For more than 170 years, a pub at 128 Nicholson Street, in Melbourne’s Fitzroy neighbourhood, has served locals and visitors. This guide draws on the venue’s own history, menu listings, and guest reviews from platforms like OpenTable and Tripadvisor to give you a clear picture of what the St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy offers today — from its 1854 origins and family-operated chapter to its current menu and atmosphere. We’ll cover its timeline, food and pricing, and what reviewers consistently mention, so you can decide if this is the right pub for your next outing.
Last checked: 2026-05-28
Established: 1854 · Current family ownership since: 1996 · Location: Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria · Type: Pub and hotel
How we researched this
Last checked: 22 May 2025.
Sources reviewed: official venue website, OpenTable listing, Tripadvisor review pages, Instagram profile, editorial article from The Write Drop, secondary articles from Only Melbourne and Concert Hotels, specialist pub review from ParmaDaze.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interview was performed, and prices were drawn from published menu listings without independent verification.
Years of hospitality
Over 170 years serving Fitzroy since 1854
Years under current family
28 years of family ownership since 1996
Guest rating trend
Described as the best pub on Tripadvisor by recent reviewers
St Andrews Hotel at a glance
- First opened its doors in 1854, making it one of the earliest pubs in the area (St Andrews Hotel official website)
- Has been family owned and operated since 1996, with the Vujic family at the helm (St Andrews Hotel official website)
- At 128 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, in a neighbourhood known for its dining and bar scene (Tripadvisor)
- Classified as a bar and pub, serving a menu of pub classics alongside more contemporary dishes (OpenTable)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1854 |
| Current family ownership since | 1996 |
| Location | Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Type | Pub and hotel |
| Address | 128 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065 |
| Venue classification | Bar/pub with vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options |
| Tripadvisor rank | #18 of 229 restaurants in Fitzroy |
St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy history
Establishment in 1854
The venue’s official timeline begins in 1854, a date the St Andrews Hotel website states as the start of its service to Fitzroy (St Andrews Hotel official website). The Write Drop describes it as “the first of its kind to open back in 1854,” suggesting a pioneering role in the suburb’s pub landscape (The Write Drop).
“What’s not to love about an old school pub; they’re cosy, inviting and well, in the case of St Andrews Hotel in Fitzroy, was the first of its kind to open back in 1854.”
The Write Drop
The name and identity of the venue have shifted over time. Only Melbourne notes that in 1987, Betty Jenkins took over what it describes as a “tired and run-down” pub and renamed it (Only Melbourne). Tripadvisor’s listing also references a change from the “iconic Pumphouse Hotel” to St Andrews Hotel. These accounts suggest a period of decline and revival before the current owners took over.
Family ownership since 1996
The present chapter began in 1996. The official site describes Tony Vujic starting work at age 21, picking up glasses at what was then still called the Pumphouse, before the family took ownership (St Andrews Hotel official website). The Write Drop adds that Jasmin Vujic — Tony’s family member and part of current management — was born in the suburb and grew up upstairs at the hotel. This multi-generational connection is a rare feature in a city where pub ownership changes hands often.
Note on history claims: The 1854 founding date is self-reported by the venue and corroborated by editorial sources. The 1987 renaming and earlier Pumphouse identity are based on secondary accounts that lack independent verification. Both should be treated as reliably cited but subject to the limits of available documentation.
What this means: The pub carries a lineage of service stretching back to the mid-19th century, with a significant chapter beginning in 1996 under the same family. The Pumphouse-era transition adds texture, but the continuous family ownership is the most directly verifiable claim at present.
Key dates in the timeline
- 1854 — St Andrews Hotel opens at 128 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
- 1987 — Betty Jenkins reportedly renames and revitalises the hotel
- 1996 — The Vujic family takes over ownership and operation
- Current — Jasmin Vujic and Rob Turner run the venue; a new menu is introduced
St Andrews Hotel – Fitzroy menu
Pub menu highlights
According to OpenTable, the menu at St Andrews Hotel is built around robust pub classics with some more contemporary additions. The chicken parmigiana — hand-crumbed chicken breast topped with leg ham, Napoli sauce, mozzarella, served with garden salad and chips — is priced at A$29 (OpenTable). The beef burger, at the same price, features bacon, lettuce, cheese, tomato, caramelised onion, pickles, burger sauce on a brioche bun, with chips on the side.
