Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
If, in imitation of the grand old duke of nursery rhyme, you've marched to the top of Primrose Hill, then you could do worse than march back down again for a pint in the Duke of York. It's not outstanding or remarkable in any obvious way, but it's a solid, very friendly boozer where you'll find well-kept ale and an excellent food menu.
This being St John's Wood, they could have gone for the expensive style-over-substance approach to woo the well-heeled neighbours. Instead, you'll find a traditional menu (it's even got cottage pie), with good veggie options and at reasonable prices.
By contrast, we didn't notice any real ales, but a decent mix of keg beers and the once-again-omnipresent Guinness will serve most beer needs. The cocktail board features a strong run of classics, and there's a modest wine list.
Once the clatter of lunch or evening meals is out the way, this can be a surprisingly cosy pub, especially if you manage to get seats in the snug area, hidden away behind the bar.
It's maybe a 10 minute walk away, but the Duke is perhaps your best option for a good quality pub within striking distance of Lord's.
