One Ford Street Opens at Balmain's Refurbished Cricketers Arms Hotel

There's a brand new Italian-focused eatery in Balmain, sitting within Darling Street's beloved Cricketer's Arms hotel. One Ford Street has opened within the recently refurbished pub, with chef Sam Bennett (ex-Bourke Street Bakery, Glebe Point Diner) running the kitchen.

An intimate, 50-seat restaurant, One Ford Street is being pitched as a 'neighbourhood eatery' with a communal, Italian vibe. Accessed by a separate entrance hidden from the main Darling Street, the restaurant will bring Bennett's culinary skills and influences from his recent Italian trip to Balmain, with a focus on housemade produce and seasonal ingredients. Think handmade pasta, pickled olives, cured meats.

“Having just returned from a year long working holiday in Italy, I was inspired by the big, simple flavours and beautiful ingredients," says Bennett. "I really want to bring a style of cooking based on what I was seeing in regional Italy and interpret that here in Australia — non fussy, casual feasting food using amazing, fresh produce."

Bennett's serving up one innovative-sounding menu, from chopped veal cipriani and pizza crusts ($16) to just-cooked tiger prawns with sugar snaps and caramelle ($26). If you're just keen to see what the guy can do, you can go truly Italian-style with the 'Trust the Chef' options. Want to tackle One Ford's Italian wine list? You'll be in good hands if you're feeling a little intimidated; Front of House manager Fabio Dore (of Popolo in Rushcutters Bay and former winner of Gourmet Traveller's Maitre D of the Year award) has curated a wine list spanning all the Italian regions. There's also Italian craft beer on offer, so prepare for an education.

With an outdoor courtyard filled with hanging baskets, pot plants and Mediterranean-inspired greenery, the restaurant is just one element of the Cricketer's refurb, after publican Tim Condon (responsible for The Three Weeds in Rozelle, The Riverview Hotel and East Village Hotel in Balmain) snapped up Balmain's former Monkey Bar and rechristened the pub with its original name.

One Ford Street behind The Cricketers Arms Hotel at (you guessed it) 1 Ford Street, Balmain. Open Wednesday and Thursday for dinner, Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. To book, call (02) 9818 4232.