Review Builders Arms Hotel - Fitzroy

Came here for a meal recently that was unfortunately a bit lacklustre. The sausage was very salty and could have used a bit of mash or something to balance it out. The stracciatella and anchovy toast was good but the tomato dish was also a bit underwhelming. Service and drinks were nice though - I appreciate the extensive selection. Would just love to see more beers that mirror the quality and uniqueness of the wine list.

We arrived early and got seated right away even though it was full, but the table had not been wiped down and was sticky. The lighting was low and put a strain on the eyes and when it’s a bit loud everything echoes through the room. They should have something to dampen the sound because it was very loud. The food was nice, the vegan patty was surprisingly good but the fries felt like any cheap fries from the store that you can buy on your own. The place looked nice and the staff was very nice and accommodating, it’s a nice place but nothing really made me feel that I want to go back.

HIGH-END PUB FOOD - A good experience here, helped along by attentive service from the outset. All pronounced the creative meals to be very good, although I thought my main lacked salt (petty, perhaps, I know). The menu is progressive, which means that the portions become larger as you move down the list. There are some highly-priced items to be aware of, but we were very happy overall. In summary, good meals which are reasonably priced, but you need to be aware of the expensive options, which includes the drinks. The coffee was somewhat bitter and therefore disappointing.

Somewhere between a pub and a fine dining restaurant with the best of both worlds. Would love this to be my local. Staff are happy and helpful, and the food is delicious.

As pubs go, this is a good one. The food is good, albeit expensive. This is one of Andrew McConnell’s string of restaurants. Over the years it’s had, along with the bistro, a fine dining restaurant in it, then a hipster Chinese restaurant. They’ve since knocked down the walls inside and opened it all up, and now only serve bistro pub food - which is better! The spot roasts are great. Great place for a long boozy lunch.

One of the better pubs in Melbourne... good range of beers, if perhaps a little pricey, and a very decent kitchen for the bistro. Great atmosphere where quite a diverse range of people fit in just fine. Nice little sidewalk section where you can relax and have a drink watching the world go by.

After a 45min wait this is the $23 burger we received -only thing we ordered apart from drinks- no sauces and no apology for the delay. Very disappointing, this place used to be great

Best fish dish I have ever had - and I’ve eaten at many specialist fish restaurants. My whole rainbow trout had heavenly crispy skin and was perfectly cooked inside with its butter and almond sauce. Loved the heirloom tomato dish too. A totally memorable meal for us all.

This is the best Pub in Melbourne!!! If you're looking for a decent Pub meal - than I highly recommend you try it this place. Got the best piece of Steak in Melbourne!! Its not like your average Pub food - like the whole Chicken Parma or your average Beer Battered Fish & Chips - The Builders Arm goes way beyond that!! This must be put on your list of Restaurants to try!! Highly recommend it!!! It also has great vibe and feeling towards it!!!

Terrific, old traditional pub, updated with food and decent beer. Small beer garden/courtyard with a mature tree and ivy on the walls. Friendly staff. Good food. And, on Christmas Eve, it wasn’t crowded!

Front bar respectfully treated, heritage features stunning. Run by one of Melbourne's food icons this place is in great hands. We dabbled in some of the Asian offerings and we were not disappointed. Love 'The Builders' long may it be preserved to this level of integrity.

$14 for a house wine....... and $14.5 for my French and may I say very small rose. Not impressed at all. For a local pub very disappointing, didn't really get the fancy French memo

I never write reviews, in fact this is the first I’ve written, but I felt ripped off by the vego meal I ordered. It was real small and I struggle to see how anyone could consider it worth what I paid for it.

Love the place but hate the theme music. There is never a place for CantoPop and HK EDM.

The decor is nice if you like white. But that's the end of that. Hopeless service, waiting for 10 minutes behind one customer just for a beer - who is just trying to order food because you don't get table service for nothing, see. Carry your own ice bucket with $100 of prosecco - come back for your own glasses and beers. Then the food is just average: heavy on the dried herbs, light on volume, high on price, sides are extra. They say the saturday night bbq is alright but on a busy night, the place goes to shit and is ordinary from bridge to galley.

Love this place :) very friendly and helpful staff. Drinks are a little on the expensive side, but I like their support for local breweries.

Love the place, very good atmosphere but I'm afraid the beer is to expensive! Considering I get my schooners from my local for $5 or $6, $8.70 is a little rich.

Oh how pleased we were on our first visit to Builders Arms- we enjoyed the food, their great wine list and the laid back spacious set up of the Bistro. Definitely not your usual 'hotel' - BA is on another level and would definitely return to try out their other dishes.

Upscale pub grub. Delightful Art Deco fitout, and a small menu that has something for everyone. Food is fine. Wine menu is considerably more impressive. Kitchen seems a bit slow. Floor staff are on their game though

Stylish pub. The decor is lovely but understated. The menu is a bit all things to all people but still pretty good. My companions and I had a good time here. My dish was the chicken parma with mozzarella and fenel slaw. A lovely offering it was too. It’s a fine place. I’d happily return.

This was the venue for our recent work Christmas lunch. Service was excellent, as was the food. Great place for a pub meal in Fitzroy.

Sunday Lunch at the Builders Arms can't be beaten. Traditional Chicken Parma with a twist is the go to on a cold wet winters day.<br/><br/>The atmosphere is relaxed and the bar staff are on point. The service staff and food was to die for. I had an issue with my meal and not only did the staff act promptly and offer to remake the meal, they offered a full cash refund upfront. Good old fashion customer service with the right spirit. Will be back for sure and sing there praises.<br/><br/>In a competitive restaurant market as inner Melbourne. It's great to experience real service. Five stars.<br/><br/>Gene Isaacs<br/>

We were a large group and ordered the fixed menu, great value, fantastic steak and fresh ingredients all done well and with care. Service is good and the wine menu is also very good. A little noisy but well worth the visit.

Not the best pub but not the worst. Decent beer selection, good location, slightly above average crowd and service. It's nice on a warm day when you can sit out the front.

Pub quality food at fine dining prices. The fish pie was extremely disappointing; a few small pieces of fish and a prawn in a very runny sauce for $35. The steak of the day special was also quite ordinary and over priced. The highlight was the bread with cod roe. Unfortunately the service was slow; we were at the table for 15 minutes before any one came to take our drinks order. Definitely did not represent value for money so we unfortunately will not be back.

