Ask Southwest Orlando British residents where their favorite gathering place in Orlando is and chances are good they will point to Cricketers Arms English Pub & Eatery. However, one does not have to be from England to enjoy the authentic country pub ambience that Cricketers offers. A large number of its loyal patrons represents local residents, convention attendees, and vacationers who appreciate a pint of hand-drawn ale, authentic fish and chips, and the experience of live musical entertainment.

Located in the Mercado on International Drive for nearly 20 years, Cricketers is one of the three English pubs designed and opened in Orlando by Bay Hill resident Phil Coppen.

Ironically, the London native does not come from a long line of pub proprietors. Until he opened his first establishment - the Bull and Bush in downtown Orlando back in 1985 - Coppen's experience was that of loyal patron. He still makes several trips "across the pond" each year to drop in at a local pub, have a pint with his mates, and cheer as Chelsea, his favorite English football club, battles it out on the field.

So how did Coppen make the switch from one side of the bare to the other? Strangely enough, golf played a role.

"My father was a pretty decent golfer and was playing in a golf tournament at Bay Hill in 1981,: Coppen said. "He asked me if I wanted to come over and caddy for him. I immediately fell in love with Orlando and decided this was where I wanted to be."

Within a couple of years, Coppen had relocated to Orlando from Trinidad and partnered with a developer renovating downtown property One project turned out to be his first pub. From its success, two more were conceived, and soon, Coppen was operating three pubs in the area.

The time and effort it takes to maintain one business can be taxing, and the pace Coppen had to follow to keep three venues on track was getting to be too much. He wisely made the decision to concentrate on one - Cricketers.

With Cricketers, Coppen wanted to create the relaxing atmosphere of what he calls a London country pub. Four-hundred-year-old beams, recovered from a barn in Rye Sussex, England, complement a brick fireplace, wall sconces, and smatterings of antiques to create the feeling of stepping into a little piece of England.

Cricket is an English sport that, according to Coppen (with tongue-in-cheek), can last for days without resolution. Notwithstanding its English connection, the theme fit perfectly with Coppen's passion for athletics.

Recognized as creating the first and largest official Chelsea Football supporters club in the United States, Coppen takes pride in the collection of memorabilia displayed throughout his establishment. Each piece has a history that Coppen, with his British charm and wit, is happy to tell over a pint of beer or cup of tea.

His amusing stories are not confined to football. Coppen, an avid runner who has completed several marathons, lights up when given the opportunity to tell how he stopped for a cup of tea while he was still running the Boston marathon.

Hundreds of neckties, representing various cricket and English football clubs, have been donated by visiting patrons and hang from the bar. Although an injury prevents him from playing football, Coppen enjoys watching the matches.

Cricketers telecast live football (soccer) games throughout the week for its patrons. Televisions are positioned in the main dining/bar area, as well as the outside patio and bar. High-profile events, such as the World Cup, will draw standing-room-only crowds to the 4,000-square-foot pub.

When England played France in last year's event, nearly 1,000 people who wanted to watch the game in the pub were turned away for lack of space.

Sometimes, tickets are sold in advance, as was the case two years ago with the Rugby World Cup. Even though the tickets sold out a week prior, lines began to form as early as 4 a.m. on game day for a chance at a seat. "We'll cover anything that is a big, live sports event," Coppen said.

Staying true to its roots, Cricketers has a large selection of imported and domestic beers sold in pints and half-pints. In addition to a full-service bar, four hand-drawn ales, and bottled beer and ciders are available.

Although a few American-far items are sprinkled in, Cricketers' menu is distinctly English. Scotch Egg - a hard-boiled egg wrapped in pork sausage meat, breaded and lightly fried; Bangers and Mash - imported British pork sausage topped with grilled onions, mashed potatoes and special gravy; Steak and Stout Pie - tips of sirloin steak braised in rich ale sauce and topped with a puffed pastry; cottage pie; and the best-selling fish and chips are examples of the authentic English food patrons can expect.

Cricketers has built a reputation throughout the years as a venue where local bands and entertainers showcase their talent. A few acts have gone on to sign national record deals. On any given night, tables and chars surrounding the stage are filled with people enjoying free live music with a local flare.

In the cultural sense, a pub can be viewed as an extension of one's friends and family. "A good local pub is where someone may go to, once or twice a week, either to watch a football game or take their family for a nice bite to eat," Coppen said.

Cricketers has prospered not only because it offers a sampling of good food, drink and entertainment, but because Coppen and his staff firmly believe that the enjoyment of that good food and drink with friendly company in warm, hospitable surroundings is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

Later this year, The Mercado will close for a major renovation, and Cricketers will pack up and move to a bigger, better locale at Festival Bay at International Drive. Loyal patrons need not worry about losing their favorite gathering spot. Other than its physical location, Cricketers will remain the same - from the centuries-old beams to the (freshly laundered) neck-ties hanging from the bar. Most importantly, the "governor of the pub" will still be on site to welcome his guests and tell a tale or two.

Article by: Toni Daylor
Article in: February 18 - March 3, 2006 issue of Southwest Orlando Bulletin.
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