Coffee Tavern (No. 2), 516-518 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
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Title:
Coffee Tavern (No. 2), 516-518 Flinders Street, Melbourne
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Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 103992
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Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
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Graphic materialsTextual material
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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UnrestrictedOpen access.
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RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2021:DATE: 1879-80;ASSOCIATIONS: Bergin, Thomas estate; Coffee Taverns CompanyDESIGNER: Taylor, Lloyd;BUILDER: Beecham, H & Co. Collins St West.GRAEME BUTLER & ASSOCIATES 2011, CENTRAL CITY (HODDLE GRID) HERITAGE REVIEWStatement of SignificanceWhat is significant?Coffee Tavern (No.2) was erected in 1878-1880 by H Beecham & Co. to the design of Lloyd Tayler, architect, for the Coffee Taverns Company (Limited), as part of the rising temperance movement in the Colony. The Coffee Taverns company had been formed by some of Melbourne's more distinguished figures to promote venues where working men could gather without the lure of alcohol and its consequent ruination. Venues were chosen to be close to the waterfront or the Bourke Street East or Stephen Street theatre and red light district where their potential clientele was most numerous. The company took advice from similar institutions such as the Williamstown Sailors Rest and Work Men's Coffee Room where coffee, tea, and cocoa were sold at the uniform charge of 2d per cup as an encouragement for working men to bypass the bar. They aimed to open as many coffee taverns as possible to match the large numbers of existing hotels. `The Argus' congratulated the formation of the company, seeing that it was `...distinct from the existing suburban taverns, being focussed at the City. If 40 were to be opened in the City it would match the `old type' of tavern, mainly in Bourke St..'London newspaper reports provided the basis for the movement:`The coffee public houses now springing up all over London, by combining the advantage of a tavern with those of a coffee-house, fill a place long vacant in our national system of refreshment. It is true that there have been places for the sale of coffee in London ever since the introduction of that beverage , but, for some unexplained reason, the coffee house proper has drifted almost out of existence..'. New public houses had changed their character from the old ale house to a new and brassy image with plate glass and gilt letters: coffee taverns had to match this form of seduction.The new coffee tavern in Flinders Street was opened in January 1880 by the Mayor of Melbourne, in front of His Hon Sir WF Stawell and Mr Arthur Barnett after laying the foundation stone in August 1879:`The new building which is to be constructed of brick, is to be three stories high frontage to Flinders street of 33ft by a depth of 40ft It will contain on the ground floor a coffee room 30ft x22ft, 14ft in height, a serving room, and an ample lavatory. On the first floor there will be a billiard room 30ft x 20ft and a smoking room 17ft square. On the second floor there will be a Ladies coffee room, a sitting room, and a kitchen besides accommodation for the manager. The front of the building will be finished in Portland cement and will be decorated with pilasters panels and cornices It will be 50ft high and when completed should form an attractive addition to the architecture of the street The amount of the contract for the erection of the building is ₤1736 exclusive of fittings.'. The Number One Tavern on Bourke Street east just east of Swanston Street had been opened but proved to be too small: it has since been demolished.The first coffee tavern built by the company was designed by William Pitt to a premiated design for the Melbourne Coffee Palace, in Bourke Street, 1879, since demolished. However, the best known former coffee palace in the Capital City Zone is the Windsor Hotel commenced as a standard hotel in 1883 for George Nipper and originally known as the Grand Hotel. The building was converted to a coffee palace and became known as the Grand Coffee Palace in time to accommodate visitors to the Centenary Exhibition of 1888. Unlike this building the Windsor was not built as a coffee palace.Number Two Coffee Tavern has a mannered Italian Renaissance Revival style cemented façade over three levels, with single and grouped arched window openings, each with applied colonettes. Atypically, the top level only has imposed classical order trabeation. The parapet has parapet piers of differing heights and, centrally placed, is the segmentally arched raised entablature with anthemion atop. The rear elevation is in red brick and relatively well-preserved with a central line of loading doors and a gantry over. A new upper level has been added recently that forms a bland rendered attic-like structure in place of the parapet balustrade, reducing the integrity of the building at a key point. Images from the 1970s-1990s show the parapet balustrade, allowing for its reconstruction. The ground level and street awning are new: early views show two street entrances with windows either side.The façade remains as an elegant composition for a medium scale mid Victorian-era building but has been compromised by the roof addition. It relates well to its Edwardian character neighbours, the former State