I love to come here on their steak night on Monday. Definitely one of the best $19 steak night I’ve ever tried in Melbourne. The portion is pretty generous. However, one night we came here for the steak night, the portion for the chips and salads were small compared with the ones we had previously. Overall, we always enjoy coming here even for drinks only

Was excited on getting some decent pub food and builders arms looked great, pub vibes without feeling too dingy. Crowd and staff were nice if not overworked, but thats where it ends. The food was shockingly average. Fish pie with decent but overdone pastry - clearly filled with frozen produce. Everything tasted like old seafood. One prawn. For a high price of $35. The scotch eggs tasted like cheap sausage and the pasta was edible. Usually im pretty easy with food but huge disappointment when the bread is the best part of the meal.

Wanted to check out Marion but they were full, the lovely receptionist recommended that I check out their sister property down the road. <br/><br/>We ordered 3 steaks all medium but the doneness, is different for all! That was my major disappointment! <br/><br/>The oysters were fresh and our favorite were the mussels, we mopped up all the sauce with bread.<br/><br/>I like the butter sauce of my flathead, would have enjoyed it more without the bones!!

I enjoyed a variety of small plates in the courtyard on one of those “lovely” hard concrete banquettes, but under the shady trees. We shared some lovely fresh oysters as I continue to wean myself on them. As per many other positive reviews, the whipped cod roe was a winner: creamy, light and well seasoned served with crisp dipping fingers. I would have loved the fish pie as I am such a fan of this NZ perennial but I checked with the kitchen and the sauce is still runny. No thanks. We also shared the cured salmon which was very subtle, fresh and light. The cheese on our heirloom tomatoes had already gone hard and rubbery by the time it got to the table. I didn’t even recognise that it was cheese. It was really difficult to cut through. It must have been sitting on the pass for a while. Not a great result. The presence of the anchovies was a bit to subtle for me, but that’s because I can literally eat them out of the jar, and am not adverse to their intense flavour. <br/>The Builders Arms is a really nice pub, particularly for mid week lunch when it’s quiet. Service was excellent- really friendly. It’s definitely worth a return visit and is a great local pub.<br/>Tip: cushions for the concrete benches?

I came to the builders arms with work for a small Xmas lunch/ afternoon. I wasn’t actually sure what to expect but we had a delicious fine dining style meal with great wine and plenty of atmosphere. We close the set sharing menu and where not disappointed, the cod dip was smooth and creamy, the oysters seriously fresh, those that had the slow cooked meat said it fell of the bone and my fish was exquisite. We all had panacotta for dessert that wobbled well, a lovely vanilla flavour. <br/>KD

Pretty reasonable food let down by a bit of a stuff up (which I will go into). However, this isn’t going to be my final score as they were pretty good at fixing it.<br/><br/> <br/>I have been to Ricky and Pinky a few times and had also been to the Builders Arms for private functions so I have been keen to try this place. It was very busy and quite loud; and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Our reservation was found quickly and we were shown to our table. I can't exactly remember having the specials discussed with us, but they have a very interesting wine list with lots of organics, unfiltered etc.

Very bad service... the staff are very disorganised, forget orders.. the food order was taken wrong and we had to wait a ridiculous amount of time for the order to get rectified. The bad service seems to be very consistent so we definitely would not be returning..

We visited the bar for an early Saturday dinner. Staff were doing their best, but the bar was understaffed and there was a long wait to order. The stand out dish was the whipped roe. Fish pie was good, albeit the sauce very runny.<br/>

Had the Sunday Roast which was a little exxy at $36 but was soooo good!!  Was a funny crowd for a Fitzroy pub,  very few people from the neighbourhood is my guess, more of a destintation for the southside set.

Mixed feelings about this pub. Main menu is limited. Meat eaters were disappointed: $50 steak was over cooked and rump cap roast was tough and chewy. The snapper was very nice but a small serving (3 small slices of fish), the fish pie was also tasty. Cod roe did is always good and the sides were very nice. Desserts were ok- Sussex pond pudding was stodgy and I probably wouldn’t reorder it. Chocolate dessert was nice but again nothing special...we should’ve walked up to Marion and had their chocolate tart!

$7 schooies of Vale Larger and 19 bucks for 250 grams of Meatsmith porterhouse with chips, salad and sauces on a Monday. I’m a fan of Meatsmith meat, so not surprised the steak was great and was cooked to perfection. I ordered medium rare and it was a true medium rare, still very pink.<br/><br/> Place was really busy too so vibes were good.

We came here for lunch on a Friday at midday. We decided to order the whipped cod roe to share, the fish pie and the porterhouse steak with a side of onion rings. The whipped cod roe was to die for! The fish pie was nice but I wished that there was more filling in the pie as the seafood was abit scant. The porterhouse steak was also cooked to perfection and well rested. I would recommend this place to anyone.

A bit fancy for a pub. Was impressed with the serving size of my veal parma. It was delicious and highly recommended. You have to order and pay at the counter but service was great and the food didn't take too long to be served.

My partner and I initially called in here for a couple of pre dinner drinks. It was reasonably busy inside but there were a lot of staff who were over attentive to the point where we didn’t want to stay any longer so we only had 1 drink. <br/><br/>They had a reasonable range of craft beers here and a restaurant inside as well. I’d probably find somewhere quieter next time.

Very disappointed that I had a Caesar salad today which was made up of cos lettuce, a few shards of bacon/ croutons, grated cheese, egg, soda water and I paid $20 for this?! It was hardly dressed so it was a dry salad. Sorry guys but that's very steep for what you offered.

Great place for an after work catch up with some mates. The dining area is good, although it feels a little empty as there is so much open space and not many tables. There is a super simple menu...I had the steak which comes with fries and salad and pepper sauce. It was probably one of the best steaks I’ve had for a pub...I dare say it came close to Rockpool standard. Cooked to perfection and I love how it was sliced which made it more interesting to eat. Salad was simple, different types of lettuce with a dressing and the fries were good. Would definitely return for the steak alone.

Sophisticated pub style venue with attentive staff. The dumplings are great and the "Ricky dog" is even better, especially with lunch time prices. Great spot to have a drink with friends

Old school pub with an industrial vibe. Cozy place, but you're charged for the hipster locale. In saying that the service is also second to none. Great meeting place before heading off elsewhere.

Every time that I come here is a different experience. But today I was more than satisfied, the staff is so good an attentive in general at the restaurants of this group. I definitely come back with this kind of service.?

A pub with a great atmosphere and great food.  We had the baked trout (outstanding) and half chicken (very good) as well as potatoes (always too many) and a tasty broccoli and preserved lemon salad.  Eating out in Melbourne is always a pleasure as food is serious business in Melbourne.  Small but satisfactory range of wine by the glass and you can start a finish with a cleansing ale.  Easily accessible by tram and a must try.

