The Charles Dickens Tavern — Restaurant in Melbourne

Kind enough to squeeze us onto a table in the sports bar dining area, when asked for a reservation in person at 16:30pm. That’s one star, second star is my wife shared some incredible information over an otherwise neither here nor there dinner.

I can appreciate our reservation wasn’t in the pickwick room.

Areas out of the taverns control though still didn’t really give Queen Elizabeth II an appropriate send off.

The entry carpet at the ‘royal’ arcade entrance was really old let alone dirty. I’m not saying that it needs to be red though some sort of Queen Elizabeth mourning welcome to the royal arcade entrance was clearly lacking. The royal and block arcades saving grace is they are both as incredibly lovely and rich in heritage and history with of course the appropriate level of modernness and sophistication that it need to the area still carries humility yet oozes class.

Surely with the queen passing and a second semi final at the MCG tonight the arcade entrances into the Tavern itself wouldn’t have been closed so early and abruptly making one enter down the low lit and only open entrance/exit. A lot of these things arn’t even the taverns fault and probably out of their control though being a British pub I thought they’d have a little more influence on such a significant end of a legacy type send off weekend for Queen Elizabeth II, so I’ll bring it back to the Tavern.

I’m digressing away from the ploughmans plate which wasn’t really how it reads on the menu. Pork pie suggests a pork pie even if it was a smaller whole one it wouldn’t have felt so cheap and nasty with one measly quarter of say a mediocre sided one if the other 3/4 of the pie were present. I can appreciate it could be their sharing plate though under the heading of British Classics, 4 tiny thumb size quite hard end pieces of bread which of course that type of sourdough or equivalent/similar type loaf bread does compliment the ham which was a saving grace plenty of slices, well carved not too thick not too thin generously portioned and very flavorsome.

chutney is lovely, bold, flavorsome without being overbearing definitely not your average chutney.

pickled veggies both in ramequin/condiment bowl and on the board itself were nice.

300g Scotch Fillet surf and turf steak although as tender as any scotch fillet should be also cooked quite well it was an adequate size that’s where the 300g might have been though it certainly lacked any girth or thickness it was fairly slender.

was fairly warned that two condiments would cost us on top which didn’t bother us though we paid for extra for them and didn’t receive one of them. Didn’t want to come across petty so I said nothing, though I’m probably sounding even more petty by mentioning it in the review which makes it the more worse type of petty of which I rarely leave reviews.

I’d give you my full name though it’s not about names and it’s only smith anyway, nor I’d like to think I’m not under my own nose and still grateful to be able to still pay to have dinner on the table, yet for someone that has been lucky enough to have eaten at some of the best British and English Taverns let alone Irish pubs both outside and inside australia, what’s the saying never be too fussy yet know that things could always be better/improved.

I didn’t leave thinking I’ll come back next week which I have Been known to do and then next thing you know I’m eating there 3-5 times in the one week I’ve been known to do it. Big screen was a plus though I actually try to pay attention to my wife during dinner so I was able to tune it out as volume was at the correct volume for dinner service times etc one positive we weren’t rushed off the table like in Western Australia when I spent $692 and was rushed off the table as soon mains arrived for second sitting which one can understand if stagnantly camping on a table. So does that alone increase it to 3 stars, I’m only feeling 2.5

Baby carrots were peeled well tail left on because they were clean and nicely cooked ‘good effort’ broccoli not over cooked...

Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Melbourne lies a charming oasis of tranquility and warmth - The Charles Dickens Tavern. This cozy pub has become a beloved retreat for my wife and me, offering a sanctuary away from the city's frenetic pace while still being conveniently located in its heart.From the moment you step through the door, you're enveloped in an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. The rustic decor, adorned with nods to the legendary author Charles Dickens, exudes an old-world charm that instantly transports you to a simpler time. Whether seated at a cozy booth or perched on a stool at the bar, every corner of this tavern feels like a welcoming embrace.What truly sets The Charles Dickens Tavern apart, however, is its ambiance. Unlike many bustling pubs in the city, this hidden gem strikes the perfect balance between liveliness and intimacy. The soft murmur of conversations mingles with the gentle clinking of glasses, creating a soundtrack that enhances rather than overwhelms. It's the ideal setting for a romantic date night, where meaningful conversations can flow uninterrupted.Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning the food and drink. The menu boasts an array of hearty pub classics and gourmet delights, all expertly crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From mouthwatering burgers to savory pies, every dish is a testament to the tavern's commitment to quality.In conclusion, The Charles Dickens Tavern is a true gem in the heart of Melbourne. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for a romantic evening or simply looking to unwind with friends over a pint, this charming pub never fails to delight. It's a place where time seems to stand still, allowing you to savor the simple pleasures of good company and great food in an atmosphere of unparalleled warmth and...

Visited here before for drinks, and it had a nice traditional pub atmosphere, so thought we'd come back with some friends to try out the food.

It was a Saturday night (around 6:30) and was still quite quiet, however it was picking up around 8:00pm as people arrived for the footy.

We ordered a couple of Beef and Guinness Pies, the Dickens Burger, a Scotch Egg and some Chips and curry sauce.

The Pie was ok, but did not compare to another similar one in a venue not too far away. I was advised the burger was tasty enough. The scotch egg was a tad pink on the inside, and the meat was quite dry, and definitely not seasoned enough. The chips were hit and miss - when the first plate came out (the burger), the chips looked golden and crispy (and they were) - when the next two portions came out, they were pale and soggy which was a huge disappointment. The curry sauce was ok but had quite a dominating fruity flavour, so not our cup of tea.

Staff were friendly on both occasions, so will definitely go back for drinks, but would skip the food next time, as there's definitely better quality pub food in the vicinity...