Heritage-priced coffee from a heritage Melbourne tram

A newly launched tram café at William Angliss Institute’s Melbourne city campus is not only a unique addition to the CBD’s culinary landscape, but also a hands-on training ground for aspiring hospitality students.

Unveiled in December by the Minister for Skills and TAFE and Regional Development, Gayle Tierney, the tram café, nestled at 555 La Trobe St (between Spencer and King streets), is set to resume operations for 2024 on January 8, welcoming Melburnians from 8am to 3pm every weekday.

What sets this café apart for local workers, residents, and students is not just its historical charm but also its great coffee, starting at just $3.50.

In an era where prices seem to be skyrocketing, this nod to the retired tram’s bygone days makes it a must-visit spot for tourists, transportation enthusiasts, coffee aficionados, and locals alike.

Transformed from a meticulously restored heritage SW5 class carriage, the tram café boasts dining seating for 16 and a versatile dining zone, providing space for various student and partner events.

Beyond the allure of its charming exterior, this training facility is designed to offer practical experience to cookery and hospitality students, complementing the institute’s existing culinary spaces like Angliss Restaurant and Angliss Bistro.

Tourism and event management students will also benefit from hands-on exposure to business operations, marketing, and event delivery.

As the café reopens for the new year, patrons can enjoy both dine-in and take-away services for coffee and beverages, with a selection of student-made patisserie and bakery products hitting the counters once the semester kicks off in February.

Throughout the year, visitors will actively support the institute’s students in foods, tourism, hospitality, and events, as they manage the café as part of their learning journey. The distinctive space will also be made available for community hire, paving the way for imaginative pop-up events.

“As tourism experts, we’re delighted to have such an iconic piece of Melbourne on campus and to bring it to new life as a hospitality venue benefiting students and visitors. With this unique training space, students will be exposed to new challenges and opportunities, preparing them for their future careers,” William Angliss Institute CEO Nicholas Hunt said.

Situated in the courtyard of the foods, tourism, hospitality, and events training school, the tram café, formerly known as number 764 tram, will be visible from the City Circle tram, facing La Trobe St and recalling the nostalgia of its days traveling the number 30 route.

For more information: angliss.edu.au