Builders Arms Hotel epitomises the sophisticated modern Australian pub fare. The highlight of my experiences here was the whole roasted rainbow trout. The fleshy fish was fresh and had a lovely hint of French (I suspected it was the burnt butter). The roast pork with "best ever" crackling is also a must-have to share between few people, albeit some parts of the meat was slightly dry and required mustard for enhanced taste. The fried cauliflower starter was also quite Cumulus-esque which I really enjoyed. Though I really liked the freshness of the mussels, I wasn't the biggest fan of the curry taste in its sauce. Otherwise, the sides at Builders Arms were very quality too, along with an extensive wine list! Overall, I've enjoyed my dining experiences at Builders Arms. It's perfectly wrapped up with the divine dark chocolate and orange truffle. The price you pay for the quality of meals here is very justified. However, I've rated this place lower than I'd liked due to slow, uncoordinated, and unfriendly service. The inattentive staff here seemed to have thrown decorum out the window and wasn't very hospitable especially when it came to moving tables (we were rushed out due to a two hour booking slot), and getting the bill. But when it comes to food and wine, you can't go wrong with anything related to Andrew McConnell so I definitely won't hesitate to come back for the food in hopes that service would improve.

Attended a friends birthday here last night. Beautiful food amazing service. Very accommodating. Would highly recommend.

Excellent pub with mostly friendly team who make you feel welcome. Their food is a smashing hit, really tasty bar food, simple is perfect, like the chicken schnitzel with iceberg lettuce. Doesn't sound much but the thigh chook is tender and perfectly cooked. Or try the classic New York Reuben sandwich... TASTY!!!<br/>If you are really hungry or there's a small army in your crew you cannot go past the western plains roast pork. OMG the crackling, the presentation, the feeling of satisfaction you feel when you see it coming to the table, not to mention the food envy looks you receive from people on other tables. It's a real must to share. Brilliant Saturday afternoon long lunch goodness. <br/>The other thing I love about builders is their rotisserie serving up coal smoked roast meats. Perfect pub for a quick beer, to stop a while or spend the afternoon!

A little good and a little bad. Went there expecting great things as I've read plenty of top reviews. I'll start with the good- our staff were keen and happy. Attentive and lovely. The food was pretty good. We ordered most all of the appetisers and they were smashing. The jamon balls were spot on. I ordered the fish pie and my wife had the parmigiana. Both were delicious. But we simply couldn't find a good wine on the menu. We tried one by the glass which tasted flat, almost like it had been opened over night. We ordered a bottle but there was nothing which really moved us. The bottle we settled on was the best of a bad bunch of Shiraz. Mixed review.

Don't judge a pub from the outside. Looks like a very sad pub from the outside. Step inside it's very modern and serves some great pub food. First time visit but would easily come back.

Our experience was a bit of a mixed bag. Staff friendly but not very attentive. Pork shoulder was the highlight but chicken very disappointing and under cooked with no charcoal flavor and skin still not browned and impossible to eat. Roast potatoes were also a disappointment and not crispy at all. Broccolli salad and goat cheese were nice.

Mixed experience here, with the service staff being friendly enough but the food was a mixed bag. The fried cauliflower was amazing and the flat iron steak provided an unexpected home cooked feeling, but the corn fed chicken was an acquired taste (needless to say not mine). I'd say maybe skip the chicken and try for something else, though pre warning that the flat iron steak is of the peppered variety.<br/><br/>Anyways, this is just one person's view, not necessarily the baseline!

Came here for a weekday dinner to catch up with some high school buddies. I want you sure what to expect but it's association with cumulus Cutler and Co. meant I was willing to go in blind.<br/><br/>The bistro side is decorated in traditional wooden paneling with hints of modern decor. It sets a nice relaxing environment, great for chilling with friends. <br/><br/>We choose to have the prawn omelette as a starter which was delicious. Piping hot and still slightly runny, it was rich and tasty with a good seafood flavour. The aioli went really well with the flavours, delicious.<br/><br/>For my main I chose the chicken cooked over coals with a cold beetroot and chickpea salad. The chicken was well marinated and very tasty. The salad provided the necessary greens to offset the amount of chicken on the plate. <br/><br/>For the side we started a plate of roasted potatoes, delicious starchy goodness.<br/><br/>For dessert I chose the homemade vanilla and chocolate ice creams. The vanilla was fragrant from vanilla bean and the chocolate had the perfect balance of dark cocoa and sugary sweetness.<br/><br/>Overall I enjoyed my meal and the service was pleasant. It's a nice relaxed environment however due to all the hard walls the dining room got quite loud with chatter once it filled up.

Great atmosphere and staff on that night were very hip & trendy. There were 7 in our party, each ordering something different, great place to have a laugh-out-loud and not worry about offending anyone else. The food was good, nothing spectacular for the price. The main meals are very meat oriented and I didn't feel like a plate of veg, so just got some sides. Would happily meet up with friends again here, but not sure we'd trek back as the menu is very boring for a vegetarian.  (Sorry, no photos, was having a bit too much fun to remember to take them! ha!)

Really solid place to eat. The burger is amazing, and the bar snacks hit the spot as well. The al fresco tables on Gertrude Street are perfect for watching the locals go about their business. The drinks are reasonably pricey, but it's a beautiful establishment so worth a couple of extra dollars. A great local.

Reasonably price relative to the quality of the food. Interesting wine list. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Open long hours, so a good choice at times that other restaurants are closed.

I have been to the builders arms several times for work lunches, including taking my team there for a very long afternoon, so when I took my wife there for Dinner I was expecting a similar quality experience. Sadly this was not the case. We arrived at around 7.00 on a Friday, but the restaurant wasn't too busy. Staff looked at us for a moment while we waited for them to give is a table.. The moment turned into several moments, became a little awkward and so I said. We would like a table for two for dinner. Not an unusual request considering the circumstances but it still felt as though I had just asked where can I park a camel or What do they think of hazel nuts... It was just odd.. They processed my question and then suggested that I look outside..so off we wandered to find no available tables.. Back inside then and found a free table.. Ok guess we will sit here. Now this sort of find your own table and sit yourself is perfectly normal for a traditional pub, but this place has linen table cloths and nice cloth napkins. Each setting has at least two glasses. This is not a $15 pot and Parma place! After finding our own table we were ignored for a while.... Then another while.. And then when the whiles became ridiculous I got up, scrounged some cutlery and glassware and set my table myself. It was either that or do something more extreme to get attention and by the time I finished our table was all set for dinner. At this point our host who had previously been hiding behind the counter jumped in and told us that we were at a reserved table (that had no settings) and got quite agitated. Now I don't need to spend a lot of money to be treated this rudely and I certainly wouldn't recommend the builders arms again. Seems like their staff don't give a cr#p about their guests and frankly I think we were in their way spoiling their quiet evening. <br/><br/>That's ok we (or my team) are Not likely to come back.

