By LordoftheChairs & allofus
April 20 2009
Lord of the Chairs might have left NW8 for pastures new, but that doesn't stop the MTWD community from updating the Beer Drinkers Guide. We are now in a position to publish the 2009 update. It doesn't get much less scientific than this mixture of opinion, tradition and polling, but you can still chime in with your opinion if you wish..Updates for 2012 from those visiting Public Houses etc in the area would be appreciated,not sure how many of those listed for 2009 are left as pubs rather than flats or pizza palours now.
OK alcopop pickers! Lord of the Chairs might have left NW8 for pastures new, but that doesn’t stop the MTWD community from updating the Beer Drinkers’ Guide. Based on extensive research and several polls of MTWD regulars, we are now in a position to publish the 2009 update.
It doesn’t get much less scientific than this mixture of opinion, tradition and polling. Once again, quite a lot has changed since the original, seminal piece. Some boozers have dropped out of the charts (and existence), while others have nudged up. But this is merely the opinion of his Lordship and a sizeable sample of MTWD regulars. As his Lordship succinctly put it last time, “if you’re heading to watch Middlesex, you really ought to think about buying a half of mild in [at least] one of these establishments.” So here it is – the 2009 update of the Beer Drinkers’ Guide to Lord’s.
1^ The Star Clearly the favourite for a great many Middlesex regulars post match. Lord of the Chairs suggests “if you’ve just seen the opposition score 350-1, you might well get a chance let Mick Hunt know what you think of the pitch.”
2^ The Pavilion Where else can you carry on watching the match on plasma screens in the toilets. Several ales served well, plus a good selection of lagers to choose from. The prices are keen considering the setting and quality of the beers, which probably explains the high ranking of the Pav. In our poll. Some folk won’t ever dress up for it, of course, but then whose loss is that?
3¥ Coolbag Lord of the Chairs describes this as “Number 1 always. You can’t beat a bit of ice and some cans/bottles of your favourites. Cheapest and best.” But that isn’t quite what our poll said. However, it is a wonderful thing that Lord’s allows the coolbag option in circumstances (e.g. Twenty20 matches) where no-one else these days seems to allow it. Three cheers for the MCC on that one. BYO very much a favourite amongst MTWD moderators, it has to be said.
4^ Middlesex Room As Lord of the Chairs put it “good for inclement weather. Beer served in a glass. Not the same as sizzling in the Nursery End though”. If you want to pick up on the Middlesex gossip and don’t have a wireless connection to the MTWD website, the Middlesex Room makes a good second best for first dips at the gossip.
5¥ The Clifton Lord of the Chairs suggests: “I like the Clifton a lot. It is a bit of a trek from Lord’s, but has a nice interior, good range of beers, nice food, friendly staff. Make the effort once this season.”
6*new entry - The Bridge Situated about 10-12 minutes walk from Lord's in Little Vernice, it is convenient for those walking to Warwick Avenue or Paddington (only a small detour). A personal favourite of Ged Ladd’s, perhaps because he used to write for shows performed in the Canal Cafe Theatre above the pub.
7= Lord’s Tavern Lord of the Chairs writes “Aesthetically the refurb was a success. The rise in prices was a bit severe though. See your bank manager before ordering soup with bread. Still very handy for the Grace Gate”. Also handy for post meeting gossip and/or meeting geographically-challenged people outside the season.
8= The Warrington Lord’s words still apply – “spacious pub in Maida Vale with a youngish crowd and a Thai restaurant upstairs”.
9*new entry – New Inn Blinglash writes “a bit of a schlep, but the New Inn on Allitsen Road does a lovely pint of real ale”. We’ll have to try that one out in the interests of research and all report back.
10¥ The Abbey Lord of the Chairs writes “used to be the Salt House. Was very good, then went gothic in a very bad way. Now seems a bit generic.”
Dropping out of the chart: The Ordnance – received no votes at all in our poll. What has happened to this once-popular choice?
Refreshment Kiosks – As Lord of the Chairs wrote “poor beer in flimsy plastic glasses. Useful on big match days, but the beer seller of last resort.” Also received a fat zero in our poll but who dares to suggest that they have never resorted to that particular source?
All Bar One – This used to be the closest pub to the North Gate. It is now a Carluccios.
Crockers Folly – Sadly shut down. Did a great trade on big match days, but obviously not enough in between. Hopefully no-one killed themselves over this.
For Pilgrims If you’re heading to the outer reaches of this great county, don’t forget to get you passport stamped in the Southgate pavilion, Ye Olde Cherry Tree and the Club House at Richmond.
Disagree?All features are now threads as well, so you can help us to keep this feature constantly up to date by chiming in with your discoveries, our errors and/or your opinions.No doubt we’ll publish another comprehensive update some time in the future. But for now, alcopop-pickers, all we can say is: Alright? Stay bright!!
View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.