Steaks are a significant part of the offering: eye fillet (250g) at A$53, porterhouse (300g) at A$53, and scotch fillet (300g) at A$57, all served with chips and garden salad. For lighter starters, the menu includes oysters, marinated olives, warm focaccia, bruschetta, charcuterie, yellow fin tuna sashimi, fritto misto, mussels, beef cheek croquettes, and Asian duck leg salad. Sides range from chips and garden salad to cauliflower and blue cheese, Brussels sprouts, and potato rosti.
Menu tip: The OpenTable listing notes that gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-accommodating dishes are available, though specific options should be confirmed directly with the pub on arrival.
The Write Drop describes the food emphasis as having “a hat tip to French bistro charm,” suggesting the kitchen aims for a level of refinement beyond standard pub grub. ParmaDaze, a specialist pub review site, visited and paid A$27.90 for a parma, noting that staff advised a new menu was being introduced during that visit (ParmaDaze). This indicates the menu is dynamic and subject to periodic updates.
Specials availability
Neither the official website nor third-party listings specify daily or weekly specials in detail. However, the menu’s range — from classic mains to tuna sashimi and duck leg salad — implies a kitchen that rotates items seasonally. Only Melbourne describes the food as “seasonally focused,” with “modern and imaginative dishes” (Only Melbourne). Concert Hotels adds that the venue is known for “a solid selection of tap beers, wines and spirits, and pub favourites such as parmas, burgers and steaks.”
The pattern: the menu blends the expected pub anchors (parma, burger, steaks, pies) with dishes more commonly found in bistro or contemporary dining settings. This hybrid approach seems intentional, allowing the venue to serve both its traditional local base and diners looking for something beyond the standard pub menu.
The bottom line: Expect hearty, generously portioned pub food with a modern edge and a modest price premium for steaks. The menu changes periodically, so the exact offerings may vary by visit.
St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy photos
Atmosphere and decor
Visual documentation of the venue is available through its Instagram presence at @standrewshotelfitzroy. Based on descriptions from user reviews on OpenTable and Tripadvisor, the interior is described as “classy and stylish” — a departure from the dim, carpeted aesthetic of many older Fitzroy pubs. Tripadvisor reviewers note that the establishment “was clean and had a great atmosphere,” with staff described as “helpful and very accommodating.”
Exterior and interior views
At 128 Nicholson Street, the pub occupies a corner position typical of Fitzroy’s 19th-century hotel architecture. Concert Hotels mentions “friendly staff” and describes a venue that feels both lively and comfortable. OpenTable’s editorial summary characterises the atmosphere as “charming” and notes that diners consistently mention it as a positive aspect of their visit.
Photos shared on review platforms and social media typically show a bright, well-maintained dining area, a polished bar with a range of spirits and taps, and outdoor seating along Nicholson Street. The overall visual tone leans warm and contemporary, with exposed brick, tiled surfaces, and wooden furniture.
Photo note: This article does not include images. For the most current set of interior and exterior shots, visit the venue’s Instagram profile (@standrewshotelfitzroy) and its Google Business profile.
St andrews hotel fitzroy reviews
Tripadvisor sentiment
On Tripadvisor, the venue ranks #18 among 229 restaurants in Fitzroy. Review snippets include mentions of excellent steaks, a clean environment, and helpful, accommodating staff. One reviewer specifically described being “very well looked after,” and another called the pub one of the best in the area. Tripadvisor’s classification notes that the venue is vegetarian-friendly and offers gluten-free options.
Multiple reviewers highlight the atmosphere as a standout — described as charming, lively, but comfortable. The pattern across reviews is consistent: food quality, particularly steaks and parmas, receives strong marks; service is regarded as professional and warm; and the overall experience is rated highly enough to place it in the top 10% of Fitzroy’s dining options.
“The establishment was clean and had a great atmosphere. Staff were helpful and very accommodating.”
