National League Rugby Discussion Forum Homepage
Forum Home Forum Home > League Rugby - www.leaguerugby.co.uk > Premiership Cup
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Visiting Ampthill
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

IMPORTANT Remember to read the rules of the board and abide by them when posting.

Visiting Ampthill

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
gerg_861 View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 11 Jun 2017
Location: Ealing
Status: Offline
Points: 2697
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gerg_861 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Visiting Ampthill
    Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 08:31
So I have a pass from the Mrs. to make the trip to Amphill, and I'm going to meet some work colleagues. Not having went to Ampthill before, I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on a few points:

1. Early game, so was thinking of just getting lunch at the ground. Feasible, or will I go away hungry? Note - driving, so liquid lunch not an option.
2. I've heard that the ground is rather spartan - my colleague is a bit older and was hoping to be able to sit. Best off bringing a stool?
3. Any idea if dogs are allowed?

thanks in advance.
Back to Top
gerg_861 View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 11 Jun 2017
Location: Ealing
Status: Offline
Points: 2697
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gerg_861 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 09:22
Ahh...found that dogs are allowed from the website...If no answers on the other questions, then I'll report back on Sunday for wider info.
Back to Top
Camquin View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 01 Jun 2007
Location: Cambridge
Status: Offline
Points: 11443
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Camquin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 09:30
There is a place selling coffe and snacks pitchside. I cannot remember if it does hot food.
I am sure there was hot food in the club house. However I have not eaten there so cannot vouch for quality.

There are a few picnic tables, but iif you have a camp stool or shooting stick I would take that.
Sweeney Delenda Est
Back to Top
OldNick View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner


Joined: 20 May 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 3418
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote OldNick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 10:07
Eat offsite before arriving. There are tolls sometimes in the bar, but we’ve found they tend to run out.
Dogs, yes everywhere!
Very limited seating - bring a folding chair.

Back to Top
corporalcarrot View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 22 Sep 2013
Location: St Brelade
Status: Offline
Points: 4724
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote corporalcarrot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 10:50
The town is a 5-10 minute walk from the ground and has a decent collection of Pubs & Foodie spots. I liked the clubhouse which was traditional in style and the gorgeous bowl of a pitch which is a few hundred metres away through the woods had excellent and inexpensive hot food to eat on the hoof. No problem taking dogs and the pitch side toilet facilities offer uninterrupted views of the match. I really enjoyed my visit but the lack of floodlights suggest that even a 1.45pm kick off may still be pushing luck in December. A torch may be useful.
Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD.
Back to Top
islander View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner


Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Location: jersey
Status: Offline
Points: 7607
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote islander Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 13:13
Have a good trip Gerg. Ampthill may not be everyone's cup of tea but I enjoyed it - very welcoming and when I say 'old school' I mean that as a genuine compliment. It would be dull if all the clubs in any league were the same. And I'm sure you'll make it back through the woods without a torch!
Back to Top
B Cap View Drop Down
First XV regular
First XV regular


Joined: 12 Feb 2019
Location: Hertfordshire
Status: Offline
Points: 64
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote B Cap Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 13:53
This season they’ve set up a large marquee adjacent to clubhouse where there’s a bar.
At pitch side on the bank there has been 2 bars, a tea/coffee place and a hot food stall selling pork rolls, pie and burgers. Pies are good.
Full toilet facilities
Seating wise. - there are a few benches dotted around on the hill but youll need to get there early to grab one.
Enjoy the match.
Back to Top
Fat Albert View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner


Joined: 26 Sep 2007
Status: Offline
Points: 1967
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Fat Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 14:32
Clubhouse and/or marquee serves cold food before the game, pitch side there are burgers, sandwiches and confectionery available. The club lunch is very good value but you'll need to book.

Good food & beer available in town, 10-15 minute walk from the ground.

Here's a view of the field



The banking, on the South & East of the pitch, is quite steep affording a great view. Biggest crowd was over 2000 with room for at least that again.

It's a 5 minute stroll from the clubhouse to the field, there's very little seating available.
a Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother
Back to Top
corporalcarrot View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 22 Sep 2013
Location: St Brelade
Status: Offline
Points: 4724
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote corporalcarrot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 15:10
Great photo FatAl. Pitch was in great condition a few weeks ago when I visited and it must be as wide as any I have seen in the Championship. A great field for running rugby.
Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD.
Back to Top
gerg_861 View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 11 Jun 2017
Location: Ealing
Status: Offline
Points: 2697
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gerg_861 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2019 at 16:46
Thanks all. Looking forward to the trip!
Back to Top
No 7 View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 10 Oct 2011
Location: LONDON
Status: Offline
Points: 1878
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote No 7 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2019 at 16:42
 A wonderful setting and a real club atmosphere. I observed the ambulance ready to go and the ` medical centre at pitchside. I chose the pulled pork roll at £ 5:00. Worth every pound . The stroll is very short indeed and fairly flat , I do not see what all the fuss was about. There is very little seating but I witnessed empty benches and it is so easy to bring your own fold away chair that you can site where ever takes your fancy.

We chose the half way line on an elevated position on the amenities side, bar, food, and loo`s. One of the best views I have ever had at a rugby ground.

The match was too close for comfort from an Ealing point of view and in my opinion the main reason was the tenacity of the Ampthill mob. They look very at home in the Championship and will only get better.

