As I hopped off the tram and began my walk towards the St Andrews Hotel in Fitzroy, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the beautiful Victorian structures that lined the streets, their ornate facades standing in stark contrast to the lush greenery of Fitzroy Gardens. The gentle sound of man-made waterfalls added a serene backdrop to my stroll, setting the perfect tone for my visit to this historic establishment. The pub stands strong with its roots dating back to 1854, having weathered fires, transformations, and changing times to emerge as a beloved fixture in the local community. Today, under the stewardship of Jasmin Vujic and her partner Rob Turner, the hotel continues to evolve while honouring its storied past.
The journey of the St Andrews Hotel is a tapestry woven with colourful characters and memorable moments. In 1987, Betty Jenkins, a pioneer in themed hotels, breathed new life into the then-tired ‘Hawkins St Andrews Hotel.’ With her pet monkey and cockatoo in tow, she renamed it The Pumphouse Hotel, quickly turning it into a Melbourne institution known for its sticky green carpets and ever-flowing pints. Betty’s legacy lives on not just in spirit but also in the hotel’s signature cocktail menu, where a much-loved gin-based cocktail, the “Betty Jenkins” pays homage to her vibrant personality.
For Jasmin Vujic, taking the reins of this family-run business is both an honour and a challenge she enjoys. “I’m very grateful to have had such a unique upbringing,” she reflects. “It’s definitely shaped me into the person that I am today and led me down this path of hospitality. Obviously, a lot of pressure comes with that, and I don’t want to let my family down. They put their blood, sweat, and tears into this for 28 years. So, I’m just very grateful to have been given this opportunity. Although we’re running the same pub, it’s a completely different business now compared to what it was back in the 90s. However, one thing that has prevailed is the importance of good hospitality and taking care of our people.” Growing up in the pub, Jasmin’s earliest memories are intertwined with the establishment’s daily rhythms. “From as young as 12 years old, I was working here,” she recalls, noting the sense of community that pervaded her childhood. “The staff here were like my older brothers and sisters.”
This sense of family and community remains at the heart of the St Andrews Hotel’s ethos. Rob Turner, Jasmin’s partner and co-manager, emphasises their commitment to personalised service. “While we aren’t a fine dining style restaurant, we still offer that sort of experience of elevated dining,” he explains. “Right from when customers walk in the door, they are welcomed with big smiles and immediately served water, while they browse through the food and beverage menu.”
The hotel’s evolution is perhaps most evident in its culinary offerings. Head Chef Alex Gaitanos has been instrumental in modernising the menu while respecting the pub’s traditional roots. “I saw an opportunity to do things myself and improve in certain areas that were needed,” Gaitanos shares. His approach balances innovation with familiarity, introducing modern techniques and fresh flavours while maintaining beloved pub classics. “Everything’s fresh, and everything’s done to the best we can,” he asserts, highlighting dishes like cured fish and creatively prepared meats using the sous vide techniques that reflect contemporary culinary trends.
The St Andrews Hotel’s commitment to quality extends beyond its kitchen. Rob and Jasmin speak passionately about their carefully curated wine list and seasonal cocktail offerings. “We sit for hours even to select our wine list, and handpick them personally,” he says. This attention to detail is matched by their investment in staff training. ” Every time we change the food and drinks menu, we do training on the Monday when we are closed, the staff taste the food and try the drinks, which is a very in-depth session.”
Perhaps one of the most striking features of the pub is its event space, the St Andrews Conservatory. Known for its delicate bamboo lanterns and distinctive glass roof, this multi-award-winning venue has become one of Melbourne’s most sought-after locations for weddings and events. Jasmin takes pride in their flexible approach to event planning. “We do have a list of recommended suppliers,” she explains, “but if couples want to have their own suppliers, they’re more than welcome to bring in whoever they like.
Jasmin went on to explain how the events coordinators in the team a hands-on crew are, willing to add any additional decorations that the hosts might have, like place cards and wishing wells. “We set all that up for them. That’s sort of our point of difference here. A lot of function venues you go to, they are hesitant to set up anything beyond the tables. At St Andrews, we’re here from the morning right to the end of your function, helping coordinate and set everything up.
I think that’s one thing we’re really known for – our flexibility, attention to detail, and how much we really care about making it the perfect event,” she says. In a slightly vulnerable moment Jamin admitted that if it wasn’t for the functions, the hotel probably wouldn’t have survived the last few years since COVID. “So that’s one thing we’re obviously really focusing on, trying to build that aspect of our business,” she says.
As they look to the future, Jasmin and Rob are keenly aware of emerging trends in hospitality. “People love the fact that we have lots of options for small plates,” Rob notes, highlighting the growing popularity of shared dining experiences. They’re also responding to the increasing demand for non-alcoholic options, dedicating an entire page of their menu to sophisticated alcohol-free beverages.
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Pictured above: The Conservatory
What sets the St Andrews Hotel apart, however, is not just its ability to adapt to trends but its deep connection to its history and community. This is perhaps best exemplified by their cocktail menu, where each drink tells a story. “One of our classics is called the Betty Jenkins,” Rob explains,
“and another is called ‘The Regular,’ which we dedicated to Malcolm, a regular who passed away. He had been coming to the pub before Dad even started working here 30 years ago. He was like an uncle to us; he remembered all our birthdays. I remember coming home from school, and without fail every day, he would be sitting at the bar, with a big smile, waiting to ask us about our day.
As Jasmin reflects on the journey so far, she expresses both gratitude and a sense of responsibility. “It’s incredible how much love there is for this place,” she says. “We’re just trying to honour that legacy while moving forward.” From its humble beginnings as the Hawkins St Andrews Hotel to its current incarnation as a modern gastropub with a nod to tradition, the St Andrews Hotel embodies the spirit that characterises Melbourne’s best-loved institutions. As it continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: its commitment to creating a warm, welcoming space where good food, great drinks, and lasting memories come together.
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