Copied from my reply in another thread:
Alright all. As I'm a local, I'll share some general thoughts on where you could go.
The ground is in one of those places where you aren't really close to anywhere, but you're also not that far away either.
If you get the train from Waterloo/Vauxhall, then you'll go through Norbiton before you reach Kingston. There's some nice pubs in and around Norbiton; the Black Horse has been updated so it's now OK (used to be a major no-go), there's also the Norbiton and Dragon and a bit further away there's the Albert, the Willoughby Arms, the Wytch Elm and The Park Tavern. None are close to the ground so you'll either need a cab from them (you'll also need to give yourself some time to get there as Kingston traffic is often busy on a Saturday.) If you don't get a cab, be prepared for a 15-20 mins walk if you're a decent paced walker.
Getting out at Kingston is probably easier and there's plenty of choice for food and drink, although the better places are not close to the train station and the station/nearby bus station is the better option for buses to the ground. The 131 bus will take you straight towards the ground (take buses towards Tooting).
If you get to Kingston early, it's worth a walk into town (not far) towards the market square and river. The Druids Head is a good pub as is the Ram. All very civilized in them all, so don't be surprised to see families etc...As herts says, the Kings Tun (Spoons) is near the station and the Albion is a walk away across a car park and past a leisure centre. Good pub though for food and drink. Across the park from the Albion, there's a place called the Cocoanut tucked away. Nice Fullers pub, that does thai food too.
Anyone got any other questions, let me know.
