The home of cricket, Lord’s, has in recent years developed a reputation for sparkling restaurant collaborations.
The latest announcement sees acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks — famed for both his successful restaurants in Yorkshire (The Swan at Oldstead and Roots) and various appearances on Great British Menu — launch a weekend-long food festival this September.
Set to take place on September 9 and 10, the festival dubbed “the Home of Food” sees the hallowed cricket club, known for a strict policy around membership, throw open its doors for the first time for the non-sporting event, which is fully open to the public.
Alongside Banks, the line-up of culinary talent stretches to chef Richard Corrigan of Bentley’s and Corrigan’s, Gareth Ward of the two-starred Ynyshir in mid-Wales and Selin Kiazim, another Great British Menu alumni, who until earlier this year ran London’s Oklava.
The weekend is set to feature multiple chef pop-ups, a demonstration stage, free kids taster and cookery courses and bookable banquets from the line-up of talented cooks.
The evening will also feature the headline pavilion dinner with Banks joined by Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Michelin-starred Northcote and acclaimed chef Niall Keating of one-starred Barlaston restaurant, Lunar.
Tommy Banks noted on the festival collaboration: “I have been mad about cricket from a young age and always dreamed of one day becoming a professional cricketer. Alas, life has carried me to the kitchen and food, but I couldn’t be happier to be working with the team at such an historic and iconic cricket ground on the launch of their first food event.
“In recent years we’ve run some fantastic events together, but the launch of The Home of Food gives me the chance to bring some of my favourite peers from the hospitality industry to Lord’s, showcasing their amazing food and drink.”
