Builders Arms Hotel

Builders Arms

Dani Valent, Reviewer

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

The Builders Arms is different: a little fantasy, a little Arabic and a lot of lovely food.

I'm not normally much of an offal eater but the waitress did such a good sell on the Builders Arms' liver-kidney-brain combo that I jumped at it almost unawares. Then, as the order hit the kitchen, my dining companion told me our waitress was really an accomplished actress waiting for her next juicy role. Sheesh, she could probably have convinced me to have a hash of last night's leftovers. No matter. I truly believe in that nose-to-tail theory in which everything but the animal's toenails should be relished and respected - so long as I'm not the one gagging on tripe. Two thoughts got me through. One, it's my professional duty to eat everything. Two, if I don't like my innards, I'll just swap plates with my friend. Everyone that eats with me knows they have to share their dinner. Meanwhile, I could appreciate this great pub and its fetching dining room. Last time I was here, this was the band room and every step on the sticky carpet was accompanied by a slurp from my sneaker sole...

Full review on The Age