Mediaeval Melbourne pub the Mitre Tavern up for auction

The Mitre Tavern – the nooky thriving English-style pub with a Queen Anne feel dating back to its 1910s makeover – is listed for August 10 Alexander Robertson auction with $6.5 million-plus hopes.

Set on Bank Place, between Collins and Little Collins streets, it last traded at $6.3 million in 2008 when bought by the Toorak investor Ian Hicks from the hotelier Robertson family. There was a $4.6 million transfer in 2006 and a $5.75 million transfer in 2004.

It has one of the city's largest outdoor beer spaces.

Classified as being of historical and social significance to Victoria, the Mitre claims to hold one of the oldest continuous pub licences, granted in 1868 when a two-storey private dwelling was converted to a drinking house.

The bluestone coaching house Mac's Hotel in Franklin Street has been operating since 1853.

In 1930 The Argus noted no other pub was like it.

The selling agents Kristian Peatling and Warwick Bramich say its current net annual income is $430,000 plus GST.

It's being offered with a long-term lease.