The Gertrude Hotel

The look: Having shaken off its dive bar past, The Gertrude Hotel has scrubbed up nicely without becoming Louis XIV’s rumpus room. The owners have gone for a clean, functional feel, exemplified by neatly framed gig posters.
The outside story: Walk through the dining area, past open fireplace to reach the rear beer garden complete with roller door window which opens on to the street.
To drink: If you get flummoxed by multi-chapter wine lists, then The Gertrude’s simple red, white and sparkling selection will work just fine. Similarly, there’s nothing especially exotic on tap or in the beer fridge but there’s enough choice to please most crowds.
To eat: Pub grub classics like steak sangas, burgers and parmas. But the nostalgic inner child won’t be able to pass up a bowl of ice-cream topped with Ice Magic ($4.50).
Best for: Design bar refugees, i.e. anyone seeking a back-to-basics pub experience.

By Marinella Padula

 

Address:148 Gertrude St, Fitzroy.
Phone: 9419 2823
Open: Daily