Leichhardt Bowlo

Leichhardt Bowling Club has been trading in Lilyfield since 1923, a century-old bowlo that came close to shutting before a 2024 turnaround cut the pokies by more than half and routed the budget into outdoor space instead. Hannah's Kitchen runs a Mediterranean-leaning bistro alongside pub classics. A gin bar kicks in on weekends, supplied by Lily Fields Distilling Co. next door. Live bands play Friday, dollar-oyster Thursdays are members-only, and barefoot bowls on the greens runs ten to fifteen bucks for ninety minutes. It's the only club in the Inner West with an outdoor children's playground.

Dogs are welcome in the beer garden — reportedly the biggest in the Inner West, with sunset views across the greens. The combination of playground, greens, gin bar and sleeping dog has rebuilt the club's weekly trade back to what it was before the slow decade.