The Tea Rooms 1892: a taste of elegance in Melbourne CBD
The Tea Rooms 1892 sits inside Melbourne’s Block Arcade, and walking in still catches people off guard. The mosaic floors, the etched glass roof, the sense that you’ve stepped into another century entirely. It’s one of the best places in the CBD for high tea, and it’s easy to see why it’s held onto that reputation for so long.
High Tea Melbourne: The Tea Rooms 1892
The Tea Rooms 1892 has gone by other names over the years, including the Hoptoun Tea Rooms, and its history runs deep.
The Block Arcade itself was built after fire destroyed the original building on the site in 1889, and its design drew on Milan’s Galleria Vittorio. The Italian mosaic floors, the glass roof, the dome overhead — all of it was built to impress, and more than a century later, it still does.
The tea rooms have their own story within that story. They were originally run by the Victorian Ladies’ Work Association and named after Lady Hopetoun, wife of Victoria’s Governor and later Australia’s first Governor-General. In the 1890s, this was the place to be seen. The outfits have changed since then, but the ritual of sitting down for high tea here hasn’t.
Related reading: Parliament House High Tea: we didn’t want to leave!
Terrie’s review
Recently my eldest daughter gifted me a “High Tea” in the Block Arcade Tea Rooms. Firstly, how awesome is the Block Arcade? Just wandering around in this building is a treat. To think it is about 133 years old is mind-boggling to me. I can imagine the ladies and gents of long ago getting all dressed up for a day in town!
We seem to dress more casually these days, but a good pair of walking shoes over dressy high heels is the only option for this over-70 girl now anyway! The Tea Rooms were absolutely delightful. The service was excellent, the room was decorated beautifully. The tables were close together so I would imagine if you were in a wheelchair you would need to be in the arcade aisle. Not quite as intimate as being in the Tea Rooms but the Arcade is so beautiful itself.
I found the food absolutely divine and was surprised at seeing a full-page menu just for tea choices. I chose Earl Grey which was the best I’ve ever had, as well as Earl Grey with rose petals which I also loved. The three-tiered plates held lots of inviting morsels and were quite filling. When the scones arrived, we only had room for one, but the leftover was boxed nicely for us to take home.
It is a good idea to book in advance. For those who hadn’t booked, there was quite a queue waiting for a table to become available. I noticed several ladies come in on their own for a light lunch and cuppa with cake.
It has such a lovely atmosphere and the food was fresh and delicious. Loved being served real tea leaves in real teapots and delicate teacups and saucers. A High Tea might look quite expensive to some people, however it is such a treat, especially if your adult children look after you. 🙂
– Terrie
A decadent High Tea experience.
Head Chef Indika Rajapaksha and his team have put real thought into the high tea menu at The Tea Rooms 1892, and it shows.
The classic three-tiered stand arrives loaded with savoury and sweet. There are quiches, gourmet roast beef sandwiches, and Tea Rooms pin wheels with Tasmanian smoked salmon. The chicken liver pâté with chestnut biscuits is worth ordering for that alone.
On the sweet side, expect a rotating selection of petits fours alongside fresh seasonal fruit, and no high tea here would be complete without the scones — served warm, with triple berry jam and double cream.
Pair it with your pick of loose-leaf teas, coffee, or a glass of bubbly if you’re celebrating something. Either way, it’s a proper afternoon out in the middle of the CBD.
Breakfast and lunch with a touch of sophistication
High tea isn’t the only reason to visit. The Tea Rooms 1892 also serves breakfast and lunch, both worth knowing about if you’re planning a day in the Block Arcade.
Breakfast options include the Tea Rooms Big Breakfast and the Bay of Islands eggs with Tasmanian smoked salmon. If you’d rather start the day with something sweet, the French crêpes with berries and lemon curd are a good call.
Lunch holds its own too. The seafood linguini comes with prawns, scallops, and clams in a lemon white wine sauce, and the sandwiches are built with proper fillings — think roast beef sirloin on dark rye, or dill cream cheese with smoked salmon.
Tidbits for your visit to The Tea Rooms 1892
- Not overly hungry? Just enjoy afternoon tea with something from the iconic cake window;
- If you’re an Earl Grey tea lover, this is the best Earl Grey we’ve ever tasted, you’ve got to try it;
- Reservations are essential for the High Tea, while walk-ins are welcome for the à la carte menu. Be prepared for long lines at peak meal times without a reservation;
- While tea and coffee are included in the High Tea, you can purchase a glass of wine or bubbly to complete the special treat;
- Takeaway containers are offered for any leftover food you’d like to take home;
- Accessibility: There’s a small step at the entrance to Tea Rooms 1892, and the interior can feel a bit tight for wheelchair users. If you need more space, opt for a table outside in the arcade. An accessible toilet is available within the arcade—just ask staff for the entry code. You’ll also find accessible tram stops right outside on Collins Street.
- Gluten-free, vegetarian, and pescatarian options are available—be sure to inform staff when booking;
- A 10% surcharge applies on weekends, 20% on public holidays, and a 1.2% fee on card payments;
- Need a celebration cake? Order in advance for pickup two days later;
- The venue is perfect for gatherings, especially over High Tea (bookings essential of course!); and;
- If make a booking, please mention Seniors in Melbourne — it helps us connect with more great businesses to share with you.
- Situated in Melbourne’s CBD, the Tea Rooms are 300 metres from Flinders Street Station and easily accessible via the tram network.
The Tea Rooms 1982
Located in: The Block Arcade
Address: Shops 1 & 2 The Block Arcade, Collins St, Melbourne, 3000
Open daily. Find the menu here.
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