User:Micawber Tavern

Century old Micawber Tavern in Belgrave Victoria is an iconic tavern and destination for day trippers to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges and locals alike.

In 1923 Micawber Tavern, owned by the A'Vard family, begun as Micawber Tea Rooms, selling fruit, confectionary, cigarettes soft drinks as well as traditional afternoon tea. During the 1940's the A'Vard family wrote to the local paper complaining about the restrictions on customers not being able to dance so filed an application to become a hotel. Many applications to change the tea rooms to a proper hotel where dismissed by local council, with many writings to the local paper, there were concerns that Micawber Tearooms becoming a hotel would create congestion of traffic and concerns of more danger on an already dangerous road being the Monbulk Road between Belgrave and Kallista - the new introduction of 10.30pm closing hours was also a concern. (Fern Tree Gully and District Times (Boronia, Vic. : 1953-1954), Thursday 22 July 1954, page 10) Later and as published by the Ferntree Gully and District Times (Boronia, Vic. : 1953-1954), Thursday 4 February 1954 Micawber Tavern hosted John Cain, then Premier of Victoria amongst other notable politicians for an Australian Day address where 100 people picnicked and sung God Save the Queen. On Friday 29th April the Micawber Tavern (Micawber Tearooms) burned down as a result of a fire in two living quarters with the estimated damages to the uninsured building was 700 pounds. For many decades the Micawber Park situated at Gully Crescent has hosted many picnics, markets and events. Belgrave Scouts, Belgrave's social lights having New Years Eve celebrations throughout the 40's and has enchanted the local township for many year.

In current times flooding from the Clematis Creek, Murder Mystery in the 70's to the house hold ghost who walks through the Tavern every morning. Two giant Mountain Ash from the forest crashed down on a winters Friday night crushing the Micawber and now has been rebuilt.

Past and present owners including beloved locals and the likes are all proud of the Micawber Tavern 100 Years on, although with many changes and renovations - Micawber Tavern still remains the same. People come back for anniversaries, birthday parties and for the music. People have their special spots and all come back again again to experience the beloved history and charm.

Micawber Tavern has had new owners since 2021, the vision of the venue remains the same: provide a cosy Tavern for locals and tourists to come enjoy, capturing the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, as well as a classic English Irish style tavern feel. They continue to collaborate to maintain and update the Micawber Tavern's history on this site.