Restaurant
The Charles Dickens Tavern
290 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find The Charles Dickens Tavern
290 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout The Charles Dickens Tavern
Descend the stairs beneath Collins Street to find an authentic basement boozer pouring proper UK and Irish taps. Dark wood accents frame big screens tuned to live EPL, rugby, and cricket clashes. Fans of hearty tavern cooking know to target the stout-infused beef pies and towering fish finger sandwiches. On weekends, the crowd gathers around the dedicated Sunday roast—pork belly capped with crackling, eggy Yorkshire puddings, and roasted spuds drenched in rich Guinness gravy.
- British & Irish Taps: Basement tap lines pour imports like Hobgoblin Ruby, Old Speckled Hen, and Theakstons alongside freshly pulled Guinness.
- Traditional Sunday Roast: Weekend crowds turn out for roast pork belly with crisp crackling, Yorkshire puddings, and house Guinness gravy.
- Live Sports Viewing: Multiple screens show international matches, from Premier League fixtures to rugby and test cricket.
- Hearty Pub Classics: Classic comfort fare ranges from hearty beef and Guinness pies to oversized fish finger sandwiches.
What's On at The Charles Dickens Tavern
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose The Charles Dickens Tavern
Discover what sets Melbourne's authentic subterranean British tavern apart on Collins Street.
Imported British Draught Ales & Bitters
The tavern pours a dedicated draught rotation of imported UK ales and bitters, including favorites like Hobgoblin Ruby, Old Speckled Hen, and Theakstons alongside well-kept Irish taps.
loads of well kept beers from England like Theakstons or Tetley's, as well as the the Irish favourites.
Jim O'Neill Authentic Sunday Roast Tradition
Sundays feature traditional roast plates loaded with crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, tender meats like porchetta, and rich house gravy.
All element were in spot, crispy crackling, soft and melted pork belly, tender and juicy meats. Best Yorkshire pudding as it’s not oily but eggy fragrant when it’s served.
randomreviewreviewer Nostalgic Taste of Home
Stepping into the basement tavern evokes the comforting nostalgia of a classic neighbourhood tavern straight out of the UK.
Absolutely incredible place, made me feel like I was back at home in England.
Charlie Simpson Cosy UK Tavern Character
Classic tavern warmth, dark timber details, and welcoming hospitality create a cozy refuge for regulars and homesick travelers alike.
If you're British this is a great spot, a home away from home.
Scott Thornton Match-Day International Sports Atmosphere
Multiple screens throughout the tavern broadcast international rugby, EPL football, test cricket, and NHL matches to a spirited community of fans.
Great atmosphere mainly because of all the British And Australian rugby supporters in the pub.
dennis martin (Lazy Koala) Spirited Gathering Spot for Fans
A lively, friendly crowd packs the subterranean floor on game days, offering an electric shared experience over pints and pub grub.
The drinks? Exceptional. The crowd? Rowdy in the best way. The food? Absolutely nailed it.
Jason King
Most popular items
Hearty traditional British classics and weekend feast favorites
Sunday Roast
Top Sunday Roast in Melbourne! Roast pork belly and porchetta roast are at its perfect!
randomreviewreviewer Beef & Guinness Pie
Beef & Guinness Pie, and Corned Beef. All very delicious with nothing left on our plates when we were finished!
David Fish Finger Sandwich
I ordered the Fish Finger Sandwiches, expecting a nostalgic little snack — what arrived looked more like fish burgers on steroids, and honestly… divine.
Jason King Bangers and Mash
Gary went full Brit with bangers and mash (his standard go-to)
Jason King
Other favorites
Traditional pub snacks, classic sides, desserts, and imported ales
Sticky Date Pudding
But the sticky date pudding drenched in sticky toffee sauce (with ice-cream!) stole the show!!
Claire Mulder Hobgoblin Ruby
A good selection of taps including Hobgoblin Ruby, will defo be back if I get the chance
TcheQ _ Scotch Egg
The Scotch Egg is ridiculously good and quite possibly the best in the World!!
Jase the Ace Chips with Curry Sauce
Went for the sunday British roast and a chips with curry sauce. Food is always great.
Sheridan B
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to book in advance for the Sunday roast?
The tavern serves a popular traditional Sunday roast featuring meats like roast pork or porchetta accompanied by Yorkshire pudding, crispy roast potatoes, and rich gravy. Diners frequently recommend reserving a table ahead of time, as roast service and peak evenings can get quite busy.
Can you watch live sports at the tavern?
Yes. The tavern screens live rugby, Premier League football, cricket, and other sports across multiple screens, with staff often accommodating specific game requests when possible. However, the venue also features quieter corners away from the screens if you prefer a calmer meal or drink.
What British beers and ales are on tap?
Along with classic draught options like Guinness and Kilkenny, the bar features a dedicated lineup of traditional British ales and bitters such as Hobgoblin Ruby, Old Speckled Hen, and Theakston's.
How do you access the underground tavern?
The tavern is an underground pub situated down a flight of stairs below street level on Collins Street. A lift is available for visitors who cannot navigate the stairs.
How does ordering food and drinks work?
For quick table service, secure a table first and take note of your table number before heading up to the bar to place your food and drinks order.
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