With the Hoey sitting forlorn just up the road, it’s good to know that some classic old boozers have weathered the march of progress. Especially in a suburb where ‘sophisticated wine bars’ and drinks costing $23 are becoming increasingly commonplace.

The Cricketers has wooden floorboards, tiles on the walls, a strange courtyard that is somehow indoors and outdoors, a fireplace for chilly winter nights and wonderfully graffitied toilets. It also has a stunning collection of ephemera that’s been there since well before is was a prerequisite of Sydney pubs.

To drink, there’s White Rabbit, Coopers, Stella and a wine list with plenty of highlights to keep wine drinkers happy. Upstairs, Bistro Morelli does pub grub favourites like chicken parmigiana, bangers and mash and heart-attack-inducing steaks.

Whilst weekends tend to attract a younger demographic, and the pub's location between Central and Moore Park means that it’s sometimes a jam-packed pit stop for sport fans, you'll never be out of place as the Cricketers takes in everyone and doesn't think twice about it. And so if you get the chance, pull up a seat at the bar and drink a long toast to things staying the same.

Cricketers Arms Hotel

106 Fitzroy Street Surry Hills 2010

(02) 9331 3301

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