Joining the list of accolades in Melbourne’s North is the recently opened Gertrude Hotel, located along Fitzroy’s beloved Gertrude Street. Inspired by the Italians and a love for Aussie pub culture, Gertrude Hotel fuses these forces to create a modern venue oozing with familiarity, quality and wholesomeness. The euro allure is exemplified through venue design and menu hits. The pub classics such as a char grilled scotch fillet, parma and bar snacks, are accompanied by a full Italian kitchen serving hand-stretched pizza, homemade pasta, and Melbourne’s best tiramisú.
Nothing on the food menu is over $39, with most mains being within the $20’s range. Andy Lockyear, Co-Owner and Head Chef, moves the menu with the seasons, always in touch with their local farmers and producers to understand the ingredients best. Lockyear has a distinguished background in fine dining, predominantly with Rockpool Bar + Grill in Sydney. Neil Perry asked him to head up the team opening the Melbourne venue. Patrons of Gertrude Hotel are essentially receiving fine dining at pub menu costs; a rare luxury.
Iza Dawkins, Managing Director and Co-Owner, has travelled extensively across Italy to source products, recipes and most recently, items and artworks for his exciting new project that is Gertrude Hotel. “Italian food is perfect for sharing: antipasti, pizza and pasta. There’s nothing better. The way Melbournians enjoy pubs these days is the same; join friends for a meal and a laugh. We feel like we’re offering the best of both worlds,” Dawkins says. The classic and contemporary space accommodates for all seasons. In summer, it is filled with light and air, and in our infamous Melbourne winter, Gertrude Hotel transforms into a cosy escape and accommodates all sorts of social occasions.
Upon entrance, the curbside dining lays underneath the cover of White Cedar trees. Continuing into the venue, the comfortable and light filled Public Bar greets you. There is a hidden TV used for all important calendar moments like the diehard footy season. Filling the remainder of the ground floor is the intimate dining room with table service. Walls are lined with European artwork in this warm and moody setting. The velvet curtains seclude the private dining wine room, which sits up to eight guests.
Honouring the incredible heritage of this location, this bar name is taken from the pub’s original when first built in 1854. Strikingly, the bar’s feature wall is the building’s original bluestone; and if you look carefully, there is newspaper from the 1850’s stuck between the rocks. This new pub nestled amongst the iconic Melbourne precinct that is Gertrude Street is open and ready to be enjoyed at large.
The Gertrude Hotel is located at 148 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Visit thegertrude.com.au for more information
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