A Day at Lord's

Photo © Anne-Marie Minhall

Despite being a Summer baby, I've never been a huge fan of this season.

I might have mentioned this in passing to Robert before.

Anyway, to the details. It's the heat, the humidity at times, fewer hot meals because you can't bear to turn the oven on, seeing ugly Hobbit feet in flip flops on public transport, feeling sweaty all day, poor sleep .. Look, you get the idea.

There is an upside.

C R I C K E T

My latest visit to Lord's this year was in July to watch England v India in the Third Test Match of the series.

One of my cricket buddies and I have a faithful routine for our visits to the home of cricket.

A Bacon Buttie in the Harris Garden with a good strong brew at around 0900

Lunch in the Pavilion of a Roast Beef Bap (lots of English Mustard) with Salad at 1245

Tea in the same venue at 1540 Cake (Victoria Sponge, usually) for my friend - nothing for me aside from a glass of Champagne

The thing was on this July morning the temperatures were set to hit above 30 degrees.

Eating plans changed.

Out went the idea of a big piggy sandwich & a builder's tea to start the day. Instead, it was a lighter Croissant with fresh Orange Juice.

A good morning of cricket is enjoyed before we're back in the hallowed Pavilion. My companion eschews the Roast Beef in favour of a Railway Curry. This was a dish cooked in the 1900's for the First Class carriages on Indian trains & originally used Mutton. It's a spicy affair with Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric, Onion, Curry Leaves, Coconut Milk, Tamarind Paste, Coriander, Fennel & Cumin Seeds. Not forgetting Kashmiri Chillies. It was served with Basmati Rice & a Roti. 

The plate was cleared with many noises of approval.

I stuck to my usual fayre but declined the salad. I think it was simply the smell of that Roasted Beef, not to mention the sight of it being carved in front of me before being placed into a soft white bap. You help yourself to condiments. I did. There must have been a dessert spoonful of Colman's on mine.

As predicted, there was a good looking Victoria Sponge at teatime. No room for that for me, however, I did find space for a glass of fizz.

The food at NW8 is really rather good & very consistent in its quality, too. Great service as well from people who're dealing with a lot of hungry folk with high expectations.

The cricket was also wonderful. I never cease to relish this part of the summer days. Good friends, something good to eat, an indulgent glass or two of bubbles, that sight of the greatest cricket ground in the July sunshine. The expectation of a great day's play.

A glass is always raised to my father by me on occasions like these. He taught me that cricket is such a wonderful sport, it's strategy, it's poetry in motion, tradition & community all rolled into one. Cricket is both a game and a way of understanding patience, perseverance, and respect.

Not far removed from cooking I'd say.

AMM