We came as part of a progressive drinking / dining experience and we were not disappointed , good quality food and reasonably priced. Slightly above par for pub food.

The definition of gastro pub! The food here was fantastic, which was complimented by well matched beer. The interior was the right balance of modern contemporary and classic style. The pie was to die for.

This bar had the worst service. There are staff everywhere but no one serving. Washing glasses, talking. But serving the queue at the bar - forget it.

Our party of 8 gathered at the Builder's Arms for a sunday arvo long lunch. Having not been there before I was expecting a simple pub meal but this place is no basic pub. They have clearly pumped a lot of money into turning this space into a sophisticated and welcoming spot families and groups to come together for great food.<br/>Service was very friendly and they guided us with our food selections well. We shared an array of started that included whipped cod roe with toasted turkish bread, salt and pepper school prawns and the Jamon serrano, fried bread, smoked peppers and parsley. All were pretty tasty and left us wanting more. The cod roe and bread probably the favourite. <br/>For main we opted to share two of the Boston Butt Pork Shoulders. Along with sides of Roast potatoes, garlic and rosemary, House chips, aioli and Chopped broccoli, freekeh salad(quality!) . Note that you need to allow 1 hour for the pork. Two pork shoulders were easily enough for our group of 8 to share even if the wait staff said they should be shared between 2-3 people. I'd say 3-4 with sides. <br/>The pork was pretty impressive with prefect crackling. It was perhaps a little bland and we could have done with some more condiments to liven it up a bit.<br/>Overall though this place was prefect for a group lunch and i wouldn't hesitate in returning at all.

I was really excited about going to this pub being a Andrew McConnell venue and all. But was let down badly. Food over priced and over cooked, service really rude ( tall dude maybe manager or owner) rude! Will not return!

Pretentious and expensive for what one gets. Ambience is nice and it was busy

Came here for brunch and had the BAH Breakfast. It was nice but not something I would rush back for. May be a little overpriced. Decent coffee. Overall it had a nice ambience at lunch time and friendly staff.

Some of the best pub food in Melbourne, top 3 for me.  Standout dishes for me were the Whipped cod roe, and the fish pie. Everything we had was really good, with exception of the chips with aoli, which were below average. They have a nice selection of craft beers, and had one in particular(A Rye Pale Ale by Bridge Road Brewers) I liked so much I asked where else I could find it. Turns out it was a special run, and this venue have the only 40 odd kegs!

No variety. Not much variety and burger tastes like metal

Absolute delight!. Love this place! The fish pie and the pork shoulder are amazing! However make sure you have at least 4 people for pork - advertised for 2, but it is HUGE!!!!

Good service? errr, not so far. Was on my second visit, a few months apart, when I got to the point of asking myself why? Why not be friendly or at least polite to well behaved, friendly customers? Food is reasonably good, though a bit slow to arrive, but its not so good so as to be able to be so poor at customer service.

This landmark public house has definitely made its mark on the culinary landscape of Fitzroy. The Builders Arms Hotel compliments Chef Andrew McConnell’s Cutler & Co., a stone throw away on Gertrude Street and adds to his growing restaurant empire that includes Cumulus Inc ., and Golden Fields .   Eat: The bistro delights with simple yet contemporary mains.   The slow cooked lamb was well cooked and succulent.   The extra pastry encasing the fish pie served us well to soak up all the juices.   Fish pie, smoked trout, prawns, hapuka, sorrel House chips (left) Rocket, radicchio, honey and mustard (right) Photo: Double Dutch Oven, wwwdoubledutchoven.wordpress.com The side of chopped broccoli

Great beers on tap, food was delicious and all staff very friendly and professional. Will definitely be back!

Had the cheeseburger. Couldn't taste anything but this very strong wasabi taste. Wasn't very good for the price. Not coming back

Overrated. Went here with a big group of friends, and most of them were chefs. We found the place to be lacklustre, the food lacking imagination. Some of the McConnell restaurants are great like Cutler, but Builders Arms failed to deliver. On a good note, the dry aged steak was great. We much prefer venues with vibe & atmosphere, places like Panama who have awesome food, or Le Bon Ton for the wicked atmosphere and cool outdoor area (but not in winter!!)

the Builders Arms Bistro. It’s a cosy and modern pub in Fitzroy, offering both casual and fine dining options. We decided to dine in the Bistro, although they also have a fine dining restaurant called Moon Under Water. The Bistro has some fantastic menu items, including a Rotisserie with a different....

After a productive couple of hours of Christmas shopping in Fitzroy we had worked up an appetite and a thirst.  The must-have snack on the bar menu at The Builder's Arms is their whipped cod roe.  It is incredibly good.  Pale yellow garlic infused? olive oil pools in the confines of the velvety tarama.  The pearls of salmon roe perch on the sides of the creamy white well.  The toasted Turkish bread soldiers are crunchy and perfect for dunking into the dip.  It's impossible to stop eating. But alas, all too soon it is over.  The Four Pines pale ale washed it all down rather nicely.  If you only try one thing at The Builders Arms, let it be this. Good to know: Whipped Cod Roe $9 Jug of 4 Pines Pale Ale $22.50 The Builders Arms 211 Gertrude Street Fitzroy Bar open 7 days 12:00pm to midnight (open until 1:00am on Friday and Saturday) Images: T B Southam

Walking away from the Festival towards Smith Street, you could see back up Gertrude Street to the Builders Arms Hotel, always subtle but striking in its projected jacket. This year, the Gertrude Street Projection Festival runs from 6pm to midnight each night from 18 to 27 July.

Overall, dinner at the Builders Arms Hotel was pretty good especially for a chilled out Sunday dinner – it was the perfect atmosphere – casual, homely yet stylish. Builders Arms is the kind of place that people would frequent quite often for homely and delicious dishes, as well as for a casual drink with mates. Builders Arms is a great casual bistro in a great location.

The Builder’s Arms, a landmark public house on Gertrude Street, which has both a bistro and a private dining room, as well as a leafy courtyard -perfect for the summer months. The more formal dining room, Moon Under Water, named after a George Orwell essay, features a four course chef’s menu, inspired by seasonal cuisine. Fellow foodies will feel well at home here.

You could mistake The Builders Arms Hotel for any corner pub and probably be misled into thinking it is just another drinking hole if you didn't know any better.

