The Charles Dickens Tavern

Discovered this quaint, hidden basement gem, quite by chance. This classy tribute to a typical British pub has 2 entrances- 1 on Collins St and 1 thru a back corridor and down stairs( very secret squirrel)in the Block arcade.
Lots of classic English pub fare on the menu. My mum enjoyed the corned beef and I got a grilled chicken burger. All the food was simple but tasty.
Loved the quaint decor in Pickwick's dining area, lots of nods to Dickens' literature and characters.

We stopped here for a quick drink and a snack. Pretty busyl but we still managed to find a table for the 2 of us. Might have been harder for a bigger group.

Even with 5 people in front of me to order, it took less than 5 minutes and after I ordered and told them the table number we were at, the drinks were at the table while I was sitting.

Very quick service. We also got fries with gravy for a snack. The gravy was ok but the fries were great and fresh. Not the frozen overcooked ones you might get at a bar in the US.

When you go, just have someone from your party sit at a table and order for them. Just remember your table number before you go up to order ;)

The best Sunday roast in Melbourne, I think. Delicious lamb with equally delicious Yorkshire pudding. Topped off nicely with a house lager. Great service and cosy pub. You'd think you could be anywhere in the world down in this basement gem off Collins Street.

Visited in the evening on the weekend. Pretty busy place. Perfect atmosphere of pub. Ordered grilled chicken burger. Good amount of chips. But I would like to have a slice of cheese on it or may be a bit more of sause. My partner ordered fish and chips with tartare sauce included and it was very nice. So u would give 4.5 for food if it would be possible here.

Wonderful find in Melbourne…everything a ex pat British Pom could want…fabulous food, great beer and good service

Holy smoke! What a fabulous and traditional English style pub.

The atmosphere is traditional, welcoming, and friendly. It is a very comfortable atmosphere, where people can come for a drink with friends, or a quiet meal.

My wife and I discovered this gem today and have already booked for dinner tomorrow night.

The menu is great, the food is delicious, the range of beers is extensive, and the staff are extremely helpful. I spoke with John, the owner, and he could not have been more professional and down to earth.

It's like a trip back to better and happier times.

I thoroughly recommend "The Charles Dickens Tavern "

Pete.

The Charles Dickens Tavern is somewhat of a hidden gem, with the entrance being off the main drag and the venue itself being squirreled away underground. As the name might imply, the stepping into the Charles Dickens Tavern is like taking a step back in time. Rich wood paneling and soft lighting create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the bar staff are very friendly. Make sure you try a glass of the house lager!

Great atmosphere of an authentic British pub. Got the corned beef, couldn’t fault it. Some nice beers on tap and good service.

Great place food is delicious fantastic atmosphere well worth a visit.

Had the beef and guiness pie today, outstanding. My favourite English pub!

I've been coming here for 31 years; the newish owners have done and are doing a great job. The food is really good and they now do specials as well. This is a lovely place to meet up with friends for a drink & eat or even to go to by yourself which I do for lunch sometimes. There are a few British style pubs with food in the city and I would rate this the best by far (& I'm British).

$10 for a pint where everywhere else in Melbourne is charging over $14. Im happy with that.
Good staff who are very friendly and efficient.
Haven't eaten here but have seen the food and it looks amazing.

We had a nice dinner outside on the second floor balcony. Fish n' chips and Chicken Cordon Bleu were well prepared and very tasty. The pale Ale was also very good

Totally recommend this gem. Good food and drink at good prices. The staff was excellent as well.

English pub with great decor and good vibes. Reasonably priced. $15 cocktails, G&T under $10. Didn’t try food but would visit again to try some. Have to climb down one level but I think accessible via a lift.

English pub with a range of beers on tap. Quite busy for Thursday night. Corned beef with mash potatoes and fresh vegetables and pumpkin soup. Good solid pub food. Excellent service.

Most authentic British pub I've ever been to!, plenty of British beers on trap, and the food is so British too. You'd swear you were actually in England! Loved how it is below street level down a winding staircase, plenty of tables for dining. Wife had the scotch fillet and it was so tender and cooked perfect. I has the Keema pie which was great too. Definitely a highlight of our trip.

Super friendly staff, nice quiet pub that feels old school. Great place for a couple of beers. Recommended.

This is a traditional British pub carpet and all! They have the most amazing Scotch eggs and a wide range of traditional ales. One of the only.pubs around showing all sport all the time. Great array of traditional English food. Friendly staff. Do yourself a favour and get a Scotch Egg.

A great traditional English style pub. The decor was lovely and the choice of beers were on point. Big screens to watch sport were great. The food was good. Ordered the special scotch egg which was perfect and the butter chicken which was okay and the fish supper which was nice. Some cool Charles Dickens inspired decor. Would definitely go back