High tea began as a traditional part of the day during the 1700s where British people treated themselves to an elaborate snacking session, usually between the hours of 3.00pm and 4.00pm.
These days, it’s a lot less rigid but no less enjoyable, especially in Melbourne. A cup of tea, a delicious piece of cake and a relaxing chat with friends. — these are things that can help you relax and re-energise for the rest of the day.
For international students, experiencing high tea in Melbourne is a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s food culture. A regular high tea includes cakes, sandwiches and small snack bites accompanied with tea or even alcoholic drinks. So where should you go for high tea in Melbourne?
Hopetoun Tea Room
Monday – Friday (8.00am – 5.00pm) | The Block Arcade (282 Collins St, Melbourne)
If you want to experience how people had high tea in the past, Hopetoun Tea Room is the best option for you.
Located inside the Block Arcade, near the intersection of Elizabeth St and Collins St, this beautiful spot is decked out in beautiful Victorian-style architecture. It’s hard to miss this gorgeous location as the restaurant boasts a huge display window which full of sweets.
Hopetoun’s sweet treats can be purchased for takeaway if you so wish but just be wary that the dining experience here can get pricey. High tea at Hopetoun is valued at $55 per person but if its crowds and ongoing popularity is anything to go by, you’ll probably find it’s worth your money.
Bookings are essential if you want to find a spot so make sure you do that ahead of time!
For more information, visit Hopetoun Tea Room’s official website.
NGV Tea Room
Monday – Friday (10.00am – 5.00pm) | National Gallery of Victoria (Level 1, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne)
If you’re after an afternoon of fine dining, why not go that extra mile and be a truly sophisticated by enjoying tea with a side of art?
That’s right, you can enjoy sweet treats and take in the sights of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) at its very own tea room! Located inside the gallery itself, the NGV’s Team Room promises delicious food and beautiful artwork for all to admire.
If that isn’t enough, the simple fragrance of flower tea should be enough to pull you in.
If you’re a member at the NGV, this high tea package will set you back at $58 per person. Non-members are charged $65 per person.
To learn more about the NGV’s Tea Room, visit the official website!
High Tea at the Cinema Nova
Weekends only (Various times, depending on the film) | 380 Lygon St, Carlton
Not really into looking at sculptures and paintings? Pair your high tea experience with a film instead!
Carlton’s very own Cinema Nova is the ideal choice for those of you who want to kick back and enjoy a movie. Special high tea screenings are usually reserved for new release films and patrons can expect to be served a course meal which includes cakes, sandwiches, tea or bubbly. If you have a specific dietary requirement, simply let staff know either on the day of your high tea screening or during booking.
High tea is only available on the weekends at Cinema Nova and is valued at $45. This includes the price of admission into the movie screening as well.
More on the High Tea experience at Cinema Nova can be found at its official website.
This story was produced by Media and Communication students at Trinity College Foundation Studies as part of Meld’s community newsroom collaboration. Education institutions, student clubs/societies and community groups interested in being involved can get in touch with us via meld@meldmagazine.com.au.