The Builders Arms is a rare species: pure, old-school Fitzroy. Before gentrification transformed the suburb, the Builders cast its grand shadow over the corner of Gertrude and Gore, and still does. The thoughtful selection of local and boutique beers on tap will please everybody, and the range of wines by the glass is fair. Most nights host a meal special (Monday is half-price bar food), with generous servings and decent prices. The Builders is cool enough to play music from Funkadelic to Poison via MIA, and unpretentious enough to retain heritage ceiling roses and ceramic wall tiles. It’s comfortable, vibrant and inviting, like a party at your best friend’s share house. Every pub has its best seat in the house. Here, head straight to the enormous orange velour couch cocooned by curved walls papered in orientalist print. You’ll enjoy a vantage point over the entire room and, best of

Located on Gertrude St in Fitzroy, it is another venture of Andrew O'Connell. Pitched at as sophisticated pub style dining where it is split into a dining room by the name of Moon Under Water and the Bistro. As we were only here for a casual affair we decided on the bistro. This is not the first time D and I have dined here. Last time we were here, it was for a surprise birthday dinner for D. So it bought back good memories. To start we got the pot of curried mussels to share. The last time I had a pot of mussels was in Paris so a small part of me was hoping for something similar. When it arrived it was nothing like I expected. The serving I found a bit on the small side as we were advise it's something that's to be share and quite big. However that was compensated with the creamy curry flavours. The frito mistro was done better compared to what I have eaten in the past. I liked the variety of seafood and the garlic mayo was just right. As a main I had to try the fish pie. Baked in the

This is a photoview post (contains mostly photos only).

Now all that try-hard excess has been stripped right back to bare boards and white walls which are pending some special artworks as we are reliably informed by our mutton-chopped maitre'd. And areas are being sectioned, although the flow isn't quite there yet so you need help navigating the space.

A really friendly crew behind the bar who certainly gave the impression they enjoyed being there as we did!!!

Oh dear, as I write this post, I’m trying to think of the next time I’ll get to visit Builders Arms. I’d definitely get the prawns and the omelette. I’m already drooling thinking about this…<br/>

The rotisserie, only available after 6pm, a different one each night. I was there on a Monday, so you’re looking at milk fed lamb. But baby goat is on for tonight.

the whipped cod is one of my favourites. It’s the hot toasted focaccia soldiers that really seduces you to go in for one more bite, as well as those bright bursts of cod roe.

Four out of four - alongside  Cutler & Co ,  Cumulus Inc  and  Golden Fields, yet another winning formula. The bistro is simple and minimalistic, making full use of natural lighting. More importantly, as always the food doesn’t disappoint.

We moved on to a couple of glasses of wine and one of my faves, mussels. 1/2kg Sea Bounty mussels, saffron and aioli came in a cute little pail with a slotted enamel spoon for serving. Tasting of the sea with the right amount of garlic, it was more....

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.

They came quickly and were devoured quickly with comments and mmms of appreciation and Shern and I agreed we could eat more!

It's a shame that initial reviews are shaky. We found service to be friendly enough, warm welcome by front of house. Subsequent service by waitstaff was a little frazzled but I can imagine over time this will cease. Surroundings were still very clean and untouched - fresh paint smell still lingering. It's bright and white yet the food is far from sterile.

...dining room gets up and going in June), we feel a warm spot in our tummies starting to grow. It’s bound to be fab. We hope Mr Mc can now get some shut eye.

The team behind this includes Andrew McConnell, executive chef and co-owner of Cumulus Inc., Cutler & Co. and Golden Fields. There is a good mix of pub-style high tables and dinner tables spread around, which makes the ambiance bubbly and fun. I felt the Builders Arms Hotel was a great place for a fun dinner

If you remember The Builders Arms back in the day you will be pretty surprised by its transformation. Its the most recent addition to Gertrude street by the prolific McConnell brothers, this time it is Andrew behind the new look pub. No longer a true boozer the place is all polished up although the bistro itself is pared back and very minimalist withe the only real decoration being some neon installations on the walls. The new look comes at a cost and you get stung on the drink prices but the food is top notch quality and offers an interesting twist on the usual pub food. <br/>

Our second visit to this bistro and it was disappointing. Service was poor. Staff were arrogant, rude and unfriendly. We ordered 2 regular lattes and they came out completely different color/strength, one was so dark and strong, the other pale and light. Food was good but because of the poor service, we won't be going back again.

Bad service, too pricey. My first review comes because the staff were so bad. We had a group of about 12 on a Monday night, wanted to sit outside where there was ample table space (if we moved a few tables around). This was apparently too much to ask and the staff were outwardly rude and unhelpful. When we tried to order it was again a hassle to allow us to split the bill a few ways. Pretty disappointing given the place was half-empty on a Monday night.<br/><br/>The food was ok, and some things fairly delicious (I enjoyed the flounder) but the price definitely didn't cut it. There are so many good "gastro pubs" in Melbourne that to pay $50 + for a main, glass of wine and one side, you want the food to be pretty good. It wasn't really up to scratch.

Historical Pub. Really fun atmosphere....food took a while but was nice.<br/>Old pub with lots of history, nice for a get together on a Sunday afternoon

Mrs Amal Malouf. I hate reading negative comments about any business, but yesterday was the ultimate.<br/>We requested a table for 4 we were seated in the bistro side with restaurant menu , we had no objections to that we ordered our drinks all good, but ordering food took time to get someone's attention we ordered food was exquisite can't fault it, pepper mill was empty well things it happens but for us to get up and go and ask for salt and pepper twice and not get it was very bad. <br/>Almost food is finished finally we get our request. Table cleared no one ask us if we like deserts and coffee so we decided to leave and I got up and complained. If you want to seat people in bistro and charge restaurant prices so we deserve restaurant service we were completely forgotten.<br/>The person in charge came to apologise and ask about our experience and she stunk of cigarettes I have no problem with smokers but when you are in service industry the least to do wash your hand and mouth and maybe if she wasn't out smoking and paying more attention to service things could've been better.

Easy busy - mixed up. Friendly staff, slow service though (food).. food is good (most of the times-been there a few times), however the pork tonight which we wanted to try for some time wasn't at the same standard as the lamb served in their sister restaurant Cumulus that is fab. Liked the prawn omelette, the shoestring chips not as good as their previous version. Kinda mixed up after this last dinner...

Should of walked around the corner.. Met up with some friends in the front bar. Ordered a pot of Hop Hog ... $9 a pot!!!! We thought we'd misheard the price, but yep $9 a pot and the quote from the barman was with a sneer 'well you could always drink Carlton Draught'. What is it with rude and pretentious staff? First instinct was to walk out and go around the corner to The Union but more friends were arriving so we stayed but payed close attention to the drinks menu before ordering.<br/> I had eaten there once before and quite enjoyed the meal but found it a little pretentious and noisy in the dining area.

Really rude sevice. From the second we walked in the door. The girls seen to think gossiping loudly behind the cash register and completely ignoring customers is okay. I had to ask for a wine list. Ask for a wine. Ask for a wine top up. Ask to order. This isn't acceptable when we are paying high prices for food and service and the sevice falls so flat. Definately lost a few locals.

