The Oval, Kennington, London

20 years ago you wouldn’t park your car around the Oval because of the crime and generally down trodden area. Things have changed. While The Oval is still a far cry from the St. John’s Wood area surrounding Lords, it’s certainly improved in recent years. The Oval has been completely refurbished and is now a world class sporting venue. I won’t go into the details of the ground (it’s been done pretty well below), so i thought i’d list the best pubs around the cricket ground. In no particular order -

The Fentiman Arms
The Duke of York
The Roebuck
The Vauxhall Griffin

Enjoy!

The long over due redevelopement of the Oval is in the final stages of completion. Just a short walk down the round from the underground station of the same name, The Oval is easily accessible. the new stands are up to the minute with excellent facilities including toilets and food stands. The shops were being revamped on my last visit so cant comment on them at present. great views of the ground from all stands.

Almost a completely different ground now compared to my last visit in 1989 for the Ashes test.

The pavillion at the Oval is beautiful, even if not a patch on Lords but in 89 it was just about the only thing that was up to standard in my opinion. The end opposite the pavillion was ramshackled to say the least.

The new OCS stand is a wonderful addition, you just wish they could have built it all the way round to join up with the pavillion. I guess this would cut out the iconic view of the gasholders though!

Very much Londons second stadium after Lords but it does have one thing going for it in that the wicket allows for much better cricket.

Qype must record the victorious start made by England’s new cricket captain, Kevin Pietersen! By good chance, I was there to see it.

The Oval Cricket ground is in Kennington, London SE. It is home to Surrey Cricket Club and was the venue for the first test match between Australia and England. The nearest tube station is Oval. The land the ground is laid on is leased from the Duchy of Cornwall. The SCCC was formed in 1845- the turf at the oval was originally taken from Tooting Common and cost a huge £300. The original pavilion was built in 1858, though it was replaced 1898 to accommodate the success and popularity of the ground. In 1882 a spectator is said to have bitten through his umbrella handle during a tense defeat of England by Australia. This was the first time England had lost on native soil and The Sporting Times produced an obituary lamenting the death of English Cricket; this can be said to be the origin of the term “The Ashes” (the legendary trophy at stake in England-Australia series), for during England’s next tour of Australia, the victorious England captain was presented an urn of ashes- said to represent the cremated ashes of English Cricket. The ashes are now presented to the victors in test matches between the two nations. The Oval ground was also the venue for the first Football cup final in 1872 and the first England versus Wales Rugby match. These days it has a seating capacity of 23,000 and further ground extensions and improvemnts are planned to increase the size of the facility.

The ground is an interesting mix of new and old. The new OCS Stand is home to the “corporate jolliers” and is a ground-breaking piece of architecture in terms of cricket stands. The £23 million project involved the demolition of the existing stands at the Vauxhall End and replacement with a Stand over 4 levels and a main curved roof, including open air terraces and a living screen running around the façade of the Stand.

The historic old Victorian pavilion was opened for the season of 1898 and is home to the Members’ areas, the players’ rooms, and the Museum.

The Oval is steeped in history and therefore an enthralling place to watch cricket. As befits a Test Match Ground, there are plentiful food and refreshment stalls around the ground, although as ever prices are scandalously high for what you get.

For the record, England beat South Africa in an exciting game, and the new skipper seems to have written his own script as he scored the only century (100 runs) of the match. Bring on the Aussies, says our Kevin!

A lovely place to watch top class sport. I’ve sat in various seats and wherever you are, the views and atmosphere are excellent. It has a less formal and stuffy feel to it than Lords. Would recommend it to anyone.

I’ll not concern you with my thoughts on the big match days at this famous ground, instead I’ll regale you with the delights of county championship cricket at this iconic venue.

The Oval is one of England’s most famous and grandest old cricket grounds, there is a calming, almost regal feel to the place and one always feels to be breathing in history.

On the lesser match days one is able to secure a ticket for a days play for just £12. It really is a beautiful relaxing day. Arriving at 10.30 as the sun begins to break through the quintessentially British morning clouds I took in the member’s lounge and more importantly; the member’s bar. Good ale at a reasonable price in wonderfully traditional surroundings. Pictures of players old and new, scorecards and grand furnishings and a delightful hum of a social occasion. Through the doors and into the pavillion seating; this is how the other half live and an opportunity to watch cricket as only the members to these great establishments can do on the big match occasions.

It may well have been a low key championship game between Surrey and Hampshire but on display were test players and cricketing greats; Shane Warne, Dimitri Mascheranas, John Crawley, Mark Ramprakash, Mark Butcher and the list goes on.

After lunch, a homemade selection of sandwiches, the sun began to break through. I took to the seats square of the wicket in the Peter May stand, here one was able to bask in the sunshine with just the sound of bat on ball to disturb. As the cricket was played and the sweet smell of grass surrounded the distant hum of manic London I knew I couldn’t be in a better place on a summer’s afternoon. With good company, good cricket, good, food and a fair trickling of ale what better way to spend an English summer’s day?