Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Gaughan Group Stadium Brisbane Rd. London E510 5NF
Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 9,271
Leyton Orient: Passion, Unity & Determination
Leyton Orient FC is London’s second oldest football club, established in 1881 and competing in various leagues. They wear red, which symbolizes the passion, unity, and determination. The same can be said for their home, officially known as the Gaughan Group Stadium for sponsorship reasons.
The O’s, as they are affectionately known, began play as Orient FC and was founded by members of the Homerton Theological College who had earlier formed a cricket club. During the winter months, they switched to football and, by 1898, adopted the name Orient since many members were involved in the Orient shipping line.
The club played at various stadiums before settling in at Brisbane Road in 1937. They have remained at the stadium since, but all four stands have been renovated since moving the old Mitcham Greyhound Stadium stand in 1955. It is now known as the Old Main East Stand, features the team name on its gable, and is used by home and away supporters.
The Tommy Johnston Stand (South) Stand opened in 1999 and was named after the club’s all-time leading scorer. It has seats for 1,336 spectators and is a few feet above the pitch. The Justin Edinburgh (West) Stand opened in 2005 and seats 2,872 people. It is a tall and vertical structure and houses the team offices. The North End Stand was completed in 2007 and seats 1,351 people.
Food & Beverage 4
On the day of our visit, the two concession stands at the corner of the West Stand were operating. The small area has quite a selection of items, from nachos, hot dogs, pies, ciders, and lagers. The options are few, but they are served hot and made with natural ingredients.
An assortment of pies includes steak and kidney, chicken bāltī, chicken and mushroom, Tuscan bean, cheese, onion and potato, and pork sausage rolls. They are all homemade and minced meat pies served with double mash and covered with parsley sauce.
A pie and double mash costs £6.25
Nachos and hot dogs are served plain or with beef chili, nacho cheese, or both. All hot dogs are 100 percent beef and larger than ones at ballparks in the United States. Snacks such as chocolate bars (Kit Kat, Snickers, and Twix), Pringles, sweet popcorn, and candy floss are available.`
The Stadium Journey recommendation is the pie and double mash. It is priced at £6.25 ($8.15 US/$11.24 CAN). It is London comfort food and perfect for the cold fall days of the English Football League. Top it off with a dab of malt vinegar, or trade in the minced meat pie for one of the other varieties.
Atmosphere 3
The game that we attended was a midweek Bristol Street Motors Trophy match. A midweek knockout cup competition in which EFL League One and League Two, plus an additional 16 invited sides from Premier League and EFL Championship clubs with Category One Academies. Only the west stand was open for fans, while the east stand was designated for the away team supporters. This was not the ordinary match for The O’s, but one underneath the floodlights.
Fans for the game entered through either Gate 7 or 8 and made their way to their seats under the protective roof. Many grabbed a pre-game bite or drink in the two concession areas at the stand before heading to the seating before kickoff.
The club has two mascots, Theo and Cleo, who entertain fans, young and old, before the game and celebrate goals with them if applicable. Inspired by the club’s crest, the two wyverns first appeared during the 2000-2001 season.
Despite one stand being opening, while the east side stand was strictly for away fans, there was energy in the building. The supporters constantly encouraged the players every chance they had to score. When one goal finally got through, several fans rushed near the end line to hug and celebrate with one of the mascots.
Neighborhood 4
The Leyton neighborhood is in South London and is going through gentrification, with young professionals moving into the area. According to the Leyton Area Guide, “With the lively cafes on Francis Road, the bustling High Road, the family-friendly footie action and easy access to the Olympic Park, Leyton can often feel like a city within a city.”
Francis Road is hopping with cafes, delis, shops, restaurants, and other curiosities that should entertain onlookers and guests before and after a match. Burnt is a smokehouse specializing in ribs and brisket. Bamboo Matt offers a South American twist on Japanese classics. Yardarm is a deli on one side and a wine bar on the other. Bread & Oregano offers traditional Greek street food.
There are a few pubs to visit, including the Gravity Well Taproom, offering signature craft beer, vegan cuisine, and occasional kitchen residencies. William the Fourth Houses offers sports screens, a beer garden, and kitchen residences. Finally, The Leyton Star provides a chilled atmosphere for a pint and includes burgers and a game room. There are pubs for pre-game beer, including the Coach and Horses and Lion and Key.
Fans 3
The O’s averaged 8,116 people last season in League One, the club's highest in 30 years. The support is solid at around 5,000 this century, with most based in east London. The Leyton Orient Supporters Club and the Leyton Orient Fans Trust are the two supporters groups at matches. The team has a rich history and a passionate fan base for London’s second-oldest club.
Fans provide constant encouragement to the players on the pitch. The O’s had a chance to score a goal. There were more “ohs” than “O’s” during the match, but it erupted when a goal was made. The same could be said for penalties and free kicks that the supporters felt didn’t go their way. Matches against its rivals, West Ham United, might bring out more revelry.
Access 3
There is no public parking at the stadium, and permit parking is available on the residential streets. It is advisable to take public transportation; thankfully, there are plenty of options to Brisbane Road. The London Underground is a 10-minute walk along the Central Line. The London Overground is a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Bus 58, 69, 97, and 158 run near the stadium.
The stadium is separated into four different stands designated on your ticket stub. You must enter the proper section for admittance. There are nine entrances, including two exits (way outs) for away fans in the East Stand.
Return on Investment 4
The cost of a ticket depends on the stand you are sitting in for the game. The cheapest adult ticket is £27-£33 for the North Stand, but the prices go up from £30-£37 for the West Stand. The prices are lower for seniors (concessions) and kids under 18, who gain admission for as low as £11 in the East or North Stands.
Food prices are extremely reasonable. A pie and two mash costs £6.20, a pie by itself is £4.50, and a pint of beer is £5.80. Nachos and hot dogs start at £3.80 and £5.20 each. The team shop is open only before or after the match, with kits selling for £52.99 and team caps at £12.99.
Extras 4
Leyton Orient scores additional points, which includes serving an array of English football staples of pies, mash, and sausage rolls. The two mascots bring a nice touch to the match. They celebrate with fans in the stands. The stadium itself is a classic English football ground with tons of history. Lastly, the supporters' group was welcoming after the game in their club area.
Final Thoughts
There have been many changes with Orient since the new ownership arrived in 2017. The club had just been relegated to the Northern League, ending a 112-year stay in the EFL. Since then, the club won the Northern League title in 2019 and then the League Two title in 2024. The plan is to move higher, and it should be a fun ride to watch as the team continues its march.
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Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
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