Very expensive food, and no local wines in a noisy crowded space.. The top priced food and expensive imported wine seemed more fitting of a fine dining restaurant. However the limited menu, noisy atmosphere and table settings were definitely more like a pub. (incl. fetch your own cutlery from a box on the table).The noise level was so high that the attempts by a very attentive waiter were wasted, as we just could not hear. We were most unhappy not to be offered local wines, and the food was good, but not deserving of the high prices.<br/>The BA needs to decide what it really is, either fine dining or a pub and then get the offering of food and wine right.

Incredibly rude service. Great food.

We visited for a group lunch yesterday and had the set menu. The meal was lovely with highlights being main ( eye fillet or fish pot pie) and magic dessert. Service was subtle but attentive. Drinks by the glass are expensive and the prosecco serves are small. However, a great lazy long Saturday lunch!

Bland dry chips, pierogi were fried & dry lacking flavour while what was meant to be pine mushrooms were a gravy tepid slosh that shouldn't have been served with dill. Inattentive service especially during a quiet time.

There's a reason this place is always packed. Good food, helpful friendly service and our waitress recommended us really amazing wines.

Great food. Very poor service & it's winter it was freezing even after we asked on multiple occasions to close the doors

We brought our own cake for a friend's bday and they charged us $5 per person just to eat it. Outrageous.

Went to the builders arms for their wine tasting festival. Jam packed with happy drinkers, the day was FABULOUS with delicious nibbles, Epic beers (literally) and a really interesting variety of wines. <br/>The staff were cool, calm and super friendly. One staff member in particular was so helpful, and even happily checked a coat into the cloakroom (even though the bar was chockablock with customers). Sounds like a small request, but I was very impressed at how accommodating the staff at Builders Arms were during such a big event. Cannot wait for next year. Thank you!

Delicious pork & chips. Got too noisy but overall a great place

Different Meaning of Pub Food. Had the Whipped Cod Roe for appetizers to share with some delicious artisan fluffy bread, I had the Prawn Omelette with Aioli & smoked paprika & my partner had the Pot of Curried Mussels for entrees then for main course we had the Plains Pork Shoulder with with Piquant Apple Sauce & for dessert I had the ice cream & sorbet & my partner had the pear & honey. Everything was divine & this clearly is no normal pub food I can tell you that. We also had some oysters & they were fresh & succulent! It was a little bit noisy as you would expect from a pub but the food & service was overall excellent.

Classy pub grub!. Stopped by for dinner with visiting relatives - fish pie had a delicious sauce eagerly mopped up with beautifully flaky crust. Excellent hot chips. Great rump steaks. Great wine choice. Very helpful staff. Don't pass the mandarin sorbet and dark chocolate salted caramel cups!

Overpriced. Disappointing effort on Easter Monday ... perhaps the top staff were on a day off and the B Team were in charge. Fish pie was fine, but I've had better battered fish and chips in the local fish chippery and the pierogis were unpleasant and overcooked. In future I'll stick to the bar.

Hold the salt. Was part of a table for 11, celebrating a friend's birthday on Sat 5 April. Entrees were great and I chose pepper steak for main (so did someone else at the other end of the table). It came with potato mash and looked great. But the entire dish was so salty as to be inedible. It wasn't easy to catch the eye of the staff, so mine went cold in front of me and I noticed the other one at the table being handed to the three teenagers (who I later discovered will 'eat anything'). When it came time to clear the plates, on hearing about the salt problem, the staff member asked if I'd prefer the kitchen to make me a minute steak? Everyone else had finished eating and I'd drunk a gallon of water, so I declined. There was no offer to discount my meal price or make any other recompense. A real pity, as I usually have good food here.

Terrible!! Fritto misto - tiny, toughest calamari ever, couldn't chew it. 550g rib eye - doubt it was anywhere near 550g, dry, bland $46 for streak, a thimble of sauce, a tablespoon of slaw. Definately not good pub food. Won't be back.

Atrocious! Toughest steak I've ever been served in all my born days :(

Pretty much fab, but guys, don't serve salsify with branches. The food was sensational, the staff labourisly slow, whilst knowledgable and enthusiastic. The bistro was half full, the noise levels were bordering in unexceptible. Good echo effect though. Worth a try.

Never disappoints!. This is by far my favorite place to eat and take people too. never disappointed. the bread is amazing as an appetiser. I've had the chips there with aioli and it has been perfect everytime. best chips in Melbourne. I've had the fillet steak twice, both times cooked perfectly and tastes amazing. the pork butt .. just irresistible. I mean it's the best thing out there!! I love this place and will continue to go there while I can afford it!!! 5 stars!

I absolutely love this place. <br/>Professional staff, good food, good drinks and a relaxed vibe. <br/>My girlfriend and I are regulars here and have never had a bad experience.<br/>I strongly recommend the bistro for a great pub meal.

This place should be good. It is not. Waited an hour for our meals, then were told the chef didn't like the cut of meat, so they were cooking another steak and it was being served in a minute. 20 minutes later and no food. Pie was only half filled with fish. All round average service and food. We were offered one dessert to share between three of us to compensate. Are you serious? That equates to a spoonful each. Thanks for the generous offer.

I had the prawn omolete really nice and a good size for an entree I also had a side of kipfler potatoes that I could not eat as they were too vinegary

If your really hungry, don't bother... Meals are delicious but so small!!! You will need 2 mains..

Great. Went with my girlfriend last night, we weren't super hungry so we ordered the duck curry and spinach and ricotta ravioli. To the left and right of us people were eating steak and fries and the roast pork shoulder which both looked amazing. Will be going back soon with bigger appetites. Both our meals were exceptional and the service was terrific.

Lovely staff, great wine and tasty food what more could you want!

Meh. I do appreciate that it is open on weekdays before 3pm unlike most other pubs, however I was genuinely disappointed with my steak. I just don't think a NY strip steak should be cut at all, let alone lengthways. It makes me think the chef couldn't tell whether it was cooked enough (which is most certainly was. Too much so that it was chewy). The pickles are amazing though!

Went to the bistro for dinner on Thursday night. We had a 7.30 booking but service was slow and it took quite a while before we had menus and drinks. After another wait we were told their main menu item (pork shoulder for two) had sold out - disappointing as this is what we'd all decided to order. No fear, porchetta was the rotisserie of the day, we'll have that - alas, this too had sold out by the time the waitress came back to take our order. I struggle to understand how, with such a limited menu, a restaurant can sell out of two main dishes by 8pm. The food we did order was tasty but service was slow and the absence of two main dishes was really disappointing.

