As far as legendary dining strips in Melbourne go, Gertrude Street surely ranks among the best of 'em. From Andrew McConnell's smash hit wine bar Marion and fine diner Cutler and Co, to Andalusian eatery Anada and the stylish art deco-inspired Poodle Bar and Bistro, some seriously cool dinner date ideas abound.
Well, now there's a new kid on the block to add to your hist lit and she speaks with an Italian accent! Corner pub The Gertrude Hotel has re-opened its doors with brand-new owners and a fresh Italian-inspired makeover – just in time for 2024. The dream team behind the renovations, Iza Dawkins and Andy Lockyear, have completely transformed the historic watering hole to create a lighter, airier atmosphere, with dedicated spaces for dining and drinking woven throughout. It's a bold new chapter for The Gertrude, which has seen multiple owners and reinventions over the decades.
Choose your own adventure with an ice-cold pint from the Public Bar, a long Sunday lunch in the dining room, or a shared bottle of vino in the intimate private wine room hidden behind plush velvet curtains. There's also a leafy all-weather outdoor terrace on the second level, perfect for people-watching the foot traffic and Gertrude Street fashions down below. While you're upstairs, check out the Drewery Bar if you're a history buff. Named after the pub's original moniker back in 1854, the moody space features the building's original bluestone (look carefully and you'll even spot newspaper from the 1850s wedged between the rocks!)
The Gertrude Hotel's menu has also been blessed with a major glow-up, of course, with Dawkins and Lockyear dishing up Italian fare and gastropub classics to draw in the lunch crowds. Think housemade pasta, juicy heirloom tomato salads, fior di latte-topped parmas, steak and fancy dressed-up pizzas.
"Italian food is perfect for sharing: antipasti, pizza and pasta," says Dawkins. "There's nothing better. The way Melbournians enjoy pubs these days is the same; join friends for a meal and laugh. We feel like we're offering the best of both worlds."
Dawkins' partner Lockyear is the brains behind the kitchen, bringing along with him plenty of hospo magic and fine dining experience (including a leadership role in the opening of Crown's Rockpool Bar and Grill). So you can expect pub fare that's a steep cut above the rest.
Make a booking now at the website.
