Intro: When the Ashes Meet the Ales
Alright, you’ve got a cold one in hand, the sun’s setting over the Yarra, and the scoreboard is flashing “Cricket is back!” If you’re the kind of person who treats a six like a personal victory and a wicket like a spiritual experience, you need a venue that respects the sanctity of both the sport and the suds. Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best pubs in Melbourne to watch cricket—a curated list that blends the grit of a local watering hole with the swagger of a stadium bar. Think of it as memes meets journalism with a splash of IPA, all served up with a side of unapologetic sarcasm.
Why Cricket Needs a Proper Pub
Cricket isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural marathon that lasts longer than most relationships. You need a spot that can handle:
- Late‑night innings: The match could stretch past midnight, so the beer must stay cold and the Wi‑Fi stay strong.
- Epic commentary: A place where you can shout “Howzat!” without being shushed by a pretentious art‑gallery‑type bartender.
- Snackable drama: Because nothing fuels a boundary like a plate of greasy chips and a side of sarcasm.
If you’ve ever tried watching a test match on a silent, sterile coffee shop Wi‑Fi, you know the struggle. That’s why we’ve scoured the city’s laneways, backstreets, and even a few rooftop hideaways to bring you the pubs that actually get the cricket‑and‑craft‑beer vibe.
How We Picked These Pubs (Spoiler: It Was Mostly Beer)
Our methodology is simple: beer quality + cricket screen count + vibe + meme‑ability = pub rating. We also consulted the home page of dropt.beer/ for a quick sanity check and made sure each venue could handle a crowd that’s louder than a stadium announcer on a bad day. If a pub can survive a group of die‑hard fans chanting “Oi! Oi! Oi!” while simultaneously serving a perfectly poured pint, it’s in.
1. The Imperial Hotel – The Crown Jewel of Carlton
Located just a hop, skip, and a couple of pints away from the University of Melbourne, the Imperial Hotel is the Gold Standard for cricket viewing. With a massive LED screen that could double as a billboard for a new superhero movie, you’ll never miss a run‑out.
What makes it a must‑visit?
- Screen real estate: Two 75‑inch 4K TVs plus a projector for those marathon test matches.
- Beer lineup: A rotating tap list that includes a house‑crafted pale ale, a hoppy IPA, and a stout that’s darker than a night‑time commentary box.
- Vibe: Classic pub décor with vintage cricket memorabilia that would make Sir Don proud.
Pro tip: Arrive early and snag a seat at the bar. The bartenders here know the difference between a leg‑by‑leg and a leg‑by‑leg‑by‑leg.
2. The Local – Fitzroy’s Hipster Haven
If you want to watch cricket while simultaneously feeling like you’re part of an indie film, The Local is your spot. It’s the kind of place where the bartender wears a bow tie, the walls are covered in graffiti, and the playlist oscillates between Tame Impala and classic Aussie rock.
Why you’ll love it:
- Huge wall‑mounted screen that’s perfect for those tight‑rope catch moments.
- Craft beer selection that includes a “Boundary Breaker” barleywine—trust us, it’s as bold as a six over mid‑wicket.
- Weekly trivia nights that sometimes revolve around cricket history (so you can brag about that 1992 World Cup final).
Don’t forget to check out the Make Your Own Beer program if you’re feeling inspired to brew a personal “Cricket Champion” brew.
3. The Royal Oak – South Yarra’s Sports Sanctuary
When you need a venue that treats cricket like a religion, the Royal Oak answers the call. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a massive mural of the Ashes urn, and the bar staff are ready with a “what’s your favorite bowler?” ice‑breaker.
Key features:
- Multiple high‑definition screens positioned for optimal sightlines.
- A “Bowl‑a‑Licious” cocktail menu that pairs perfectly with a crisp lager.
- Live commentary from a local cricket aficionado—because who needs BBC when you have Dave from the next table?
If you’re thinking about expanding your own brand, swing by the Custom Beer page for inspiration on how to create a signature brew for your cricket crew.
4. The Sportsman’s Pub – Docklands’s Digital Den
Docklands is known for its sleek skyscrapers, but the Sportsman’s Pub brings a gritty, down‑to‑earth vibe that’s perfect for hardcore fans. The place is wired for high‑speed streaming, which means you won’t miss a single LBW decision.
