. Away from the ground, options are limited. There is one tiny bar at Canons Park called Marranos but nothing in Queensbury. You would be better off drinking in Stanmore or Central London. In terms of food, there are more options in Queensbury including a Asian Kenyan fish and chip restaurant!
Overall Score Out of 10?
7.5 Still room for improvement but it is coming along.
How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)
Unlike a lot of other grounds in London, driving to the Hive is an option. From the North, I'd probably exit the M1 at Junction 4, while from the south it is possible to exit the North Circular Road at Staples Corner, then take the A5 up to Edgware and then turn left onto either Whitchurch Lane or Camrose Avenue.
There is car parking at the ground accessible from Camrose Avenue but it is a tad pricey at £5 on matchday and it will take a while to exit the car park after a match. Other options include free parking on Honeypot Lane and then walking (about 10 minutes), parking at Canons Park Station (much cheaper for Saturday matches) or parking at Stanmore station and then taking the tube a stop down to Canons Park.
Public transport links are pretty good. Both Canons Park and Queensbury stations are on the Jubilee line and are walking distance to the Hive (5 minutes from Canons Park; 10 minutes but uphill from Queensbury). If you get off at Canons Park, you'll have a scenic walk through the rest of the training complex.
If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?
See above. There are options but getting away can be an issue.
Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?
Away fans will have the option of either standing in the North Terrace or sitting in the away section of the West Stand. The stadium is only 2 years old so is modern with no pillars in the way. The view from the stand is excellent and it is a comfortable place to sit. The view from the terrace is not so great although perfectly adequate as it is only a shallow terrace with only a few metal (not concrete!) steps. Be aware that the away terrace is due to be replaced by a seated stand. Planning permission has been granted for this work but I don't know when this will be effected.
How Were The Stewards on The Day?
In our first season at the Hive , some away followings did have issues with our stewards where it seems that our stewards showed their lack of experience in dealing professionally with large away followings. It seems that they have learnt from this.
If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?
There is quite a wide variety of food on sale at the Hive now, especially if you can gain access to the home Hive Bar where they sell a variety of cooked meals and you can watch Sky Sports. The away section has a bar under the stand as well.
How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?
I would say that creating an atmosphere at the Hive has been a problem for us where even a fairly modest away following can outsing us. Most of the Barnet regulars prefer to sit in the West Stand (as the view is so much better) so the contingent of home fans on the South Terrace is too small to make a lot of noise. Away fans, being congregated on one terrace, can certainly make a lot of noise.
How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?
As stated before, away fans whether seated or standing can access the bar under the away section of the stand. Away from the ground, options are limited. There is one tiny bar at Canons Park called Marranos but nothing in Queensbury. You would be better off drinking in Stanmore or Central London. In terms of food, there are more options in Queensbury including a Asian Kenyan fish and chip restaurant!
Overall Score Out of 10?
7.5 Still room for improvement but it is coming along.
Last edited by a moderator: