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The Beer drinkers guide to Lord's
By Lord of the Chairs
August 1 2004
Since the beginning of time, the link between cricket and alcohol has preoccupied this nation’s greatest minds. As the season approaches, spectators and players are working out how to combine their passions. You would be a fool to ignore these possibilities.

1. Coolbox/Coolbag. The very essence of summer. Thermos bag, a big block of cold stuff and a 4- pack of Stella. Mmmm.

2. Refreshment Kiosks. Frankly, this is not ideal. Fizzy keg beer in flimsy plastic ‘glasses’. Still, once your cans run out it is the only option unless you are a member. For test matches I recommend purchasing canned beer from the vendor behind the Edrich stand (not open for county matches).

3. Middlesex Room (Members and guests only). This is the place for cheap beer in a proper glass. There’s a good view of the wicket and a TV so that you can monitor what’s happening in test matches.

4. Pavilion (Members and guests only – Jacket and tie). A good range of reasonably priced beer, good food, TV access, and a fantastic view of the pitch. Could it get any better – yes, the pavilion is not exactly the most chilled out place in the ground.

5. Lord’s tavern. The outside is an affront to architecture, the staffs are Aussies, but it’s not all bad. Big screen action makes this the place to come to catch up on major events elsewhere in the sporting world, and you’ll usually find selected players at the end of the day. Right next to the Grace Gates.

6. All Bar One. You know what to expect here. The closest pub to the North Gate, situated on St John’s Wood High Street.

7. The Ordnance. This pub is normally fairly quiet, with good food. The atmosphere at the end of a day’s play in the test’s can be good when the sun is shining. Cricket fans spill out of the beer garden and onto the pavement. Situated on Ordnance Hill.

8. Crocker’s Folly. Speculatively built by some bloke called Crocker in anticipation that the railway terminus would be situated in Maida Vale. Very impressive structure, but unfortunately it was decided to build the station at Marylebone instead. His investment ruined, Crocker committed suicide by throwing himself out of a top-floor window. Located Aberdeen Place.

9. The Warrington. On the corner of Sutherland Avenue and Warrington Crescent. A fairly young crowd gathers in this spacious pub that houses a Thai restaurant on the first floor. Gas burners in the beer garden

10. The Salt House. Modern gastro pub on the Abbey Road. Tap your feet to the trendy beat.

11. The Clifton. A legendary pub. Walk ten minutes up the Abbey Road and turn left up Clifton Hill. This traditional pub is nestled away, with a compact beer garden at the front. Relaxed, but not sedate – maintain that nursery end feeling.

12. Ye Olde Cherry Tree (Southgate). On Southgate Green, feels like a country pub, with decorative old people scattered around for good effect. Have lunch here, but get back to Central London before the sun goes down.

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