Cricketers Arms

The Cricketers Arms is a bit of an enigma. For starters it's atypical Melbourne architecture and one of that rare breed of mid-street, rather than corner, pubs. And what a surprising street it's on. Unless you've had cause to travel down the narrow one-way section of sleepy Cruikshank Street, then you very likely don't even know it's there.

Then there's the inside. It's divided in two by the original 1876 central hallway. To the left you have a narrow bar, which is local-filled and a bit intimidating to the newcomer. To the right you have a similarly narrow, yet smart, traditional dining room which The Graham would be proud of. But it is out back that the biggest surprise lurks, a beer 'garden' which, at the full width of the building, is easily the town's biggest (and perhaps best) outdoor drinking space and popular with families.

If ever there were a pub that should be supported, because it's quirky and it hasn't been over renovated and it has to try harder because of its location ... then this is it. Although something about the balance between the wants of the bloke's at the bar, the family's in the garden and the food lover's they hope to entice into the restaurant doesn't quite gel right. Which sadly means that it isn't, yet, the real hidden gem that it could be.

Beers on tap: Cascade Light, Carlton Draught, Pure Blonde, Asahi, Fat Yak
Wine range: $6.50 - $9.50
Parma: $21.50 (but only $12 on Wednesdays!)
Gastro: Not yet
Tradie vs Yuppy: Tradie-as bar, restaurant trying to be up market