Cricketers Arms Hotel

The Crix is one of the last bastions of Surry Hills resisting gentrification, preferring the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it approach. And we’re right there beside them, not holding the paintbrush. It’s perfect just the way it is. At the bar, you’ll find a mix of grizzled old locals, new locals in fake glasses and chunky cardigans, and a whole lot of arts students pouring beer badly but lovingly. It’s like a dirty Mexican dive meets old-school Aussie pub, complete with original tiles. Elvis Presley’s Sun Sessions are playing in the background and fairy lights have been hung, bunched and dangle around the room. Half-finished blackboard calendars are just left, as if the person writing it got bored and went for a beer instead. Why write when you can be playing Coopers roulette? A covered courtyard keeps Sydney’s most dedicated smokers puffing away rain, hail and shine. Upstairs, Bistro Moretti offers up hearty pub fare including savoury mince piled on top of thick pieces of hot buttered sourdough toast. Or how about a chicken parmigiana or wagyu brisket roll? There’s always your classic bowl o’ chips if you’re just after a little snack. Happily, the Cricketers features another smaller bar upstairs so there’s no need to schlep up and down if you’re settled in with your dinner. This is a pub for all seasons. You can’t help but like it.