Pub: Parkview Hotel
Where: 131 Scotchmer St., Fitzroy North
Phone: 9489 8811
Date: 17 July 2009
Score: 13/20

How many times have you asked yourself the rhetorical ‘I’d love a dollar for everytime that I..... etc., etc., with the real answer probably not much amounting to more than a pony ($25), but you think it has to be in the tens of thousands.

It arose again for me not two weeks ago driving a mate home along St Georges Rd, just before the Holden St., intersection.

There it stood – The Parkview Hotel  - and for what seemed a heartbeat away from my quizzical and mythical millionaire status I did it – “Gee I’d like a dollar for every time I’ve driven past and not gone in!!.

Well yesterday, after years of ignoring it, I did go and I was pleasantly surprised with the level of offer, which is basically good-old-Fitzroy-pub-hospitality, prices to suit, with nary a threatening glance or someone looking to go postal.

The easiest reference point is Piedmonte’s, the successful supermarket across the road and for those in the northern suburbs and those who travel there, it is one of the best run small businesses in town.

The pub opened in 1873, presumably with the Edinburgh Gardens extending beyond the current boundaries.  It is an old world, multi-storey Victorian, but on a much smaller scale; imagine Gulliver going into the Lilliput Inn and you have the idea.

There is no sticky “Fitzroy” pub carpet, rather a bare sealed floor and the front bar packs in a pool table, texas hold ‘em pinball machine, 3 or 4 lounges of various colours and really high wooden tables to eat, drink and socialise.

Foxtel was going at the right level in the background – the 100 best of the 80’s was being shown  - and the much underrated ‘True’ by ‘Spandau Ballet’ could only find a spot in the high 30’s.

Move through to the eating area (small) or head out onto the verandah which takes in the sights and sounds of the passing parade.  You can’t help but feel the public is walking between your tables or eavesdropping on a conversation, such is the proximity to the street.

But the Parkview works in an area, (and allow me to amateur social demographer), that I reckon is more attuned to cafes/ethnic bistros rather than ‘I’ll have 4 pots and parma thanks’.

Adding to this incongruity is the pub runs a few pokies.  It must be said they do not intrude and I have no idea how they perform.  If my trip there is a guide, then they tick over very quietly as the room was near empty at lunch yesterday as the pub did a reasonable trade.

Beer’s good and the obvious – Carlton Draught, Boags and Coopers is on tap.  The Parkview likes their beer and it passes easily.  Food is straight up and down pub grub – order at the bar, grab a table number and they bring it to you.

It is fairly priced and the 3 mains tried all met expectations;

•    Osso Bucco @ $16.  Meaty, rich and a cracking rich mash had this popular winter favourite knocked over easily,

•    Burger with the Lot @$14. You have to work hard to impress me with one of these as this dish invariably is a flop in pubs, despite venues self appointing  it as the ‘Famous blah blah burger’.  Well this was a beauty, including the rarely used combo of beetroot and pineapple. But that is so Fitzroy.  And hallelujah – Hot chips.

•    Scotch  Fillet, 300g @ $24.  Fully plated (sauce and C&S) cooked as ordered, juicy and moist.

•    To finish, it was Jim Barry ‘Cover Drive’ Cab Sav @$6.5 per glass/$31. Sensible mark-up for this popular wine. Vintage was 2006 and maybe another year or 2 for it to peak.

And a good day had by all.  Friendly staff, comfortable surroundings and enough space for a drive through bottle shop at the back.  There’s curry night, parma night, steak night so it does its utmost to be a local for the locals.  Music is part of the weekly package.

Leaving I looked across at Piedmonte’s and said to myself – if only I had a dollar for everytime I’ve been passed that supermarket and said I have to go in. By now I’d own it.

Or have enough, at least, for a couple of casks.

3AW Pub Of The Week 2009

3AW Pub Of The Week is back - and better than ever - on 3AW.com.au. Take the tour through Victoria's best and worst pubs with our expert, Tony Leonard. Click on the image to be taken back to 3AW.com.au/pub.