Concrete Playground

The Cricketers Arms, known more intimately as the Crix, is the kind of local that will make you want to move into the area. It's a beautiful old pub, boasting wooden floors and wall tiles, a laid back atmosphere, and plenty of character behind the bar. The walls are decorated with intimate paraphernalia, strung together with fairy lights, while graffiti runs amok in the toilets.  The local theme stems into the drinks too, with a sturdy wine list and an excellent selection of local beers on tap.

Be warned, this place is busy - and not only on nights that there's a game up the road. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly insane. We think, however, that the wild and varied crowd is all part of the fun.

The music is almost as eclectic as the patrons. While licensing restrictions have unfortunately squeezed all traces of live music (even turntables) out, the savvy Cricketers keep the tunes flowing by inviting patrons to BYO. Pod Wars are a frequent occurrence, so pick your night and come ready to battle your skills in a short, sharp twenty minute set - preferably of the weirdest stuff you can find.

A reliable local, the Crix works both summer and winter well. The outside courtyard, brimming with plants and wooden tables, is good reason to stake out a spot in the warmer months. In winter, a fireplace is always lit, surrounded by cosy lounges and more tables. Upstairs has its own teeny bar, which offers two-for-one cocktails on Thursdays between 6 and 8pm. The bistro supplies patrons with super cheap tapas and more filling mains, with a large dining room upstairs providing a bit of space in this busy pub for eating.

If the Cricketers isn't already your favourite pub in Sydney, I guarantee it soon will be. Just be sure to get there early, with a good attitude for the always entertaining bar staff, and secure your spot inside or out.