Danny Roberts when he was a glass collector at the Drayton

EVER since Arsenal moved from Highbury to the Emirates, one of the closest pubs to the stadium has catered for away fans – until now.

The Drayton Park pub, opposite the giant Arsenal letters near the Gunners’ ground, has long been the designated boozer for visiting teams.

But it was taken over by former bar staff a year before the pandemic, forced to close during lockdown, and finally reopened last month after a full renovation.

And – for the first time – as a pub wanting home fans.

Opening night was particularly sweet for life-long Gooner Danny Roberts, who has worked in the Drayton on and off since 2000, when he got his first job there as a glass collector, aged 13.

Danny is now assistant manager

“I got emotional getting to wear my Arsenal top behind the bar,” he said. “I’d served every away team, I used to know every anti-Arsenal song.”

Mr Roberts moved in next door to the Drayton with his family in 1994, and the pub became like a second home for him. He started serving behind the bar when he was 16, worked there full-time for a decade and is now part-time assistant manager.

“I just love the place,” he said. “I started asking for a job here when I was about 10. I’ve learnt more in this pub than I ever did at school.”

Mr Roberts pointed out that, despite the upmarket new decor, the Drayton is still a great backstreet pub which serves the local community.

When it reopened last month, he put on his Arsenal playlist and started the whole room off singing.

“I never thought that it could look like this,” he added.

“I’ve waited a long time see it. It’s such a joy.”