About us

In 1989 the Department of Urban Af fairs and Planning of NSW bought the property and placed a Permanent Conservation Order on the Inn and land. After considerable external restoration by the NSW Department of Planning, the lease on the property was put up for Public Tender.

On gaining the lease in 1992, James, Susan and Daniel Kellie personally restored the Inn and created the current grounds which you see today.

With it's attractive old world appearance and homely atmosphere the Inn blends itself into a pleasant rural setting that never fails to charm visitors.

On the 20th May 1994, after two years of restorations, the Royal Cricketers Arms officially reopened to local residents and business.

History

Well, you should have seen it before the Kellies' got their hands on it!

The RCA is the perfect place to watch the sun set, enjoy a beer and the good company of others.

The Royal Cricketers Arms is located on the southern boundary of the Crown Land grant to Captain Robert Lethbridge, Royal Navy, in June 1823.

The Inn is believed to have been built in the late 1870's and was first operated by James Manning and Agnes Neeves in 1880. Trade was from the construction of the nearby Prospect Reservoir and the traffic on the Great Western Road, (now Reservoir Road).

Due to a lack of business the Inn ceased operation in 1912 but continued as a grocery, iron mongery and butcher till 1913. The property was then bought by Edward Cooney who operated a dairy farm, whilst his daughters established a tea room and local store in the Inn.

 In 1941 the property was sold to Ivan Posa who established a large market garden using the Inn as a private residence. This continued till 1963 when the property was sold to the Great Western Drive-In Theatre.

 In 1989 the Heritage Council of NSW bought the property and placed a Permanent Conservation Order on the Inn and land. After considerable external restoration by the NSW Department of Planning, the lease on the property was put up for Public Tender.

 On gaining the lease, James, Susan and Daniel Kellie extensively restored the inside of the Inn to it's original 1880 condition, whilst creating the current garden setting. Trading as a Hotel recommenced on the 21st May 1994.

 With it's attractive old world appearance and homely atmosphere the Inn blends itself into a pleasant rural setting that never fails to charm visitors.