Overview
Located within the marvellously opulent Block Arcade, The Tea Room 1892 (formerly the Hopetoun Tea Rooms) projects class, decadence, style and fun — with lavish wallpaper, impossibly attractive cakes and five-star service. This is one of the premier high tea experiences in Melbourne, and having opened way back in 1892, it is the oldest in the country. This is old-world fun steeped in nostalgia. Think fine bone china, hanging chandeliers and opulent mirrors with belle-epoque and art-nouveau influences.
The high tea experience here comes served on an elegant three-tiered stand and is curated by head chef Indika Rajapaksha. The savoury offerings change every now and then but may include a quiche Lorraine, roast beef sandwiches with pickled gherkins and mayonnaise, tea room pinwheels with Tasmanian smoked salmon, avocado and dill, chicken liver patés and a vegetarian quiche. It is rounded out by an assortment of signature petit fours for something sweet, as well as fresh fruit and freshly baked scones with triple berry jam. High tea comes with a choice of either tea, coffee or soft drink, while alcoholic beverages are available at an extra cost.
Robert Blackburn for Visit Victoria
There are separate breakfast, lunch and drinks menus, too, with brekkie including French classics such as croque monsieur, brioche de raisin, fresh berry crepes with whipped cream and omelettes. For lunch, enjoy entrecôtes, crispy chicken leek salad, a seafood linguine with sautéed prawns, scallops and fresh fish, as well as a side of fries.
If you need something to quench your thirst, the drinks list at The tea Rooms 1892 includes an assortment of coffees, as well as iced drinks such as moccas and fresh juices. The organic tea list is impressive, with flavours such as Bolivian Green, Darjeeling, Goji Acai, Lemon Myrtle and Ginger and Organic Mint. If you're planning for your lunch to get a little boozy, there are sparkling, white and red wine options, including a buttery Yarra Valley chardonnay.
Jesse Hisco for Visit Victoria
Top image: Robert Blackburn for Visit Victoria
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