Lawn Bowls Lilyfield

Lilyfield sits between Leichhardt and Rozelle, and its local bowlo is one of the easier places in the area to gather a group. Leichhardt Bowling Club on Piper Street, on the Leichhardt border, pairs its greens with what it calls the biggest beer garden in the inner west, a dog-friendly space with sunset views. Barefoot bowls here suits birthdays, casual work drinks and weekend catch-ups where some people bowl and others settle in at a table, and the club is relaxed enough that a first-timer never feels out of place.

Before you book a session at the Bowlo:

• Getting there: the Inner West light rail has stops in Lilyfield, and street parking is easier than in the city.
• The experience: sessions run for 90 minutes, and the club supplies coloured bowls and gives newcomers an introduction and some free coaching. Only bare feet or flat-soled shoes are allowed on the green.
• Group size: groups can hire the two rinks next to the beer garden, which lets as many people as you like bowl across the session, with up to 20 on the green at once.
• Booking lead time: bowls and table bookings are separate, so reserve both if you want seating before or after your game. Groups of 10 or more need to book outdoor tables on weekends.
• Food and drinks: the Blue Ribbon Bistro serves pub classics, and a LilyFields gin bar opens on weekends. Catering can be requested with a table booking and carries a minimum spend.

Barefoot bowls costs from $15 per person, and the two-rink hire is $300 for 90 minutes. The minimum age to bowl is 16, and no glass is permitted on the green. Bowls is weather dependent, and if your session is rained out you get a full refund, which takes some of the risk out of booking ahead for a birthday or end-of-week drinks.