The Tramway Hotel

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Established in 1873, has kept quiet company among Melbourne's many historic pubs and is situated at a crossroads at Rae Street and St Georges Road South in Fitzroy North. Set back in this leafy alcove that's landmarked by a five-way roundabout, is a peaceful and subdued watering hole. Revived in early 2011 by Chris Crouch (of Polyester Records fame), is now batting as a major player in Melbourne's astute beer-drinking and pub meal-eating society.



Exterior walls are plastered with slate, a small-scale tram heads the proprietor's sign and a bright, red door leads the way to a bar that boasts a lengthy list of local beers; a true sign of dedication to its Melburnian and Australian roots. Walls are smeared in thick white paint for a clean, contemporary feel and the adjourning dining area, drenched in sunshine, is decked out in wooden furniture. A communal table constructed from sleepers takes centre stage, studded with heavy duty screws and a lazy, Sunday group that has set in for the day. A bespoke fireplace is stoked to keep this charming pub warm and toasty from the cooler backstreets outside and a narrow, open-air courtyard out the back waits patiently at idle for the warmer months and after-fivers to arrive. A bench nestling near the bar cradles street press, newspapers and a selection of board-games for those looking for some innocent afternoon fun.

The lunch menu, mounted to a clipboard, alerts hungry punters to a varied spread of choices including a decently sized and priced Burger Bar which doesn't forget their gluten intolerant, vegetarian or vegan guests. Those seeking a standout burger to partner their pint can try a quinoa, hummus and basil patty, elevating layers of cos lettuce, tomato and red onion, and dressed in thick lashings of creamy, almond mayonnaise, all encased in a multi-grain bun that's peppered with as many seeds as any burger enthusiast can think of. The burger itself is plentiful and vegan friendly, giving punters a burger challenge that will see them sitting for a while to devour this overly satisfying and delicious counter meal. The burger is paired with a side of light, crispy coleslaw blushed by purple cabbage and hand-cut chips, skin on, and sprinkled in rosemary salt, all costing only $16. Meatier options are also there, with the Pulled Pork sandwich, a permanent addition to the Burger Bar, garnering praise amongst Tramway's faithful. All burgers and sandwiches range from $16 to $18.



Punters can share choices with their mates like porcini mushroom croquettes and ham hock and pistachio terrine, varying from $7 to $9. Some who may insist a burger isn't enough can try a main like the risotto kiev or a hearty free-range chicken cacciatore. These lunchtime mains are priced between $20 and $24.

A casual crowd dots the dining room floor on this Sunday but it quickly fills and non-suspecting punters could possibly find themselves without a table if their timing is not right. Still, comfy barstools line the bar for added sitting room. While the demand for a table is imminent, punters are never made to feel they're squeezed out earlier than they're intending. Dulcet acoustic tunes over the PA, a half-drunk pint of ale and a clean plate are all signs that 's heritage charm is a must for any hungry, pub-going regular.

#fitzroy_north
#food_wine
#gluten_free
#lunch
#north_east
#pubs
#vegan
#vegetarian
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