THE CRICKETERS - BROADWATER - 1852
   
   

   
NOVEMBER 2023

After being closed for a few weeks at the start of 2023, the Cricketers has reopened after an extensive facelift which included the reinstatement of the original front entrance, extended seating area and a roomier interior.

Colin and I visited on a Sunday evening in late November to see for ourselves and were pleasantly surprised at what had been done.

Opposite: The old kitchens were removed to open up this area at the back offering 'away from the bar seating' with a view to the back garden.
   
   
   
   
Although there is far more furniture than there was before its not cluttered and appears more open and inviting. An old internal courtyard that led to the toilets has completely gone and replaced with a deceptively large cosy corner.

Traditional pubs always had three areas, the saloon, the lounge and the snug and whilst being more open plan it still retains zones that merge comfortably. The garden has been put to good use with external facilities that will thrive in the warmer weather.

Food has become a mainstay these days but the Cricketers has managed to blend it in rather than let it take over.
Our thanks to Chirsty MacDonald for inviting us to visit.
BRIEF HISTORY

Originally the site of 'an old house' belonging to John Monk who died in 1756. In 1851, the property was owned by Thomas Gibbard who took in a lodger by the name of Thomas Luff.

By 1853,  Mr Luff owned the property becoming a brewer and the property a beer house. He remained in the property until 1876. It was during this period that it became the Brewers Arm's and was restyled in the classic Victorian pub mould.

Renamed the Cricketers in 1878.

 
   
2011 VISIT
   
   
   
   
This is Percy who recently adopted the Cricketers as his home - not bad for a dog friendly pub!

The Cricketer’s is not a themed pub, it has always been the home of the local cricket team - the memorabilia is real for a change.

The pub is deceptively sized. From the outside, it appears limited but it stretches back a considerable distance and has a large rear garden with children's play area. The garden is used for BBQ's and Real Ale Festivals.

 
   
   
UPDATE 2022

The Cricketers has recently been taken on by ‘Good Times Pubs & Bars (an independent group of community pubs from Brighton & Hove)’

More info here
   

Patrons of the pubs line up prior to setting off to attend an event. Note that most seem to have a round white lapel badge on display, perhaps a day at the races without the ladies?
   
Known landlord/manager Snippet

1853 - Thomas Luff
1878 - Alfred Rewell
1879 - John Dudney & Benjamin Read (Landlord)
1885 - Robert Mews
 1890 - 1923 - Mrs Margaret J Medlock
1923 - Harry Challener  Page
1946 - 1989 - Wilfred Page (son of above)
1989 - 1995 - Bernard & Sylvia Booker
1995 - 2004 - Jim Sinsbury
2004 - Alan Walker
 

 Perhaps one of Worthing's most memorable characters was Wilfred Page of The Cricketers, who was often referred to as one of the finest landlords Worthing ever had. A man who took pride in not just his pub but also in Broadwater. He is still celebrated to this day with the 50th Wilf page supper at the John Selden in 2009, an event attended by many of our local landlords.

The Cricketers had been in the Page family for around 100 years.