The Cricketers 4.53

In an age when the traditional town pub has died a death, The Cricketers Arms, Leamington Spa is a proper find, a dying breed, a jewel in the crown, a haven, a place where everybody knows your name, where they're always glad you came...

During the day it’s a place to escape the mean streets of ‘the Spa’ and enjoy a pint or a freshly ground coffee with a paper, bring in your computer and the use the free wi-fi whilst you work from home, or settle in for a spot of lunch. Early doors, it's an ideal place to see a wonderful cross section of Leamington's white & blue collared populace and later an opportunity to slum it with the locals. Either way, you wont escape the rather relentless banter forced on you by your rather eccentric hosts.

Mark ‘Smurf’ Docker, born within metres of this venue (True story- do ask; he loves to recount his life story! Again and again- make it stop- dear god please!) and has returned as the new owner/operator (he managed it for a couple of years- liked it so much, he bought it!) after finally abandoning his stand up comedic dreams after discovering that audiences had the ability to leave. Now the tables have turned.

What you will receive is a warm welcome, a reminder of why you ventured out in the first place, cracking cask ales, lagers for the ladies, gluggable wines and stunning home cooked, locally sourced food (Iceland is just streets away!) Families are welcome (there's a toy box with games, crayons and books - for the kids) and there's a lovely secret heated garden out the back and all. Décor is bright, clean and traditional, there’s a darts board and sport on (not constantly - who wants to see Women's Beach Volleyball anyway?) and some timber & oak paneling so that’s nice.