Builders Arms Hotel

There has been a tidal wave of hype around the recently renovated Builders Arms Hotel in Fitzroy, Melbourne, particularly around the restaurant within the hotel – ‘Moon under water’.  Not wanting to be too much of a conformist my review this week is on the bistro at the Builders Arms Hotel.

The new look is refreshing.  Simplistic crisp clean lines bathed in white leaving the entire pub exposed.  It’s open and airy creating an atmosphere of warm noise all around the bar and bistro area.  The staff are cool, smart and friendly.  You feel like you are in safe hands from beginning to end.

The team at the Builders Arms has taken their bistro menu to a whole new level in the old pub counter meal arena.  It is clean, intelligent and there is absolutely no sign of a parma. Enhancing the ordering experience is the knowledge and exceptional recommendations by the wait staff.  It’s clear that the floor staff are passionate about the food and strive to excel in the delivery of their service.  We were encouraged to share dishes (my favourite way to eat) and settled upon – ‘smoked curd, crudité’, ‘parmesan tart, grilled asparagus’, ‘dry aged, grass fed, porterhouse on the bone, Cape Grim 400 grams’,  a side of‘iceberg, buttermilk, cucumber’ and the ‘chopped broccoli, freekeh salad’.  Every single dish was FANTASTIC and FLAWLESS.  Truly perfect. We were fully consumed in each dish and personally I didn’t want the meal to end.  It made the concept of sharing quite a challenge because it was so good I wanted it all to myself!

Smoked curd, crudite

Tart

Not stopping there we were compelled to have desert and they did not disappoint either.  We devoured the ‘chocolate terrine and eccles cake ice cream’, ‘poached meringue, buttermilk ice cream, rhubarb granita’, and a scoop of the ‘home made ice, gelato’.  Sometimes having dessert at the end of the meal can tip you over the edge in the wrong direction.  But not this time, dessert was precisely the best way to close this deal.  The sweetness was balanced and light totally complimenting the earlier dishes.

Chocolate Terrine

Gelato

The wine list is enticing.  I love it when I find an Austrian Riesling on a wine list particularly in a pub.  It tells me that they are serious about pleasing their customers but not just having the run of the mill offerings.   The price point on the food is great.  You could assume that the dishes mentioned would be over the top but they aren’t, it is exceptional value for money. 

The new and improved Builder Arms Hotel bistro is remarkable.  They have stripped it bare in every way.  Almost gone back to basics in the best possible ways - the decor is clean and stylish, the food is fresh and delicious and the service is as it should be – friendly and switched on.

Thank you Builders Arms Hotel.  You have restored my faith somewhat!

Food – 10/10

Service – 9/10

Ambiance – 8/10

Builders Arms Hotel

211 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.

Phone – (03) 9417 7700

www.buildersarmshotel.com.au

Open – 7 days/nights.  Walk ins only.