Tripadvisor reviewer
OpenTable guest feedback
OpenTable’s editorial summary describes the food as “hearty and good value” with “generous pub-style portions.” The platform’s user-generated reviews typically echo this sentiment, with diners praising the size of the meals and the quality of ingredients. Concert Hotels, another aggregator, describes the venue as being known for friendly staff and a solid tap beer selection, along with its core menu items.
The key takeaway from the review data: the venue enjoys strong, largely positive sentiment across multiple platforms, with food quality, service warmth, and atmosphere being the most frequently praised dimensions. No significant negative pattern emerges from the available sample, though individual reviews — as with any venue — do include occasional notes on wait times or menu availability.
Why this matters: The combination of high Tripadvisor ranking, consistent positive feedback on service and food quality, and the venue’s longevity suggests a well-run operation that has successfully adapted to modern expectations without losing its pub character.
Alternatives in the area
Fitzroy has no shortage of pubs, but a few nearby options offer a different experience. The venue’s own history — under the Pumphouse name — means the St Andrews Hotel Carlton area has some connection in name recognition, though that is a separate property. For readers considering options, the Prince Albert Hotel covers similar ground with a focus on menu, history, and locations, making it a useful comparison (Prince Albert Hotel: Menu, History & Locations Guide). Meanwhile, the Limerick Castle Hotel offers a Melbourne pub experience that contrasts the St Andrews Hotel’s family-run feel with a larger, heritage-listed property.
Location and getting there
St Andrews Hotel is at 128 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, approximately 3 km northeast of Melbourne’s CBD. Nicholson Street is a major thoroughfare with tram routes passing directly by. The venue’s corner position makes it visible from both Nicholson Street and Hanover Street. Parking is limited to street parking in the surrounding residential streets; the venue does not operate its own car park. For those arriving by public transport, tram routes 11 and 96 stop within a 2-minute walk.
Our pick recommendation
For history enthusiasts, the St Andrews Hotel offers a genuine connection to Fitzroy’s 19th-century pub lineage, backed by a documented family ownership story since 1996. Pub food lovers will find a menu that delivers on the classics — particularly the parma and steaks — while offering enough variety (tuna sashimi, duck leg salad) to satisfy a broader crowd. Local explorers looking for a reliable Fitzroy pub with a warm atmosphere, solid service, and consistent food quality will not be disappointed. Review-checking diners will note that the Tripadvisor and OpenTable feedback is strongly positive, with atmosphere and service singled out for particular praise.
For a deeper look at the pub’s 170-year history, the St Andrews Hotel heritage guide offers a detailed factual review.
Frequently asked questions
Structured data for these questions is included as FAQPage schema below.
How long has St Andrews Hotel been in Fitzroy?
The venue says it has been serving Fitzroy since 1854, placing its opening over 170 years ago.
When did the current family take over ownership?
The Vujic family acquired and began operating the hotel in 1996, taking over what was previously known as the Pumphouse Hotel.
Where can I find photos of St Andrews Hotel?
The venue maintains an Instagram account at @standrewshotelfitzroy, and images are also available on its Google Business profile and Tripadvisor listing.
How can I book a table at St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy?
Reservations are available through OpenTable, and the venue’s official website at standrewshotel.com.au provides contact details for direct bookings.
What kind of venue is St Andrews Hotel?
It is a pub and hotel, classified as a bar/pub on review platforms, serving a menu of classic pub fare alongside more contemporary dishes.
Sources cited
- St Andrews Hotel official website — establishment date, family ownership, operating hours
- OpenTable listing for St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy — menu items, prices, dietary options, food descriptions
- Tripadvisor page for St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy — ranking, reviewer snippets, venue classification
- The Write Drop profile: “At the bar with Jasmin Vujic and Rob Turner – St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy” — history, family narrative, food description
- Only Melbourne: St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy — 1987 renaming, seasonal menu, opening hours
- Concert Hotels: St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy — friendly staff, tap beer selection, pub favourites
- ParmaDaze review of St Andrews Hotel Fitzroy — parma price, menu change indicator
- Instagram @standrewshotelfitzroy — photo documentation (indirect reference)