Roadtest: Step up for two-up

Anzac Day is always a big day for our local pubs, where patrons gather to celebrate our history. Here’s a round up of the best places to play two-up with a beer in hand…

 

The White Cockatoo Hotel

Anzac Day is always big at this Petersham pub. Aside from their world-famous schnitzels, the headline event will be their two-up game run by licensee manager Trevor Smith, who has over 20 years experience hosting. “Not only experienced players have a good time, but newcomers too have a well-run game played at a pace that allows them to join in a great Aussie tradition. The Two-Up school runs from 1pm to 7pm and it is a rowdy, fun and true blue activity for both guys and girls. Come and make a buck or lose one but have a good time doing it,” says Trevor.

 

Balmain Hotel

The Balmain was absolutely packed for Anzac Day 2013 and you can expect a similar turn out this year. They are getting started a little earlier than some venues with their well-hung Aussie hot dog barbecue firing up at 10am. Then there’ll be Two-Up from 12pm (till 5pm) with the Tooheys Hostess, plus live music from 1pm.

 

Newtown Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere to continue the Anzac Day festivities into the evening, the Newtown Hotel will be having an after party when the sun goes down for those who aren’t quite ready to head home. Featuring music by local DJ’s Shantan Wantan Ichiban, PHDJ and Styx, it’s sure to be a loud and proud Anzac night. During the day, of course, there will be the usual Two-Up event hosted by Mini Cooper, plus $10 jugs of Carlton.

 

Canterbury Hurlstone park RS

A bus will pick up patrons opposite the club at 3.45am for the city Dawn Service. The city march will also be televised on big screens at the club from 9am to be followed by $5 lunch from 11.30am. At 1.30pm the NSW Fire Brigade Band and Marching Girls will perform but the highlight of the day will be the sunset service at the club’s Bert Cook Memorial Garden at 5pm. Afterwards, join in for Two-Up in the auditorium from 5.10pm.

 

The Exchange & Dicks

A pub on each corner of Beattie Street means there’ll be plenty of space for everyone this Anzac Day when The Exchange and Dicks Hotel join forces for one huge Block Party with food stalls, music, extra outdoor bars and the largest Two-Up ring in Balmain with a three-tier stadium. Road closures will be in place from 10am and the party starts at 11am!

 

Vic on the Park

Anzac Day at the Vic is going to be huge. Kicking off at 10am, they are claiming one of the biggest Two-Up games in the Inner West and will be serving up spit roast and Anzac cookies, as well as a free drink for Diggers. Entertainment won’t be in short supply either with Furnace & The Fundamentals, Handsome Young Strangers and Jay Katz playing live.