Tried & tasted: Lord’s Tavern

Modern and vibrant ? not words instantly synonymous with the game of cricket, writes Daniel Fountain. But ideal for describing Lord?s Tavern, a bar and restaurant situated in the shadow of one of the world?s most iconic sporting meccas. As the spiritual ?home of cricket? since 1814, Lord?s is steeped in history and tradition, but the Tavern gives off a different vibe altogether while losing none of the quintessential Englishness of its much older namesake.

Out front, the modestly furnished, spacious interior allows for a busy but never overcrowded atmosphere and offers a perfect setting, be it for networking over drinks, a quick lunch meeting, or a relaxed spot for dinner. In the kitchen, head chef Mervy Hettiarachige Don?s summer menu is infused throughout with his own twist on gastro-pub classics sure to please almost all tastes ? including the chicken Caesar salad, rib eye steak and deep-fried haddock in Marston?s batter ? and at agreeable prices considering the St John?s Wood location.

In keeping with the up-market pub ambience, all of this is complemented by the Tavern?s excellent selection of craft ales and wines ? of which the Australian Merlot is quite perfect being sipped under the watchful gaze of the Antipodean cricketing heroes that bedeck the walls around us.

However, it?s in the starter of lamb skewers where the Tavern?s jewel in the crown shines brightest. Both my dining partner and I plump for this and its perfectly cooked meat served in an exquisite spiced jus certainly doesn?t disappoint. Just as we are still waxing lyrical over the first course, the waiter brings out my friend?s gargantuan sized fish and chips and my own tower-high Tavern Burger ? neither has very long to be admired as the plates they arrive on are cleared away almost spotless soon after. And as someone who takes a lot of impressing when it comes to dessert, even I can?t find fault in the staff-recommended Knickerbocker Glory that my companion and I sample.

Far too often when eateries are attached to a sporting venue, the name supersedes any aspect of quality. Not so at Lord?s Tavern. If you?re seeking a spot for an unhurried drink or a bite to eat in this very fashionable part of the capital, the Tavern should now be very near the top of your list.

Lord?s Tavern, Lord?s Cricket Ground, St John?s Wood, London NW8 8QN; 020 7616 8689; lords.org/lords/things-to-do/lords-tavern/