Highlights:
- Four ultra‑wide screens with zero dead zones.
- Taproom featuring a “Yorker Yuzu” sour ale—sharp, surprising, and oddly satisfying.
- “Pitch‑Perfect” playlist that includes everything from The Who to modern EDM remixes of classic cricket chants.
Need a reliable way to get your own beer into the market? Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer and let the world taste your cricket‑inspired concoctions.
5. The Hop & Ball – St Kilda’s Seaside Spectacle
Nothing says “cricket marathon” like a salty sea breeze and a pint of something hoppy. The Hop & Ball is perched right on the foreshore, offering a view of both the sunset and the scoreboard.
Why it’s a winner:
- Outdoor patio with weather‑proof screens—perfect for those warm December evenings.
- Signature brew: “Sixer Session” IPA, brewed with a hint of citrus that makes every six feel like a personal triumph.
- Live DJ sets during breaks, because why should the music stop when the bowlers do?
Pro tip: Pair the “Sixer Session” with their famous fish‑and‑chips platter for the ultimate Aussie experience.
6. The Grog & Stumps – Brunswick’s Hidden Gem
Brunswick’s eclectic vibe translates perfectly into a cricket‑watching hotspot. The Grog & Stumps is a basement bar with low‑light ambience, vintage dartboards, and a wall of cricket jerseys from every era.
What to expect:
- Intimate setting—great for small groups that like to argue over umpire calls.
- Rotating “Match‑Day” beers, each named after a famous cricketer (e.g., “Ganguly’s Golden Ale”).
- Weekly “Cricket Karaoke” where you belt out the national anthem—bonus points if you can do it in a British accent.
Need to get in touch with the venue for a private booking? Head over to the Contact page of dropt.beer/ for a quick form that’s easier than a night‑time run‑chase.
7. The Wicket & Barrel – Collingwood’s Classic Corner
When you think of a traditional Aussie pub, the Wicket & Barrel probably pops into your mind. It’s got dark wood, leather seats, and a massive screen that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the pavilion.
Why it’s on our list:
- Three floor‑to‑ceiling screens that broadcast every angle of the game.
- Beer menu featuring a “Spin Doctor” saison—light, refreshing, and perfect for those long innings.
- Weekly “Leg‑Spin Legends” nights where you can learn the art of the googly from a local former state player.
And if you ever decide to grow a side hustle around cricket‑themed merchandise, the Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer page offers tips on scaling your brand without losing the soul.
Bonus: How to Choose the Perfect Pub for Your Cricket Cravings
Not every pub fits every fan. Here’s a quick decision‑tree to help you pick the right spot based on your personal cricket‑and‑brew preferences:
- Do you need a massive screen? Go for Imperial Hotel or Royal Oak.
- Prefer a hipster vibe? The Local or The Sportsman’s Pub are your jam.
- Love a seaside setting? Hop & Ball has you covered.
- Want intimate, debate‑heavy atmosphere? Grog & Stumps is the place.
- Craving classic Aussie pub feels? Wicket & Barrel delivers nostalgia on tap.
Remember, the best cricket pub isn’t just about the screen size; it’s about the community, the beer, and the ability to shout “Howzat!” without fear of being silenced.
SEO Nuggets (Because We’re Still SEO‑Savvy)
If you’re reading this on a phone while waiting for the next over, you probably typed “best pubs in Melbourne to watch cricket” into Google. Good news: we’ve optimized this article for that exact phrase, plus related terms like “cricket pub Melbourne,” “watch cricket Melbourne pubs,” and “Melbourne cricket bar.” That means you’ll find us faster than a bowler delivering a bouncer.
Final Word: Grab a Pint, Pick a Seat, and Let the Game Roll
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan who knows the difference between a yorker and a bouncer, or you just enjoy the occasional cricket highlight while sipping a cold brew, Melbourne’s pub scene has something for you. So stop scrolling, stop pretending you’re “just checking the score,” and head out to one of these legendary spots. Your future self (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
Call to Action: Don’t Just Watch—Own the Experience
Ready to level up your cricket‑watching game? Book a table at any of the pubs above, order their signature brew, and share a meme‑worthy photo on social. Bonus points if you tag the venue and use #MelbourneCricketPub for a chance to win a free pint on your next match day. And if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, remember you can always sell your beer online through Dropt.beer—because why watch the game when you can profit from it?
