Cricket enthusiasts will be seventh heaven when they step into this quintessential British pub where prized cricket memorabilia takes pride of place.
A cosily furnished VIP lounge and intimate private dining room tucked away upstairs are ideal for special events or celebratory parties. With Happy Hours taking place Monday to Saturday from 12noon to 7pm and around the clock on Sunday, The Sticky Wicket is just the place to wet your whistle with a Gin & Tonic (RM9.80++ per glass).
Also helping to keep spirits up is the Gin Buffet (RM75++ for 3 glasses, RM120++ for 5 glasses) featuring a choice of 8 premium gin: Hendrick’s, The Botanist, Gin Mare, Citadelle, Rutte, St George Spirits, Poli 1898 and The Bitter Truth — you can enjoy it neat, on the rocks or mixed with tonic (RM9-RM17).
Otherwise, resident bartender S.Roy is always happy to rustle up a Whisky Sour (he bowls a mean one too) or a cocktail or two to ensure things go with a smooth flow.
My personal pick of the crop is Somerset (RM29), a
gin and tonic reminiscent of a boozy, liquidy apple pie — it’s spiked with
fresh green apple juice, organic apple cider vinegar and
house-made cinnamon syrup.
Fancy a tall one as how legendary cricket umpire Harold Dickie Bird likes it? Then stump up for Dickie Bird (RM39), a crisp and dry marriage of Monkey 47 sloe gin and Campari balanced with fresh lemon juice, Yorkshire tea syrup and a splash of apple juice.
More batty tipples to slake the thirst of cricket-mad fans include The Bowler (RM39) and The Record Breaker (RM48). The former is named after Australian cricketer Sydney Barnes; a concoction of pear infused vodka, Campari, guava, candy floss cloud and Peychaud bitter shower whilst the latter comprises Beefeater, elderflower, honey-infused beer, fresh grapes and pineapple juice.
Classic pub grub with subtle Asian tweaks is the name of the game here. Designed for easy eating and as accompaniment for a cold beer, crowd-pleasing nibbles such as Salted Egg Yolk with Calamari (RM35), and Pulled Beef or Chicken Poutine (RM36) are conceived for sharing.
Tossed with salted egg yolk sauce and curry leaves, the deep-fried squid rings prove on-point whilst the pulled beef brisket or shredded chicken over chips smothered with cheese and gravy seems hearty enough to be a meal on its own. Although we have some misgiving about the runny egg on top, other patrons may like the extra richness it bestows.
Partial to a Pommie fry-up? Then go the whole hog with The Full English (RM38), the house all-day brekkie with the works: 2 sunny side up eggs, beef bacon, sausages, mushroom, tomatoes, fried bread and baked beans. Had it not been for the chucks of beef bacon and shrivelled mushroom, it would have been a full toss.
The captain’s innings on this occasion comes from the scrumptious Fish & Chips (Cod RM60/Pollock RM36). Served piping hot with thick-cut chips and mushy peas, the sweet, flaky beer-battered cod fillet is easy bait to fall hook, line and sinker for.
Comparable to a marvellous display of glovesmanship, The Sticky Wicket Beef Rib Burger (RM42) is worth making tummy space for. Instead of regular burger patty, you get a delectable mound of braised beef short rib pulled and placed on a burger bun alongside caramelised onion, fresh rocket and a mac & cheese waffle.
De Silva’s Crab Kottu (RM36) also strikes a resonant chord as Sri Lanka’s kottu roti with zingy-hot crab meat curry and crispy soft shell crab isn’t your average pub bill of fare.
Playing on to tempt punters are Fried Leg Stump (RM32), juicy golden brown chicken leg smothered with mushroom sauce, mashed potato, salad and mixed vegetables; Crispy Lamb Shank (RM58) served on herb-infused mash and naughty bean sauce; and Springbok Boerewers (RM69), half a kilo of chunky sausage meat sizzling in spicy curry sauce.
For a sweet taste of victory, plump for Sticky Date Pudding (RM22) with Madagascar vanilla bean sauce crème anglaise or Sweet Appam (RM8), crisp and delicate Sri Lankan pancakes with a fluffy soft centre, drizzled with coconut milk and gula Melaka or a scoop of chocolate ice cream (RM5).
For reservations at THE STICKY WICKET, call tel: 03-2011 5378 or 012-444 2957. Address: 34, Plaza Damansara , Medan Setia 2 , Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: 12 noon to 2 am daily.