Savings Bank and Waterside Hotel.How is it significant?The Coffee Tavern (No. 2) is significant historically and aesthetically to the Melbourne Capital City Zone.Why is it significant?The Coffee Tavern (No. 2) is significant historically as a purpose-built coffee tavern created by concerned Melbourne citizens, rather than an individual investor such as conversion of the Grand Coffee Palace (Windsor). It was purposely located at the riverside to attract seafaring clientele, next to other maritime structures, as a convenient alternative to alcoholic refreshment. This is the earliest and only purpose-built coffee palace in the Capital City Zone as an exemplar of the temperance movement that swept the Colony in the 1870s-80s.Aesthetically in its original form it was a significant and elegant design in a developed form of the Italian Renaissance revival style as applied to a medium scale commercial building. Although altered the façade still possesses these qualities. The designer, Tayler, was one of Melbourne's prominent Victorian-era architects..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites Lawrie Wilson & Associates, 1977. Historic Buildings Preservation Council Report on CBD Block No 6 Dec 1977: 129.Lawrie Wilson & Associates, 1977. Historic Buildings Preservation Council Report on CBD Block No 6 Dec 1977: 129- identified as coffee palace 21 rooms, shops… rate books cited; states Marsh & Michaelson designed works there in 1937. Built c1880, owner in 1898 Bergin trustees; 1899 owner-occupier HM McDonough; `an attractive building with well balanced detailing and fenestration…' but poor streetscape and affected by overpass. Not recommended to the Historic Buildings Register (photo shows parapet intact) ..MCC i-Heritage: Central Activities District Conservation Study - Graeme Butler, 1984 Building Identification Form (BIF): : Notable features include elaborate/high standard design of cement rendered surfaces. Alterations / Recommendations: Colours (sympathetic), shopfronts ? (sympathetic - reinstate original design), new canopy (inappropriate - reinstate original design or sympathetic alternative). Other Comments DP 739 (no verandah shown).Macbeth, `Victorian Pioneers':Thomas Steven Bergin died 1879Building Permit Application 17 July 1879, 8043 ₤3/10/.LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEX:Lloyd Tayler, architect, 57 Chancery La. Tavern, Flinders Street west, Coffee Taverns Company (Limited).Argus 3.5.1879, p 3 builder, architect, owner `coffee tavern'Foundation stone of Coffee Tavern in Flinders St., west of King St. laid.Three storey brick building will have Portland Cement with decorated panels, pilasters & cornices. Architect -Lloyd Tayler. Argus 9.8.1878, p 5Lloyd Tayler. Tenders wanted for fittings for coffee tavern, Flinders St.Argus 1.11.1879, p 3Account of the opening of the new Coffee Palace No.2 in Flinders Street west, opposite the Queen's Wharf, including a description of the building.Argus 9.1.1880, p 6.STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIACook, AC Melbourne panorama 1882 shows building with 2 doors at ground level windows either side..VICTORIA HERITAGE DATABASE103-137 SPRING STREET and 1-17 BOURKE STREET MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE CITYVictorian Heritage Register (Victorian Heritage Register) Number H0764.NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)`The Argus':Thursday 17 October 1878The committee appointed on Friday last to draw up the scheme and prospectus of tho proposed Coffee Taverns Company has prepared its report It will be seen by our advertising columns that the adjourned meeting of the promoters, to be held for its consideration, is announced for half post 4 this afternoon, at the office of Messrs C J and T Ham Swanston street The presence of gentlemen who may have assisted in initiating similar movements elsewhere is invited (A meeting of the committee and friends of the Williamstown Sailors Rest and Work Men's Coffee room was held on the 15th inst. The president, the Rev J J Halloy, being unavoidably absent, Mr H R Reid occupied tho chair The chairman stated that the in situation still continued to be largely patronised by both seamen and workingmen, about 20 000 visits having been made to the rooms since the opening day May last The working expenses during that time amounted to £400, which had all been met by the sales made AB coffee, tea, and cocoa were sold at the uniform charge of 2d per cup…)Friday 18 October 1878An adjourned meeting of gentlemen interested in the establishment of a Coffee tavern Company was held at the rooms of Messrs C J Ham and Co, Swanston Bret yesterday. The chair was occupied by Mr D Benth The committee appointed at the previous meeting submitted their report, recommending the formation of a company with a capital of £20 000 in 20 000 £1 shares and also recommending that the first coffee tavern should be opened in suitable premises near the Melbourne wharf, and that a superior one should then be opened in a central part of the city The report was adopted and it was arranged that the original promoters should act as provisional directors until a sufficient number of shares were taken up, and that a meeting of shareholders should then be called to elect the directors of the companyA subcommittee was then appointed to draw up a prospectus and take the necessary steps to incorporate the company, and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.Saturday 19 October 1878`The Argus': congratulate the formation- seeing that it was distinct from the existing suburban taverns being focussed at the City. If 40 were to be opened in the City it