As a lifelong Everton supporter who associates watching the Blues with being stood for 90 minutes in a chilly Gwladys Street end, with only a big coat and chicken pie for warmth, I approached my first premium experience at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This was only my third visit to Goodison Park's replacement after all, having attended the first test event back in February and the Premier League opener against Brighton.
Fans are still in the early stages of developing feelings for the shiny, new place we now call home, and there is much to be decided when it comes to matchday routines, where to eat and drink, and how to develop an atmosphere.
Having only experienced one game in my season ticket seat in the South Stand – the 2-0 win over the Seagulls in August – it was a slightly odd feeling to pass my turnstile on my loop around the ground and instead head for the entrance right next to the club shop, having spent the previous 20 minutes trying not to buy every bit of merchandise in sight.
Any concerns about swapping the familiarity of a questionable pre-match burger and poorly-poured pint for a three-course meal and inclusive drinks quickly disappeared as we entered, though, and we were greeted by smiling staff who guided us up an escalator and towards a new era for Everton matchdays.
Book official premium packages at EvertonBook nowSeat UniqueFirst impressions
My Dad and I were guests at Trinity Place Restaurant, one of a number of premium experiences offered by Seat Unique, a founding partner of the Hill Dickinson Stadium and the brains behind the top-end opportunities available at the incredible £800 million arena.
Located in the impressive East Stand, Trinity Place Restaurant – aptly named after the club's legendary midfield 'Holy Trinity' of Howard Kendall, Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, who shone in royal blue during the late sixties and early seventies – was inspired by the pre-match routines of fans' get-togethers in local cafes and gastro pubs.
Despite the modern decor and the fact you can't congregate around the bar, the restaurant had a relaxed, homely atmosphere, which was helped considerably by perhaps the world's friendliest, most accommodating waitress welcoming us to our table and providing amazing service for two hours before kick-off.
AdvertisementJoe StrangeFood and drink
Guests can actually arrive at Trinity Place Restaurant three hours before the game starts to give themselves plenty of time to enjoy the all inclusive drinks, with house wines, beers, selected spirits and soft drinks all on the menu.
My dad and I both had a cold Guinness in hand within a couple of minutes of sitting down, with the Toucan football glass a nice touch for those, like me, who are a little obsessed with pints of the black stuff.
We were soon tucking into a delicious sharing board consisting of potted mackerel pate, beetroot terrine with goat’s cheese, chicken and tarragon croquettes with spiced tomato sauce, pickles, olives, baguette croutes and a mixed garden salad with honey mustard dressing.
After another pint of Guinness, it was onto the mains. We both chose the confit duck leg with dauphinoise potatoes, braised red cabbage, tenderstem broccoli and an orange-scented gravy, which looked just as good as it tasted. The ale-battered cod with triple-cooked chips and mushy peas also seemed to go down a treat with other diners, while the roasted squash risotto offered a tasty vegetarian option too.
All of this was devoured while watching the Premier League's early kick-off on handily-placed big screens around the restaurant, before we were presented with our choice of three desserts – a sweet and sticky golden syrup sponge pudding with warm rum caramel – to round-off a top-notch lunch.
Joe StrangeSuperb seats
After finishing our final course and giving our half-time drink orders to our waitress, we made the short walk from our table up to our seats in the East Stand, via a quick exploration of the adjacent Trinity Place Bar, which offers fans a premium take on classic matchday food in a spacious bar area adorned with Everton memorabilia.
Our seats were fantastic. Just to the right of the halfway line, 30 rows back. Unlike Goodison, the Hill Dickinson Stadium offers amazing sight lines from all stands, but I can't imagine there are many better views than this one, with comfy, padded seats perfectly positioned to take in the action at both ends.
It helped that Everton played well on the day, creating a number of clear-cut chances before ultimately having to settle for a slightly frustrating 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. The ice-cold IPA waiting for me at half-time and balmy September weather certainly didn't hurt, either.
AFPGOAL's verdict
With the bar inside Trinity Place Restaurant open for an hour after the full-time whistle, it offers the perfect place for fans to dissect the 90 minutes over another drink or two – and extend their time inside what it a truly stunning venue.
I won't be able to watch every game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in this sort of comfort, or with this kind of food and drink on offer, but as a special experience, it's hard to fault what Everton and Seat Unique have cooked up.
Incredible hospitality but with a warm, friendly feel, mouth-watering grub and some of the best seats inside arguably the country's finest football stadium. If you want a memorable Everton experience, then this is it.
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