Lord's
Cricket
Test
London
Score:
50
/ 60
Overview
Lord’s is a very particular international cricket venue. To enjoy it to the full, you need to embrace its idiosyncrasies. It isn’t a rowdy venue. It does not permit fancy dress, the waving of large flags, or the playing of musical instruments in its stands. It requires the wearing of a tailored jacket and tie (or cravat) in its pavilion, and, for non-members, the paying of £150+ just to get through the gates. It also allows you to bring in a generous quantity of food and booze, as well as the opportunity to soak up some of cricket’s most iconic views with its pavilion and imposing media centre. It is home to a fantastic museum, where one can see, amongst other artefacts, the original Ashes urn. If you can get in, its pavilion contains some stunning works of cricketing art. The ‘Lord’s hum’, the susurration of humanity that soundtracks all its Test matches has a unique timbre inexplicably, but unmistakably, different from the collective sound of spectators at all other grounds. Thanks to the curious effects of that hum, you’ll experience a pleasant kind of contentment punctuated by moments of euphoria when big scores are made, improbable shots are pulled off, and wickets tumble.
Score Summaries
Atmosphere & Experience: 9
Lean into the general air of poshness that pervades the place and it’s hard not to have a good time at Lord’s. You might – justifiably - wince at the price, but there’s no denying that it feels enjoyably decadent to sip champagne in the sun while folk in whites toil away with that venerable pavilion and Old Father Time looking down on them. Lord’s is steeped in history and even those with only the most passing interest in the story of the game should take the time to explore the MCC museum housed on site. There is no denying that this is a very particular kind of atmosphere. You won’t find raucousness, chanting, or the kind of screaming emotion that fuels the enjoyment of so many sporting venues. Instead you’ll find something a little slower, a general sense that this is a day out to be savoured. That this an opportunity to take time out of the hubbub of everyday existence and enjoy that, for a few all-too-brief hours, you’re a party to a small fraction of the storied history of this special place.
Catering: 9
Lord’s provides a fantastic variety of food and drink that caters to all palates. The outdoor food area at the Nursery End of the ground has a particularly wide selection of cuisines on offer. The ground’s many bars offer a much wider, and higher quality, selection of drinks than you’ll find at the vast majority of venues. Unlike many stadiums, you can also bring your own booze (within limits) and food should you wish.
Facilities: 9
Abundant, modern, and well-kept.
Getting There: 8
Enjoy the walk from Baker Street. Avoid going to St. John’s Wood Station. If coming from anywhere between Waterloo and Oxford Circus and you have plenty of time, consider taking the bus. If you’re new to London, the 139 in particular will take you from Waterloo past many famous sights on your way to the ground.
Getting Away: 7
Fairly straightforward, just likely to be quite a bit busier than your journey there. St. John’s Wood Station is best avoided.