would match the `old type' of tavern mainly in Bourke St..Tuesday 22 October 1878COFFEE-HOUSE MOVEMENT.A public meeting was held last night at the Wellington street Mission hall, Collingwood to inaugurate the Coffee Palace Company …funds are in hand, suitable premises will be procured in a central and prominent position in Collingwood to open and establish a coffee palace, with all needful appliances for supply every kind of refreshing and unintoxicating beverages, fruits, and refreshments of all kinds. The scheme also includes the erection of a lecture hall, reading rooms, lodge and class rooms smoking saloon , also cloak rooms, lavatories, gymnasium, and baths. A moderate but remunerative scale of prices will be charged for all articles supplied…great object of the promoters of the company to subserve the highest social and moral interests of the community, and whilst they seek to promote the well being of society, will absolutely avoid an} thing of a charitable or eleemosynary characterTuesday 29 October 1878COFFEE TAVERNS COMPANY.At the meeting of the provisional directors of the company held yesterday at the offices, .82 Collins street Mr Lloyd Tayler in the chair, …Thursday 2 January 1879COFFEE PUBLIC-HOUSES.(FROM THE LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH.) IThe coffee public houses now springing up all over London, by combining the advantage of a tavern with those of a coffee-house, fill a place long vacant in our national system of refreshment It is true that there have been places for the sale of coffee in London ever since the introduction of that beverage , but, for some unexplained reason, the coffee house proper his drifted almost out of existence..' notes how public houses have changed their character form the old ale house to new brassy nature with plate glass and gilt letters. Coffee taverns have to match this.29 March 1879After many fruitless negotiations, the Coffee Taverns Company have at length secured a most eligible site for the first of their taverns, in Flinders Street west, close to William street Mr Lloyd Tayler has been instructed to prepare plans and specifications for a three storied building specially adapted for a coffee tavern, and as soon as possible tenders will be called for the structure The directors have not yet succeeded in obtaining a suitable site for their central tavern 'The budget has been anxiously considered at their bi weekly meetings, and they hope shortly to be able to announce that they have taken the second step…9 August 1879THE COFFEE-TAVERN MOVEMENT.The foundation stone of a building being erected by the Coffee Taverns Company, situated in Flinders street, west of King street, was laid yesterday afternoon by his Honour the Chief Justice in the presence of a large number of spectators The new building which is to be constructed of brick, is to be three stories high frontage to Flinders street of 33ft by a depth of 40ft It will contain on the ground floor a coffee room 30ft x22ft, 14ft in height, a serving room, and an ample lavatory. On the first floor there will be a billiard room 30ft x20ft and a smoking room 17ft square. On the second floor there will be a Ladies coffee room, a sitting room, and a kitchen besides accommodation for the manager. The front of the building will be finished in Portland cement and will be decorated with pilasters panelsand cornices It will be 50ft high and when completed should form an attractive addition to the architecture of the street The amount of the contract for tho erection of the building is ₤1736 exclusive of fittings…etc.'Friday 9 January 1880Coffee palace (tavern) opened yesterday by Mayor Melbourne, in front of His Hon Sir WF Stawell and Mr Arthur Barnett...DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS AND KENNY, SANDS & MCDOUGALL1904 516-518 McDonough, Henry, grain. ft pro merchant Kearney & Derum, cartage contractors1893 (514 Anderson , W. M-, watchmaker and jeweller)516 Irvine , R. J., hairdresser and tobacconist518 Coffee tavern & restaurant- Choate, Ebenezer J.1881 119 & 121 COFFEE TAVERNS COMPANY Weelow, James manager.1880 (King St / 115 London and Carnarvon hotel, Wellborne, George117 De Young and Co, general merchants119 & 121 COFFEE TAVERNS COMPANY123 Inglis , Smith and Co ship chandlers125 Paterson , James, & a0, coal merchants)(1880 59 Bourke St East No. 1 Coffee tavern, Wright, Mrs J. A, manageress).City of Melbourne Municipal rate books [RB]VPRS 5780 MicroficheFlinders Street 516-518– City of Melbourne – Lonsdale WardDate Rate no Occupier Owner Description NAV1890 126 Grimwood & Choate Bergin’s Trustees 518 Bk. Restaurant, 4 rms. 220127 Marcus Rosenwax Bergin’s Trustees 518 Bk. Shop 40128 Powell Bergin’s Trustees Rear of Flinders St. 3 rms. 18129 Jno. Catherinage? Bergin’s Trustees Rear of Flinders St. 2 rms. 14130 J McKenna Bergin’s Trustees Rear of Flinders St. 3 rms. 181885 97 Coffee Taverns Company T. S. Bergin Trustees Bk. Restaurant 12 rms. 33 x 96 3001880 93 Coffee Taverns Co. no.2 Executors of T. S. Bergin 121 Bk. Coffee rms. Shop & two cottages 33 x 96 10 rms. 2501879 86 T Bergin Thomas Bergin 121 Bk. Shop 3 Cottages at rear 33 x 96 1601878 87 Thomas Bergin Thomas Bergin 121 Bk. Shop 3 Cottages at rear 33 x 96 1601877 81 Thomas S Bergin Thomas S Bergin 119 2 shops 3 houses at rear 33 x 96 1401876 80 T S Bergin T S Bergin 121 2 shops 3 Cottages at rear 33 x 96 1401875 81 Thomas S Bergin Thomas S Bergin 121 & 119 2 shops 3 Cottages at rear 52 x 196 140
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| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 103992 | 1 JPEG : 220 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |