United Nations of Beer

Cricketer's Arms, Orlando

by Doctor G
(Beer Delegate, FL, USA)

Cricketers Arms
Orlando, FL, USA

In my quest to continue to report on Orlando's finest beer locations, I am definitely excited about this little gem tucked away inside the Mercado Marketplace on International Drive.

Bars and clubs are an easy option anywhere, but pubs, well, they're a bit more difficult to find. However, if you're savoring the atmosphere, food and beers that a British pub provides, look no further than The Cricketers Arms in Orlando.

The Cricketers is an authentic English pub and one of the oldest and most popular British pubs in Orlando. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is all of the standard decorations that make the atmosphere unique.

Dark wood tables, chairs and roof beams fill the place, along with the partially enclosed dark wood bar. Plus, there's plenty of cricket paraphernalia everywhere, along with the usual dartboards, an outdoor courtyard for the smokers and a second patio bar in the back.

Some of you are probably saying, "Screw the atmosphere, where's the beer?!" Ah, wise you are, because there are plenty of solid selections on tap!

Hand drawn ales include London Pride, Fullers ESB, Old Speckled Hen and Tetleys (and I'm not talking the tea either!).

Plus, the bottled import list reads like the UN(OB) charter, with beers from Germany, Holland, Mexico, Ireland, England and Canada.

And they provide the usual favorites such as Killian's, Boddingtons Ale, Newcastle Brown ale, Guinness and Bass. Plus, they even carry some import lagers such as Foster's and Carlsberg. So whether you're English, Irish, Canadian, German or Australian, you can walk in and find a beer you want!

For me, I like to grab the rum and cokes, but a good ale is had every so often!

Now on to the live entertainment. Every single night of the week, The Cricketers Arms in Orlando has some quality act, from solo acoustic artists to four-piece plugged in bands. You never know what type of music you'll find, but it's guaranteed to be good.

Now, if you're feeling more subdued on an early morning or afternoon, then stop in for a quality hand-drawn brew and watch the games! The Cricketers carries all the cricket matches and football games (and by football, we're talking the old country version, aka SOCCER, not NFL). So if you're big fan of Man Utd like some of my British cohorts, the bar can be just as rowdy in the middle of the day if the games are good!

Now I couldn't wrap up a review of a British Pub without talking about the food. And I have to say, The Cricketers Arms in Orlando delivers on some authentic and tasty portions.

There are tons of selections, from the standard fish and chips to cottage pie, bangers and mash and steak and ale pie. Don't forget the most famous British snack, a Chip Butty! And if you're in the bar late, don't worry, the late night snack menu will keep you going as you pound down the pilsner.

Last but not least, the most interesting thing about The Cricketers Arms Orlando is that EVERYONE is welcome. On any given occasion, you'll find people of all ages and all walks of life, which makes for a great scene. It's not cliquey. Instead, it's a friendly neighborhood pub that welcomes all, locals and tourists alike.