It was clearly obvious that when Jordon Burns came on that the tempo/ fizz stepped up and he also scored an individual try. For me he is clearly our best scrum half and if he needs to improve in any area surely that is down to our extensive coaching team. They have access to him 5 days a week !.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
Back to Top
Eel View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 28 Sep 2009
Location: Ealing
Status: Offline
Points: 1459
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2019 at 19:32
Originally posted by No 7 No 7 wrote:

 A wonderful setting and a real club atmosphere. I observed the ambulance ready to go and the ` medical centre at pitchside. I chose the pulled pork roll at £ 5:00. Worth every pound . The stroll is very short indeed and fairly flat , I do not see what all the fuss was about. There is very little seating but I witnessed empty benches and it is so easy to bring your own fold away chair that you can site where ever takes your fancy.

We chose the half way line on an elevated position on the amenities side, bar, food, and loo`s. One of the best views I have ever had at a rugby ground.

The match was too close for comfort from an Ealing point of view and in my opinion the main reason was the tenacity of the Ampthill mob. They look very at home in the Championship and will only get better.

It was clearly obvious that when Jordon Burns came on that the tempo/ fizz stepped up and he also scored an individual try. For me he is clearly our best scrum half and if he needs to improve in any area surely that is down to our extensive coaching team. They have access to him 5 days a week !.
no 7 I have no idea who you are but I would agree 100 per cent with all your comments. The burger was high quality also .. I would also add that had amps lineout been any better than terrible they would have won the game. Reminded of our time in Nat 2 and below proper club
If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much room
Back to Top
Yeeealing View Drop Down
First XV squad
First XV squad
Avatar

Joined: 24 Apr 2018
Location: Middlesex
Status: Offline
Points: 31
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Yeeealing Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2019 at 20:40
Eel you are stuch a tease 😂 Ampthill great location , great club house , not a bad team🏉 Great supporters ,give us a run for are money . Ealing for me again , not quite there again . I've watched most of the games this season too hot & cold , we've got the talent there but from week to week we just don't know what Ealing are going to turn up. Sounds a bit harsh seeing we've only lost once this season, anyway onwards & upwards long way to go yet.
Back to Top
gerg_861 View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 11 Jun 2017
Location: Ealing
Status: Offline
Points: 2697
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gerg_861 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2019 at 22:10
I mirror the feelings around Amphill - a unique set up and very interesting to visit. Definitely would recommend the burgers over the sausage rolls, and I heard good reviews on the pies. Also, I managed to squeeze into a free parking spot in the park across the road, so that was a plus. A warm welcome from the Ampthill supporters, and I genuinely feel like there were well more than the 250 people there that were reported. Also, managed to meet some of the board members there, so a nice plus. For anyone thinking of going for the first time, I'd recommend it, though I could also see it being brutal on a rainy day with virtually no cover available.
Back to Top
Kimbo View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner


Joined: 31 May 2007
Location: 'incleh
Status: Offline
Points: 6433
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kimbo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Dec 2019 at 09:39
There are much worse places to watch rugby. I've been on pleasant days, and horribly wet and windy days (the latter is far from pleasant there).
Facilities are much better than in previous seasons, and it was good to see the medical centre and suitably sited ambulance for a change.
Sadly it appears impossible to do everything that needs doing (floodlights are essential on aforementioned wet/windy winter day unless they do the sensible thing and ko at a much earlier time) so the move up the road appears to be the only sensible option - if they are to retain ambition.
Good club. Deserves bigger crowds. Don't know where they're going to come from though (don't say Bedford!).

Edited by Kimbo - 09 Dec 2019 at 09:40
Our City,
Our Club
Back to Top
Guinness John View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner
Avatar

Joined: 21 May 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 1302
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guinness John Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2019 at 18:29
A first visit to Ampthill. I won't add to what has been said above regarding bars,food etc but I have to send out a warning to anyone who might need to sit or is not nimble footed. Take your own fold up chair, but finding a flat place to sit on a steep slope will be difficult. My main concern is the 3 to 4 minute walk over slippery wet muddy tree roots before getting to the bowl the sides of which are pitted with rabbit holes. Please don't think that this is sour grapes to our neighbours, lots of effort has gone in and it sure is a very welcoming club to visitors. We kicked off at 1.45 on a bright sunny afternoon, kick off any later on a dull day and the best of luck getting back to the clubhouse.
Bedford Blues Supporter of the Year 2010 - 2011
Back to Top
Raider999 View Drop Down
World Cup Winner
World Cup Winner


Joined: 18 Jan 2013
Location: Crawley
Status: Offline
Points: 4481
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Raider999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2019 at 18:39
Originally posted by Guinness John Guinness John wrote:

A first visit to Ampthill. I won't add to what has been said above regarding bars,food etc but I have to send out a warning to anyone who might need to sit or is not nimble footed. Take your own fold up chair, but finding a flat place to sit on a steep slope will be difficult. My main concern is the 3 to 4 minute walk over slippery wet muddy tree roots before getting to the bowl the sides of which are pitted with rabbit holes. Please don't think that this is sour grapes to our neighbours, lots of effort has gone in and it sure is a very welcoming club to visitors. We kicked off at 1.45 on a bright sunny afternoon, kick off any later on a dull day and the best of luck getting back to the clubhouse.


Suggest taking a couple of loaves and leaving a bread crumb trail - seem to remember that is a working option - and take a torch.
RAID ON
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.04
Copyright ©2001-2021 Web Wiz Ltd.