Standing in the shadows of the world’s most famous cricket ground, most people will have stumbled upon the Lord’s Tavern before or after a match.

But this pub and restaurant shouldn’t just be a destination for hungry sports fans – with a varied but traditional menu and inviting interior, it’s most definitely worth a visit in its own right.

We bolted in there out of the rain one miserable Saturday afternoon to find a cosy and upmarket space with a handful of diners in one corner and a small collection of locals in another glued to the television which was showing – despite it being the home of cricket – football.

But when the food arrived, it proved the Lord’s Tavern is anything but your average sports bar.

To start I opted for smoked mackerel pâté, which had been blended with oils and herbs to create a smooth and delicious taste, and vibrant yellow colour, while retaining a nice chunky texture. It was served on a wooden board, with crispy bread and gherkins.

My friend opted for the smoked salmon salad – a tasty and light start, with strips of fish mixed with shredded salad goodness.

A 8oz sirloin steak and chips with Béarnaise sauce was my choice for the main event, and my knife glided through the tender, juicy, quality cut of meat.

The medium bodied rioja we chose also complemented the delicious dish a dream.

My friend went for the ham hock served with smooth and creamy mash and a rich white sauce infused with herbs. The joint was enormous and the soft, flaky meat literally fell off the bone and was bursting with flavour.The traditional jam sponge pudding with custard was tasty and moist, but could have perhaps done with a bit more comptote.

My friend was also very pleased with her warming rhubarb crumble.

It’s a shame that the Lord’s Tavern doesn’t seem to be on the map in its own right – but with food this good, that’s sure to change.