Dine within the oldest building in Melbourne.
We’ve been our great city’s most-loved meeting place for more than 180 years.
There’s a reason why our Tavern has stood the test of time. From an exceptional menu to service that has you feeling like an old friend, we’ve always loved keeping you happy.
Where time stands still and Melbournians come to meet.
In a city rich with history, why settle for mediocre when it comes to eating, drinking and making merry?
Step through the doors of our centuries-old Tavern and you’ll instantly feel at home. Nestled amongst the skyscrapers of Melbourne’s central business district, Mitre Tavern has been home to Melbourne’s thinkers, workers and visitors alike for nearly 200 years.
From Friday afternoon drinks in Melbourne CBD’s largest beer garden to a quiet work meeting over lunch or dinner, you’ll love our brilliant bistro menu with no comfort spared.
Open every day, 11am until late, Mitre Tavern Melbourne is proud to be the place our patrons come to step back in time, enjoying our old-fashioned service and undeniable yesteryear charm.
We’d love you to join us.
“A Melbourne institution, great vibe, great selection of brews, great food that comes out fast. Everything you’d want in a pub.”
Daniel B.
Discover our history.
From humble beginnings…
The city of Melbourne was founded on 30 August 1835. Less than two years later, one could have stood on the corner of Collins and Queen Streets and, through the gum trees, looked upon the site where the Mitre Tavern Melbourne now stands.
Sir Charles Ebden, previously an eminent citizen of Sydney, attended a land sale in June 1837 and bought allotments 5,6 and 7 of Block 14 which gave him frontage of chains in Collins Street. This embraced the Mitre Tavern site – and all for the princely sum of £136.
Two years later, Sir Charles sold the land. The Bank of Australia bought a part and the rest was subdivided. In that subdivision, provision was made for what is now Bank Place.
Upon one of the lots, a private home was built. It would later become the Mitre Tavern, officially documented by the Melbourne City Council as the oldest building in Melbourne.
In 1868 Mr Henry Thompson became the first of many publicans at the Mitre Tavern, and the rest – as they say – was history.
…to survival against all odds
As well as being the chosen meeting place of the Melbourne Dog Club, the Tavern became a favourite watering spot of the Victorian Polo Club, which also met regularly here. Names perpetuated in many Victorian streets and towns were also on the membership list – from Sir Redmond Barry and Captain Standish to Reginald Bright, Finlay Campbell, Edward Fanning, and others.
Then, as now, the courts and officials of law were to be found in the vicinity and from nearby Temple Court and Chancery Lane came a bevy of distinguished patrons.
The little Tavern stood galant as the city grew. In 1923, an order was issued that six bedrooms be added, the kitchen renovated, and the words ‘Accomodation for Visitors’ be painted on the front wall.
In 1930, a huge crowd of bidders attended an auction that saw the Tavern passed in at 22,250 pounds. It was then purchased by the Royal Insurance Company which planned to demolish it to make room for additions to its Collins Street building.
The Mitre stubbornly hung on until 1937 when the Company had a change of heart and reprieved the little inn once again. Mr W.K. Fethers, then Manager of the Royal Insurance Company, described the Tavern’s Gothic façade as a splendid example of the architectural period. He was supported by a contemporary newspaper which acknowledged the Mitre Tavern’s standing as an
“architectural gem” and a much-loved “relic” of the pioneering and hunting days.
…to the heart of our city’s evolution.
Mite Tavern has, to the present day, always been a meeting spot for our city’s greatest minds.
Few people who enjoy the ales here are aware of the fact that this cosy, cottage-style pub spawned the name of the Mitre 10 hardware chain. Two of the founding members were drinking at the Tavern when inspiration struck: ‘mitre’ is a hardware term. The ’10’ – well, it had a better ring to it than Mitre 2.
Across the road from the Mitre stands the Savage club, built by Sir William Clarke – Australia’s first baronet. And yet, the Tavern’s connection to The Clarke family evolved in an unfortunate way: Sir Rupert Clarke’s mistress, Connie Waugh, is said to have hung herself in the Mitre. Connie’s ghost is believed to have been seen, haunting the rooms and halls of the Tavern, even now.
Today, the venue that was a base for hunting the many deer that roamed the nearby bush has become patronised by every facet of Melbourne’s diverse community, all with one urge: the need to escape the rush of the city and enjoy service, food and drink that has kept patrons coming back for nearly 200 years.
10 wonderful reasons to visit Mitre Tavern
OUR HISTORY
We’re Melbourne’s oldest building, exquisitely nestled between its modern relatives like a moment in time
OUR BUILDING
You’ll love stumbling across the entirely unique, old-world charm of our Tavern as you wander down Bank Place, eager for it to appear around the corner
OUR INTERIOR
Our charming interior has not a single detail spared – from the Tavern’s original, lovingly refurbished furniture to our collection of artworks and historical curiosities
OUR SERVICE
The most genuine, friendly and celebrated service in all of Melbourne which honours our long-standing history
OUR BEER GARDEN
Mitre Tavern has the largest outdoor beer garden in Melbourne’s CBD
OUR TAP BEERS
We have 47 beers on tap with a selection of Australia’s finest beers, plus special guests and trusted local and international favourties
OUR MENU
You’ll love our renowned bistro menu with the Tavern’s famous Chicken Parma
OUR WINE LIST
A magnificent wine list – enjoy a glass at the bar, or order a bottle to complement your beautiful meal
OUR OFFERINGS
Dine downstairs in the beautiful Tavern or get a team together for trivia, run for more than 15 consecutive years every Tuesday, 6:30-8:30pm
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our team is unified by a single, wonderful goal: to welcome you into our family, and keep you coming back for years to come
Looking for a more refined dining experience?
Try our Steakhouse – a beautiful dining experience located up the grand staircase on the upper level of the Tavern. Perfect for romantic dinners or special meetings with clients – the choice is yours.
Get in Touch
We can’t wait to welcome you.
A: 5 Bank Place, Melbourne, VIC 3000
P: (03) 9670 5644
E: info@mitretavern.com.au
Steakhouse
P: (03) 9602 5611
E: steakhouse@mitretavern.com.au