If there is one thing we love, it’s a good old-fashioned pub. One of those spots where you walk in and instantly feel at home, and let us be the first to tell you, that is exactly what the team at Micawber Tavern Belgrave have achieved. We recently had the pleasure of visiting this classic pub, absorbing the atmosphere and marvelling at the picturesque location. If you’re looking for a pub to call home or visit for the first time outside of the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, then Micawber Tavern in Belgrave is the spot to try and here’s why.
On Sherbrooke Forest’s doorstep
Micawber Tavern is ideally located right next to Sherbrooke Forest, meaning you can make an entire day out of visiting both of these Victorian icons. As you drive around the perimeter of Sherbrooke Forest your eyes are drawn to the skyscraping trees and dense forest, wondering if you’ve somehow ventured into a fairytale land. Then as you round the bend and come down the windy bend you see this quaint little English-style pub, the beauty that is Micawber Tavern.
Micawber Tavern shines as a white beacon against the dense greenery of Sherbrook Forest and has a welcoming vibe to it from the very first sighting. Whether you want to visit Micawber Tavern after a hike or before, the entrance and start of the Sherbrooke Forest Circuit walk is only 1.2km away. Alternatively, you choose to skip across the road from Micawber Tavern and find yourself just 800m away from the Coles Ridge track. No matter which way you choose to go, Micawber Tavern is ideally placed for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat either before or after a walk through Sherbrooke Forest.
Micawber Tavern Menu
Not only is Micawber Tavern ideally located, the menu is a sight to behold. Further adding to the English pub vibes the Micawber Tavern menu has all the pub classics to choose from. Whether you’re looking for beer-battered fish and chips, an iconic parma or you’re feeling a little more exotic and want to try their Irish Parma with curry sauce and onion rings, Micawber Tavern has it all. With over 20 options on the menu, there is no doubt the Micawber Tavern menu will have you salivating for more than one dish.
The Micawber Tavern menu also includes a great range of options for the little adventurers too, with a good kids menu. The kids can choose from spaghetti, pizza, schnitzel or a burger as they marvel at the unique features across the dining room and throughout the pub.
We couldn’t look past the parma and we are sure glad we didn’t, it was one of the best parma’s we have ever tried. With streaky bacon and triple cheese this isn’t your everyday parma, its unique taste is one that we will definitely be back for. If you have dietary requirements then look no further, the Micawber Tavern menu caters for all dietaries, with many of the dishes available in vegan and gluten-free alternatives. If you’re a beer fan, then a visit to Micawber Tavern is a must with over 14 local and imported beers on tap that rotate seasonally.
Guinness or Kilkenny fan? Don’t worry the team has you covered with both international icons on tap and poured to perfection.
The Micawber Tavern Belgrave venue
In true old fashioned style the Micawber Tavern aesthetic is unique and deliberately individual. As you walk through the classic wooden doors you are greeted by a pool table and a pub atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at home. Regulars and tourists alike gather to chat, catch up and enjoy the relaxed pub vibe. Next, you’re greeted by the bar, the centrepiece and anchor point for the welcoming team at Micawber Tavern.
As you look up you see the artistic vision from the team having placed what seem like hundreds of stein mugs hanging from the rafters. It’s these touches that really make Micawber Tavern feel like a local just down the road, and for the people of Belgrave it is exactly that, but for the tourists visiting the area it doesn’t feel like you are an hour or more from home.
The team at Micawber Tavern do an incredible job of making you feel welcome, telling the story of the pub and providing priceless recommendations from the menu. We were lucky enough to overhear one group being told the story of the roast of the day, and we almost had food envy, but that parma! It’s this attention to detail and care that makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Whether you find yourself there for one or a few, be sure to stop and have a chat with the team to understand just what Micawber Tavern is all about.
When dining you have the choice between the main bar area or the more formal bistro setting. Both are fantastic and with a little one in tow, we didn’t bat an eye at sitting in the main bar with plenty of windows and booths to choose from.
Micawber Tavern has plenty of great events and reasons to visit, including live music, taco, roast, steak and curry nights. No matter what day or night, it’s a place you won’t want to miss out on.
How to visit Micawber Tavern Belgrave?
Micawber Tavern is located in Belgrave which is within the Yarra Ranges, a short 50-minute drive from Melbourne. Heading east out of Melbourne you can choose to drive through Rowville or alternatively, if you would prefer to take public transport trains departing from Southern Cross Station will get you to Belgrave Station. From there it’s a short bus ride or an easy 1.2km walk to the pub.
If you are driving there is plenty of parking available at Micawber Tavern and as mentioned earlier easy access to Sherbrooke Forest walking trails from the carpark as well. No matter how you travel to Micawber Tavern one thing is for sure, you will marvel at the atmosphere of this little icon of the Yarra Ranges.
If you are headed to the Yarra Ranges for the day, or a holiday be sure to add a visit to Micawber Tavern Belgrave to your list. This old English-style pub is a family-friendly, must-try local icon of the ranges.
Want to know what else we love in the Yarra Ranges? Check out our review of the Oasis Berry Farms and more in our Melbourne Travel reviews.
