I'm going down to the London game next week, making a long weekend of it. I know it's new territory for many of us, but are there pubs nearby for pre-match drinks/get together.

It’s car parking I would like to know, going to ring them next week.

There is no parking at the ground, however in previous seasons on street parking on Sundays was never a problem. I am not sure if now being in SL has caused the implementation of the parking restrictions that they put in for football. But people managed to park for the Wigan game which was os a Saturday which was always awkward.
As for pubs, The Corner Pin is the nearest outside, however there is a pub in the ground and shirt sponsor Brewdog have an offer, they are giving free beer between 1-2pm next week, see posters for details.

https://www.yourparkingspace.co.uk/

https://www.yourparkingspace.co.uk/

Maybe the club coach should be replaced with a club Chinook for visits to the capital .