The Fentiman Arms is the very epitome of England, and only a short stroll from the Oval, just south of the River Thames, it provides a perfect haven for post-match discussions, or even watching the event itself live on the big screens. A gastropub offering its own take on British food, it is full of comfortable chairs, heritage décor, rows of bookcases, log fire in season, and lighting that creates rather than destroys, in fact, this is the place to be at almost any time of the day.

In the summer the back doors open out on to a wild country beer garden, and the prospect of a barbecue is distinctly rosy. On the first floor a function room has its own bar and is available for hire all year round. Whatever the occasion, board meeting, birthdays, reunions or dinner parties, give them a call to discuss how best they can meet your particular needs.

Lunch and dinner is served every day and whilst the menus change daily to suit the market and the seasons the quality of the food never wavers from the high standard regulars have come to expect.

Lunch is a one, two or three course event, depending on your wishes, and has about it more than a hint of home cooking and the sort of dishes that are associated those who like their food uncomplicated, wholesome and filling. You don't have to be an Old Etonian to raise an appreciative eyebrow at strawberry Eton Mess, and a trio of Granny's favourites could yield portions of spotted dick, sticky toffee pudding and rhubarb syllabub. For those in a hurry substantial sandwiches as in char-grilled minute steak, caramelised onions and Tewkesbury mustard, or Somerset brie with sweet pickles and rocket leaves make welcome solutions.

Not everyone is rushed off their feet, and lunch with a friend before going on to the Oval for the match could start with a tomato, basil and golden cross goat's cheese tart,or the soup of the day. The smoked fish pie makes an excellent dish at any time, or perhaps the rump steak and fried onion sandwich with French fries appeals.

Eggs Florentine can be taken as a large or small course, but a Fentiman burger with streaky bacon, mature cheddar and French fries has only one dimension, along with the grilled King prawn salad, sweet tomato and chilli dressing. A simple smoked applewood Ploughman's seldom fails to hit the spot, and beer battered haddock with pea purée, tartare sauce and French fries does credit to our national dish. The menu says that "puddings, cheeses, digestifs, coffees, teas and more are always there to finish you off". I think they mean "your meal", though it's certainly possible to eat well enough to bring about something more arresting.

This is perhaps a good moment to introduce the wine list inspired and selected by John Clevely, Master of Wine and founder of the Geronimo Inns group, with some carefully chosen bottles from around the world that embrace New and Old Worlds with delicacy and skill.

Menus change, events happen at The Fentiman - stay ahead of the game by reference to their Website, only a click away.