Good but not great. Had a nice steak on a busy Friday night. Sides must be seasonal as the Brussels Sprout are no longer listed but they were the highlight of the meal at the time. Service was OK but a bit off handed. Would go back to try the Rotisserie Royal, especially the Porchetta.

Unlike the rest of the group - in a bad way. Four of us ate on a very busy Saturday night. Could not hear ourselves think. We had a table that was barely big enough for the four of us and definitely wasn't big enough for the food that arrived, food kept arriving even though there was no place to put it. Staff were completely unconcerned. All of the food was good, in fact, most of it was great. but it was the first Andrew McConnell restaurant that I've been to where the staff didn't seem to know what they were doing. Also did not appreciate the music being turned up at 11:10 pm to kick us out of the restaurant. We wished we had've either booked to go to Moon Under Water where we had a wonderful lunch two weeks ago or to Cumulus - where the staff actually seem to care.

They have to be taking the piss. Over priced, average tasting and smallest portions in Melbourne. They HAVE to be taking the piss. I ventured over from the west to meet friends and we were all hungry and looking forward to a nice afternoon of yummy food. $33 seafood pie? Big piece of pastry with water and three pieces of fish underneath. I was shocked and confused. Wild mushroom farro $22 came out stark and cold (tiny meal) enough for three tablespoons. I brought our concerns to the attention of the person in charge and we were refunded the two seafood pies and the farro was topped up and reheated. The place is for people with deep pockets and no<br/>apettites. Eat a hearty meal before you go, if you really must go there!

Grab a drink before dinner. <br/>But, go and eat elsewhere unless you like your food 1 hour and 15 minutes after ordering. <br/>To be tabled cold, then sent back to the kitchen 3 times.<br/>Pay far too much for a bottle of Red. <br/>And sit in noise so you can't hold a conversation.<br/>Appalling!<br/><br/>I've eaten in a hell of a lot of restaurants in my time. <br/>I hope that this is not the future for you young foodies

Health and safety hazard - absolutely appalling.. I went for dinner with colleagues last night. The waitress clumsily dropped a glass bottle onto our table, which shattered everywhere - on us, the table and our belongings. She did not even apologise. One person actually cut herself on the shards that had fallen on her and started bleeding. <br/>The staff did not properly clean the area, but proceeded to serve the food with glass shards still all over the table! We had to wipe off the glass that had fallen on the seats ourselves. Only when we complained did the manager try to appease us with free desserts, and explained that he did not properly clean the glass shards as it was "too difficult" or reseat us "because the food would have gotten cold". Later on, he spilled cream on our table too!<br/>The Builders Arms Hotel should be ashamed of themselves - this is a health and safety issue. We will never return, and will advise against this place to anyone.

Mr Pucci has fun. Always have a great meal but it's really loud if you're going with a group.....Maybe Mr Pucci is getting old

Yumyum yum. This is my favourite Gastropub on the north side of the river. Apparently its the same team behind chin chin or baby pizza who designed the place and menu. I've eaten here twice and the food is to die for. Meat dishes so succulent that melt off the bone. Salads fresh and beautiful to look at. Price points a little high but worth splurging on!

Mixed feelings. I was looking forward to a good meal at the bistro considering I love Cumulus Inc. We ordered the prawn omelette - yum, marinated tuna - nothing special and we couldn't figure out the taste of the marinade, broccoli and freekeh salad - yum, as starters. My sirloin steak was a little overdone for medium so I'll need to remember to order medium-rare next time. Flavour was alright but a little dry. The fish pie was ok. House chips were crisp and delightful. Service was attentive as there were only a few tables in the area at that time. Overall, slightly disappointed.

Great food and great service. The slow cooked lamb is sensational.<br/><br/><br/>-----27 Feb, 2013-----<br/><br/>Great food and great service. The slow roasted lamb is sensational.

Awful. I went on a Wednesday night with a group of 6 of us. Not that busy, but ridiculously noisy. We waited about 20 minutes and still nobody came to take our order. We tried to get somebodies attention but all of the wait staff seemed really grumpy and pretended not to notice us although there really wasn't that much to keep them busy so we left. Wont bother again, the menu didn't look that great either.

Dont go there. Bad bad bad unfriendly service. not bad food but soooo rude its too painful to bother. they need decent staff....<br/>they dont pour your wine, the food is too meat focussed and the big tall guy with weird hair is scary...not sure of they are about god food or wine, or just meant to be a nice locale but HONESTLY I dont think they have nailed any of these things. what a shame. so much potential

A great place for a relaxing long lunch. V good Bloody Mary, a wonderful chocolate desert and a great fish pie. Great service too. So good we went back the next night.

We went here on the advice that it was under new management & it was now great food. Well we were quite dissappinted...we had a large table of 8 and the beers we ordered werent available neither were the 2nd or 3rd choices the waitresses were not far off useless. The shared entrées were ok besides the plate of smoked ham that a 5 yr old could have made with no dressings or seasoning. Mains were the highlight the lamb was soft but the siders missed va voom. Dessert was very average thr summer pudding was way to berry and tangy practially un eatable. Then finally the coffees were burnt and was a real damper on the nifht as we left with just one sip of horrible tasting coffee even though we asked for replacements these too were horrible overall I think 5/10

Love the new look and menu. Amazing food & service. Would recommend for a hot date!

Not sure what all the fuss is about?. Sorry but I found this place overpriced and felt like we were putting out the staff just by being there let alone ordering..... a mistake was made with out cocktails and were given the wrong ones and charged almost double the price.. not so much as a sorry or i will return your money - just a roll of the eyes and then a half assed attempt to offer to make the other ones. the food was good maybe even great but definitely not fantastic and to be honest overpriced. . the waitress could have smiled more and not made us feel like we were ruining her night by asking for more wine. the hot bartender would be the only thing to get me back there

Steak!. Decided on the Builders Arms for a mid week dinner out. Ordered the steak and was not disappointed... and after a long time thinking about it have decided it was the best steak Ive had. Its a big call, but was true on this night. Great service. Will be back for sure.

Great food, too pricey. Great atmosphere but light can be too dim to the point of sleep inducing. Food was amazing. I don't even like duck but I fell in love with the salt water duck entree. Curried mussels were pretty decent. My porterhouse steak was cooked to perfection. My friend is a lamb connoisseur and he said his lamb shoulder was the best out there. Service was great, waiter knows what to recommend.<br/><br/>The only critic is - Too Damn Expensive.

Came for sunny Sunday lunch,lovely service and fantastic asparagus special and ribeye!Will be back!!

Disappointing - food tasted pretty good but seriously overpriced for what you get. We had a couple of starters which were ok but mains (steak for $36 and fish pie for $32) while tasted good were disproportionate to price. Fish pie didn't match menu description - no prawns! Cumulus and Cutler better value. Will not be returning.

