builders arms hotel bar and bistro

a shadow of its former self. my partner and i tried out the newest indoctrination into the andrew mcconnell conglomerate after passing a couple of times on the 86. one cold night a few weeks later, before moon under water had opened, we decided to give the builders arms bistro a red hot go.

upon entering the establishment, the first thing that hit us was how unpub-ish it felt. where the front bar of a pub once stood, now felt like a sterile lobby with minimal space and seating. we approached the maitre d in the bistro to hopefully get a table as we hadn't booked. after giving our particulars we were told it would be about an hour for a table, so we headed back to the pubby-barry-thingy to have a beer. we ordered a couple of pints of cricketers arms to be told that they only have pots (no pints! in a pubby-barry-thingy!!). so we stood at the bar for the lack of seats/stools and scoffed at the size of our beers and how stark and sterile they've managed to make a once cosy fitzroy institution.

after 30 minutes we were surprised to learn that a table was ready for us so we moved into the bistro.

look, i am not going to go on about the food. it was delicious as expected from this group of restaurants. we shared smoked curd and clair de lune for starter, rib eye with broccoli salad and house chips for main, and chocolate prune pudding for desert. i couldn't fault it.

what really disappointed me about this establishment is it's distinct lack of ambiance (and i strongly believe that the ambiance is equal to the food in importance). the down-lighting lends a very washed out vibe while the fit out and art work is ordinary and uniform. some candles on tables, or floor lamps in corners could soften the space and add warmth, too. i have heard here and there that what the owners wanted to achieve was a gastropub but they have missed the mark if this is the case (may i point you towards the eagle or marquess tavern in london for accurate representations of what gastropubs should be).

it is a real shame that the builders arms hotel (pub) is gone and i can understand that for locals, it may feel like losing an old friend. it highlights the hits and misses of gentrification and how it can negatively impact on a given area. the builders arms hotel for me, is a miss.

what a ridiculous state of affairs this new/updated pub has got to when the only way to book for a group of 8 friends at the bistro is to be held to ransom to a $65 set meal (not including drinks) or go elsewhere!!! not helpful at all on the phone so imagine how the service would be. very silly move i think! my advice is for groups to look at other venues that will accommodate the average working melbourne public!!

steaky breaky heart. oh lordy! i had the porterhouse and it might be the best steak i've ever eaten. simply melt-in-your-mouth standard. sure, it's a little pricier than your average pub meal, but come on, who's game enough to order a steak at a fitzroy pub these days? the service was friendly and professional, but the place could feel a little 'cosier'. we were seated towards the toilets and it felt pretty draughty and bare. be sure to end the meal with some of that blood orange sobet - 2die4!

pleasant enough. a too meaty menu (3 steaks?) but sensational carrot, almond and feta entree. an ok artichoke tart (a few tough outer leaves made it to the dish) and decent fish pie, although it was more a fish stew with pastry topping. pig ear scratchings looked good at the next table.

ok i guess. had a nice meal at the builders arms on thursday night it was super busy so the service was a bit slow but understandable considering how many people where there.
the new fit out is nice but the noise levels caused by the wooden floors and bare walls are unacceptable.
we could barely hear each other and spent a lot of time repeating ourselves or yelling.
if i'm honest i thought the food was good but really i was expecting more. i notice that a few people have said stop complaining about the prices its a gastro pub! but i think the complaints about the high prices are probably justified. my steak was $35 and that would be acceptable if it come with some vege's but when you have to add sides it takes the price into the $40+ range then imho its a bit steep. anyway probably worth checking out if you are interested but i'm not sure if i will be rushing back.

to complex, to pricey, not for me

over priced dull food. is it form over function, is it hype over taste - i'm afraid it's yes to both. competent staff and quality ingredients can't resolve the fact that the food is dull and the room is soul-less. what a shame that this local has morphed into boring. it was busy and i'm sure the mcconnell name will keep the "buzz" alive for awhile and will keep the place jumping but with a panopoly of much better tasting and better value options within a short walk i'd be worrried. we had the fish pie and the artichoke tart - great promise but sadly presented in a dull and formless way. no need to return.

meh. nice enough food, but there was no 'wow' factor that could justify the price. wine list was mostly ludicrously expensive. i wont be rushing back.

love it. what's not to love about this place. again, andrew mcconnell dishes up what he does best. quality food, service, ambience..
the actual space is so refreshing, for years the place has screamed potential and now it's finally realised.
food- cod roe dish, amazing, fish pie a total winner and the rotisserie chicken was bizarrely sensational. another great local added to the area, thank you!!!

the new builders menu is great and the broccoli salad was amazing!

smashing!. walked in on a saturday and asked for a table for 5 - staff happy, friendly and accommodating! the renovation is wonderful! food was great! we will definately go back

a nite to remember.... a landmark public house on gertrude street, fitzroy. the essence of the builders is unchanged after more than 150 years of trading, but in new hands it is restored and renewed. myself and mate attended the bar & bistro where the counter meal reigns with a drop of beer before settling down to our meals. we decided to share an entree plate of cold smoked river trout, cucumber, mustard and dill {$14}. for mains we had slow cooked lamb shoulder, artichoke, parsley, anchovy and olive {$32} and wild barramundi, cauliflower, burnt butter and lemon {$35}. with sides of house chips {$7}. for dessert we decided to share steamed suet pudding, lemon,brown sugar,runny cream {$15}. for drinks we were happy with on tap a couple of carlton draught {$4.20}. the ambience was perfect and could not fault the surroundings and service.

here's to hoping it is teething problems as i wanted so badly to love love love yr builders arms but it just didn't cut it. service was awkward. about 4 waiters walked around us looking at the table before realizing we had been there for a long time andnot ordered! mussels average. sides were great but. the place had lots of potential and garden looks good for summer. i like concept of the communal table but it's right near the bathrooms so constantly looming in on people doing their business! crossing my fingers things gets better.

was keen to try the revamped builders arms but was sorely disappointed. arrived for lunch only to be greeted with unhelpful and condescending staff. for an establishment with such a longstanding sense of community, they have succeeded in removing all charm, warmth and character. a return visit is not warranted.

there is good noshing to be done at the new incarnation of the builders arms; it's a comfortable space which i could see myself losing hours in with an interesting drinks list and a few very good things to snack on, however, if it's dinner you're after, just go to cumulus, have the lamb shoulder with lemon and spanish onion.