COUNTRY pubs epitomise regional living. They have a habit of becoming meeting points for all the locals and a calling point for visitors.
The Cricketers Arms in Mooroopna has had a checkered past, and the new owners, Mia Parkkola and Matt Sleeth, have spent the duration of the COVID lockdown rebranding its look and feel. They want it to be seen as a family friendly location, without the drawcard of pokies at its core.
Matt has scoured the countryside locating old rural collectables that adorn the new look. His handcrafted benches made from old sheep station timbers gives the dining room a rustic look and feel that is warm and comfortable.
Where they have made major change is in the kitchen. A new chef and a hard look at the quality and quantity of their meals is impressive. Steaks fresh from the market filling large plates surrounded by garden fresh vegetable, and as Matt says, “The outsized parmi’s are not set on top of the chips and our veggies are not frozen.”
The Cricketers Arms is reverting to what regional towns want, a warm and inviting place where they can have a night out with friends and enjoy a drink and a good meal at reasonable prices.
The Cricketers Arms is located at 134 McLennan Street, Mooroopna, and can be reached on 5825 3993.
