Fulham Football Club, established in 1879, holds the distinction of being London’s oldest professional football club. Known for its passionate fanbase and historic ground, Craven Cottage, which is set along the banks of the River Thames, Fulham has built a rich and proud footballing legacy.
Fulham has experienced several significant milestones throughout its history. In recent years, the club has enjoyed notable success, particularly in its promotions to the Premier League. The club has been resilient, bouncing back from relegation multiple times, and continues to maintain a reputation for attacking football and developing young talent. Fulham’s 2020 promotion to the Premier League, led by manager Scott Parker, stands as a recent triumph.
The club’s trophy cabinet includes the 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup, an important achievement in its history, marking Fulham’s success on the European stage. Their most notable recent accomplishment was reaching the UEFA Europa League final in 2010 under the management of Roy Hodgson. Although they finished runners-up, it was a monumental journey that included memorable victories over European giants like Juventus and Hamburg. This cemented Fulham’s place as a competitive force in European football.
Fulham has consistently been a club known for nurturing talent. Players like Johnny Haynes, considered one of the greatest English footballers, and Clint Dempsey, Fulham’s all-time Premier League top scorer, are among the iconic figures who have worn the club’s colours. The club’s commitment to youth development is further exemplified by its successful academy, which has produced several players who have gone on to make significant impacts in both domestic and international football.
Fulham’s longevity, commitment to attractive football, and competitive spirit, both in domestic and European competitions, contribute to its respected status in English football. The club’s recent return to the Premier League ensures that it continues to play at the top level, with loyal supporters and a promising future ahead.
The Riverside incorporates contemporary designs, state of the art concourses and premium hospitality lounges on matchdays. The design of the Riverside Stand is sympathetic to Fulham Football Club’s location, the glorious River Thames and the environment.
Set across the top three floors of The Riverside, Sky Deck has a brilliant blend of formal and informal, secluded and social settings in stunning surroundings, including the rooftop terrace and its sweeping views across the Thames and London’s skyline.
Our elegant first-floor restaurant features a finely crafted four-course à la carte menu – as well as fine wines, champagne and cocktails – all curated by Michelin star chefs. London’s iconic river is beautifully framed by floor-to-ceiling windows for you, but there’s also the chance to dine al fresco and take in the Thames view from our terrace.
Craven Cottage, the historic home of Fulham Football Club, is a truly unique ground with a rich history, a beautiful location, and some exciting recent developments. It’s often hailed as one of the most charming stadiums in English football.
The site of Craven Cottage has a fascinating past that predates its football legacy. Originally, it was a royal hunting lodge, and a cottage was built there in 1780 by Baron William Craven. The cottage itself was a home for several notable figures, including the author Edward Bulwer-Lytton, until it was destroyed by fire in 1888.4The land was left abandoned and overgrown until Fulham Football Club took it over in 1894, spending two years preparing it for its first match in 1896.
The stadium’s most iconic features were designed by the renowned football architect Archibald Leitch in 1905, including the famous Johnny Haynes Stand (originally the Stevenage Road Stand) and the distinctive pavilion, known as “The Cottage.” Both of these structures are now Grade II listed buildings, protecting their historic status. The ground also holds a significant place in sporting history, as it was one of the venues for the 1948 London Summer Olympics.
The most significant recent development at Craven Cottage has been the massive redevelopment of the Riverside Stand. This project was led by club owner Shahid Khan and has been a major undertaking for several years. The new stand has not only increased the stadium’s capacity but has also completely transformed the area.
Key features of the new Riverside Stand include:
The project faced challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the collapse of the initial contractor, but the new stand has been officially completed and is now fully operational, marking a new, modern era for one of football’s most cherished and traditional grounds.
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