Hey alcopop pickers! It’s been a couple of years since my last run-down of the hit [the pavement] parade, so I thought you’d like to know the latest run-down. And quite a lot has changed. Two boozers have dropped out of the charts (and existence), while others have nudged up. Remember that Lordofthebeers chart is the only chart based on actual sales to me. If you’re heading to watch Middlesex, you really ought to think about buying a half of mild in one of these establishments. Strap yourself in, we’re ready to go!

 

1= Coolbag

Number 1 always. You can’t beat a bit of ice and some cans/bottles of your favourites. Cheapest and best.

 

2▲ The Star

The Star has been on a heady run since the Lord’s Tavern was refurbished. Put of by the higher prices and alleged dress code in the Tavern, several regulars have decamped here. If you’ve just seen the opposition score 350-1, you can let Mick Hunt know what you think of the pitch.

 

3▲ The Ordnance

Pleasant pub near the tube station. Garden is great when the weather gets sultry. They don’t serve their 6% lager any more, but your other half may appreciate this.

 

4▲ The Clifton

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.

 

5= The Pavilion

The beer is more expensive since refurbishment, but you can watch the match on plasma screen in the toilets. Hmmmmmmm.

 

6= Middlesex Room

Good for inclement weather. Beer served in a glass. Not the same as sizzling in the nursery end though.

 

7▼ Lord’s Tavern

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.

 

8= The Warrington

Spacious pub in Maida Vale with a youngish crowd and a Thai restaurant upstairs.

 

9▼ The Abbey

Used to be the Salt House. Was very good, then went gothic in a very bad way. Now seems a bit generic.

 

10= Refreshment Kiosks

Poor beer in flimsy plastic glasses. Useful on big match days, but the beer seller of last resort.

 

 

Dropping out of the chart:

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?

Which pubs do you rate highly? In the name of research, I’m prepared to cast my net wider.