Point of Difference?. 4 of us came here on a Thursday evening (8pm), no booking as they're not accepted. Arrived into the bar which was fairly busy.. 1 hour wait for the 'dining room' part of the bistro, or could wait for a seat in the bar area. Already the vibe was low, organisation seemed hectic and floor staff seemed well overworked or stressed. Claimed a table in the bar area, ordered our mains & waited... probably just under an hour. I took the rib eye (rare) at $59 & was instantly pained by the fact it was not warm to the touch... I mentioned to the waitress who advised they let their steaks sit for a long time.. she offered to take back however by this time all of us so eager to eat we did just that. The potato side was flaming hot - if only I could have swapped that heat for the steak! Lukewarm steak experience was not great. The porterhouse for a fraction of the rib eye cost was a much better choice. Fish pie good, Lamb good. Not sure what Builders Arms Hotel Bar & Bistro is trying to be or become but at the moment based on that experience it isn't anywhere special in a community full of much warmer / cosier / better value real pubs. Perhaps something downstairs draws the people to this place? good strategy perhaps - now I'm intrigued

Had a lovely unexpected visit here. Thoroughly enjoyed my Fish pie full of beautiful plump salmon pieces topped with light flakey pastry. Staff were professional & accommodating with a sense of humour. Will be back.

Bamboozled. With this and with other 'gastro' pubs around Melbourne, like the overrated Smith, and the Albert Park Hotel. What's the story? Are you a pub or are you a restaurant? Laid back staff that are almost too laid back they'd like to pull up a chair? Main courses that are really quite expensive, regardless of quality, that also require a side order? Great wine list , but massive prices to match? Granted, food terrific, but most definitely won't go back for an easy going pub meal. And believe me, I'm not looking for a chicken parma, I guess I'd just like to know what the ground rules are.

What has happened recently?! Noisy, mega overpriced, odd atmosphere, bad menu with little to choose from. Yuck.

Delicous. Enjoyed a fantastic lunch at the Builder's Bistro. Started with anchovy toast and the whipped cod roe (possible my favourite dish, its so incredible light). I had the whole river trout for mains, which was perfectly cooked. My brother's dry aged porterhouse was full of flavour. We finished it off with a couple of scoops of sorbet and then back to the bar for a few more drinks. The wine recommendations were spot on and service was friendly and knowledgable. Can't wait til the next time.

Loved the bistro for Saturday lunch, we shared the fish pie and the lamb shoulder with a salad and fries, together with the yummy ice cream for dessert, was all delicious. Attentive service, will definitely return.

Small 'pub' menu We picked .... Small 'pub' menu<br/>We picked this over Moon over?under? Water cos weren't that hungry. The entrees of duck & cod was good. Portion sizes were surprisingly good, considering his brother's Casa Ciucio down the other end of Gertrude St is s complete rip off for value for money<br/>My main disappointment was the small main menu. For a pub, you want to have more than 5 mains I think. It was hard to work out what to eat if you're not into meaty things. <br/>Agree with the others, it's not really a pub, more a bistro

I miss the old Builders. Too posh for the area. I was disappointed that the only 2 sparklings on the entire wine list were a prosseco for $10 a glass or a French for $22. I could have worn this if not for the fact the glass was only half filled. To top it off, after buying our 3rd round of half sized glasses and seeing there was only a drop left in the bottle, and politely hinting to finish it off, was amazed that the wine waiter said that that drop was for himself.

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. <br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>after 30 minutes we were surprised to learn that a table was ready for us so we moved into the bistro.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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).<br/><br/>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.<br/>The new fit out is nice but the noise levels caused by the wooden floors and bare walls are unacceptable.<br/>We could barely hear each other and spent a lot of time repeating ourselves or yelling.<br/>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.. <br/>The actual space is so refreshing, for years the place has screamed potential and now it's finally realised.<br/>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.

Beautiful food, served to share. <br/>quality ingredients, perfect flavor combinations and portion size

Same old same old. .<br/>i don't think we can just keep opening place after place thinking we have something new .sorry but just food ,just flavor ,won't last long.nothing to go back for.a been there done that place.no imagination coming from out back place with a good dose of fairly average cooking makes for a unspectacular event .thanks

A great experience. Went to the Builders Arms on a busy Saturday night with a group of about 10. We had the set menu which was exceptional - the steamed mussels, served drowning in aioli, were wonderful, and the whipped cod roe was creamy and delicious. Also fairly good value at $65 per head - and we were stuffed by the end! Unfortunately the porterhouse steak was a bit of a let down. Great experience but not in a great hurry to go back.

Not too impressed. Went for a Friday Lunch to the revamped Builder Arms, The place has a nice feel to it for a casual lunch, but that is where the enjoyment eneded for me. The place was only about half full, We ordered our meals, entree were oysters which were aparently fantastic. The main took approx just over 1.5 hours to arrive to the table. I had the Pork Rack, which looked more like a pork chop dumped on a plate. I also found the pork was very bland and under cooked not worth the $28 price tag or the fact it took so long to get to our table, I also tried the chicken which everyone seemed to be mentioning and I found it nicer then the pork but still not worth the $29 price tag. The sides of Home Chips were nothing special considering the $7 cost they tasted burnt dry not very appealing. Overall the place has potential but it seems it depends What you order. I will not be entering thoses doors again.

Great staff, knowledgable and no attitude. Enjoyed everything we had, especially the starters and entrees.

Oh what a disappointment.. Pork served not as described on the menu, where the hell was the crackling????<br/>Fish pie a hollow starving over-salted concoction.<br/>But the bread was really lovely and the 2nd and 3rd staff members very apologetic.

Excellent in every way. Great food well Executed, expert staff and nice atmosphere. Will be back for more.

What a shame!. The phrase "Who have you got to f!%k to get a drink around here?" springs to mind. The service was terribly light on, and when we were lucky enough to get served, the exchange was insincere and condescending. We had intended to stay for dinner, but moved on elsewhere. RIP Builders Arms!

Will be back. The food at the Builders is as you would expect from Andrew McConnell, seriously good and from our experience, good value. Our highlights from the bar menu were the Sea Bounty mussels with saffron & aioli (yum) and the whipped cod roe with Turkish bread. The bar has a great feel to it, the original tiles and circular bar have been retained and service is still very pub-like. Yep, pretty happy to have this place back.

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.

$$$$$$. I'm hesitant about trying the new Builders Arms - I hope it's not another wank fest up itself pub with mains starting at $40.

Service was really sub-par and food was bland. The revamp seemed a little under-cooked (much like the chicken) Prices are also unjustified