Omah Lay and England v Croatia on One Night: Where Do You Eat in Wembley Park?

Omah Lay plays OVO Arena Wembley on Thursday 12 November 2026, the same night as England v Croatia at Wembley Stadium. Blue Check Wembley takes no bookings that night: walk in and arrive early.

On Thursday 12 November 2026, Wembley Park hosts two big nights at once. England play Croatia at the stadium, with kick-off at 7:45 pm, and Omah Lay brings his Clarity of Mind World Tour to OVO Arena Wembley. If you're going to either, the question is the same: where do you eat first? At Blue Check Wembley, 12-13 Empire Way, the answer on event days is walk-in, because we don't take bookings.

What the arena says about the day

The arena's page for Omah Lay's Clarity of Mind World Tour carries a warning for ticket holders: the England v Croatia match at the neighbouring stadium the same day will bring road closures and busy public transport. Doors and the show start are still to be announced, and standing is strictly 14+ (14 to 15-year-olds need an adult aged 16+).

That warning is worth taking seriously. Two big events in the same small area mean crowds on the streets from the afternoon, and everything takes longer.

Why can't you book on 12 November?

On Wembley Stadium event days, we run first come, first served, with drinks and quick food and no reservations. That rule applies on 12 November, so don't look for a booking link.

A walk-in plan that works

Because we run first come, first served on Wembley Stadium event days, the plan is about timing and flexibility, not booking.

• Arrive early. The earlier you walk in, the more choice of seating you have. Aim for around 4:30 pm.

• Come in small groups. A group of two to four is easier to seat than ten. If you are a larger group, split into two groups and share a meeting point.

• Keep the order simple. On event days, we run drinks and quick food, so choose dishes that arrive fast.

• Stay flexible. If we are busy, you may need to wait for a table. Having a plan B for where to meet is sensible.

How early should you arrive?

Earlier than you think. With a match and a gig sharing the same area, aim to be through the door by about 4:30 pm. Doors for the Omah Lay show haven't been confirmed. If you're heading to the match, check the official stadium listings for gates and kick-off.

Match fans and gig fans

Some people will be going to the match, some to the gig and some to neither. You will see all three in the same street. If you are going to the gig, you do not need to pay attention to the match timings, but you should expect more people than usual. If you are going to the match, check the official stadium information for gates and kick-off.

What's quick to eat?

Choose food that arrives fast and travels well in a queue-heavy evening: burgers with chips (from £14.95) and chicken wings (£8.95). Our game-day offer also includes beers, cocktails and hot drinks.

Is the match on the big screen?

We usually show live games on the big screen for large groups on stadium days. Don't plan around it until we've confirmed.

Going to the gig, not the game?

You can still walk in and eat first. Just leave extra time for the crowds around Wembley Park after you've finished, and check the arena's own advice on entry.

Getting home

After the show and the match, the area will be busy as thousands of people leave at the same time. Leave extra time, agree a meeting point if you are in a group, and check public transport before you head out. We are open until 12 am, so some people wait for the crowds to thin before they go.

A little about Blue Check Wembley

Blue Check Wembley is a family-run restaurant, bar and private events venue on Empire Way, about two minutes' walk from Wembley Stadium. We are a proper sit-down restaurant with a bar under the same roof, so you can come for a full meal, a quick bite or just a drink. On most days we open at 9:30 am and stay open until 12 am, and on Sundays we open from 12 pm to 8 pm.

On the days there is no match

Event days are only part of what we do. Away from Wembley Stadium fixtures, you can book a table online for dinner, and we serve breakfast, lunch and a Sunday roast. We also offer private hire for parties and events, plus catering, including office and onsite catering and delivered packed lunches on request. If you enjoy 12 November, come back on a quieter day.

12 November at Wembley: your questions

Can I book a table on 12 November? No. We do not take bookings on Wembley Stadium event days, so walk in and arrive early.

What time is kick-off for England v Croatia? 7:45 pm at Wembley Stadium, according to the listing.

Is Omah Lay on the same night? Yes. Omah Lay plays at OVO Arena Wembley on the same Thursday.

Where is the restaurant? 12-13 Empire Way, Wembley Park, HA9, about two minutes from the stadium.

How to find us on a match night

Blue Check Wembley is at 12-13 Empire Way, Wembley Park, HA9, about a two-minute walk from Wembley Stadium. Call 020 8902 8147 or email wembley@bluecheck.co.uk.

By the Blue Check Wembley team. Event details from Wembley Event Days and the OVO Arena Wembley listings.