Tommy Banks to oversee restaurant at Lord's Cricket Ground

Chef Tommy Banks is to head up a restaurant at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on major international match days.

He has signed a three-year partnership with Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to oversee the Edrich restaurant from 2021.

It will open as part of the venue's new Compton and Edrich stands, which are due for completion next spring, to cater for premium debenture-seat holders.

"I absolutely love cricket, and Lord's is the pinnacle ground for any fan – it is such a special place," said Banks.

"Food is a huge part of a day at the cricket; after all, this is the only sport that still pauses for lunch and tea! That's why it's so important to create the highest-quality dining experience. I can't wait to get started on producing a cutting-edge menu to match the contemporary new stands."

Banks, who is chef-owner at the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead and Roots in York, cooked for a sold-out event at the famous cricket ground in 2019.

MCC's assistant secretary (commercial) Andy Muggleton said: "We have been eager to work with Tommy again since his outstanding evening at Lord's Dining Club, and with his love of cricket and his world-class dining reputation, it's the perfect partnership.

"His innovative dishes are an ideal fit for the state-of-the-art new stands, and together they will deliver the ultimate experience for our guests on major international match days at the home of cricket."

As well as overseeing his two restaurants during lockdown, Banks set up a successful delivery box business, Made in Oldstead, which the chef is now running as a long-term project.

Businessman Thomas Lord set up the first Lord's Cricket Ground in 1787, and it has occupied its current home in St John's Wood for over 200 years.