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Hours
Mon
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$4.00 – $27.00
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
At Hopetoun we honour our rich 131 years of History, celebrate the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea, and provide a beautifully elegant setting for our guests to create indulgent, cherished memories. A remarkable transformation is underway in the historic Kozminsky Building at 421 Bourke Street. Re-opening summer 2023. Bookings for Afternoon Tea service will be released soon. In the meantime, our sumptious cakes and exquisite teas can be enjoyed at our artisan Bake Shop & Tea Co Emporium located just down the quaint McKillop Street laneway. Hopetoun Bakeshop now open at 20-22 McKillop Street, Melbourne.
PRICE RANGE
$4.00 – $27.00
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
2,282 reviews
Excellent
1,482
Very good
527
Average
185
Poor
58
Terrible
30
Robyn B
Melbourne25 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
These tea rooms are located in Melbourne’s CBD in the Block Arcade off Collins Street. They were established in 1892. It is open for breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. They also do a High Tea, but is by reservation only.
The tea rooms still retain their olde wordly décor and atmosphere. The menu offers a selection of sandwiches, do try the pinwheels (unfortunately they are not available on weekends or public holidays), a more substantial lunch and a variety of beverages, both hot and cold; there are many different flavours of tea on offer and tea is served in a pot and comes with a small jug of milk and silver tea strainer – no teabags here!
If it’s something sweet you are after there is a vast selection of cakes and tarts to choose from, all displayed in the front window.
These tea rooms are very popular so be prepared to queue for a table, but it’s worth the wait for a unique experience.
There is a surcharge payable on weekends, public holidays and if paying by credit card, and they do not split bills.
The Block Arcade – if you are going to visit the Hopetoun Tea Rooms do take time to wander through this beautiful arcade which is home to many different shops that have been modernised but still retain the original facades. The arcade boasts an elaborate pattern of mosaic floor tiles and a beautiful dome ceiling – well worth a visit.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather87
760 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Steeped in over 100 years of history, Hopetoun tearooms is the go-to place if you’re looking for a traditional English tearoom. You can actually do a traditional high tea with the cake stands but be warned: friends of mine have previously tried to book for one only to learn there’s a wait of several months!
On the subject of waiting, also be warned: this is not the place to go if you’re looking for a casual ‘in and out’ meal. I met with my friends at 11:30 AM on a Saturday and the line was already a dozen or more people long. We were lucky we only had a 10 minute wait; if you show up later, especially between 12 and 1, you could be in for a long wait.
As for the food, it’s simply divine! The piece de resistance of Hopetoun Tearooms is their select of cakes; there’s a display in the window, which is forever changing, and can be described as exquisite. There are, however, other things including a variety of sandwiches, Welsh rarebit, pinwheels, crepes and other hot food. There’s also a ploughmen’s lunch, which is reported by wait staff to be highly sought after. I personally ordered the sandwich tasting platter and was impressed by the presentation, freshness of the bread and the quality of the ingredients; also, they’re quite generous with quantities.
One thing that I wasn’t impressed with: the staff with their tendency to be pushy. Unlike other tea rooms where one is treated like an honoured guest, customers are hurried through as if they’re on a fixed timetable. We were finishing up our mains when we had staff coming over asking us now did we want dessert, did we want this, did we want that; they seemed unimpressed when we said we probably would but hadn’t decided. They barely waited 5 minutes to ask again and no sooner had I finished my last mouthful, a bill was slapped on our table. Apparently lingering to chat is not well tolerated. For this reason, I’ve subtracted a star from my overall rating.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdeDailey
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • none
This was suggested to us by a family member and it was well worth the price for the high tea. Absolutely stunning food in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Would definitely recommend to anyone. It's well worth making a booking if you can, as one weekends the line is massive.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona K
Kingaroy115 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
My mum and I booked in for High Tea yesterday and upon arriving at the tearooms we were greeting by friendly staff who showed us to our table and then explained the process.
The decor is was beautiful.
When the food and drinks arrived the presentation was so pretty and we didn't want to eat it!
Throughout the 2 hour sitting the staff checked on a number of times to see if there was anything we needed and they even took a couple photos of us.
We have already put this experience on the list for our next visit to Melbourne 😍
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Offthegrid
South Perth250 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
very expensive. Sandwiches selection platter (4 pcs) the best I’ve ever tasted. Raspberry tart not sweet at all so good for people that aren’t a sweet tooth. The daily special iced tea was great, no sugar added but had fresh fruit in it. You do have to queue, but it moves quickly.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivien De Graaf
Melbourne196 contributions
Dec 2019 • friends
Really good coffee and the tea rooms are stunning. we always go early to avoid the line who wishers 5o experience something special. The array of cakes are stunni g 5o the eye and scrumptious to the palette. l always enjoy picking up my interstate girlfriends and then wowing them with a memorable cuppa at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PasMia
81 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
My partner and I went for tea and cake after lunch. We had the daily special - pistachio cake with raspberries and apricots, and the chocolate and fig tart.
The tart was very good, full of taste and the chocolate was delicious.
The pistachio cake was outstanding. Just perfect everything. And the serving was generous, it could have been a plate for 2 (maybe it was?! It was also more pricey than the other cake)
Last thing : the place is busy - we had to wait for 10 minutes or so but once we got in we could see the line getting longer. It is worth it. And also it gives you time to decide which one of these amazing looking cakes you want.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy L
Toronto25 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
This tea room is located in an expensive mall in the CBD. I deliberately come because I was searching for a place in the CBD that makes great pavlova as I want to try an Aussie pavlova first hand. Since this tea room opens morning and afternoon only I ended up having a slice of pavlova for breakfast. It was heavenly. This tea room also makes another Aussie dessert called the Lamington (coconut cake with chocolate). The waitresses recommended the black forest cake to the man at the next table. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the desserts. While there we saw some tables set up with a tablecloth and I found out that those tables are reserved for customers who opted for high tea. I am amazed that at 10:30 in the morning there were at least 3 tables having high tea. It is a cozy place with a tea room decor. It is a bit pricey though but worth the treat.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarringtonFS
5 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We had a fabulous afternoon High Tea @ The Hopetoun Tea Rooms celebrating my partners birthday.
The food was amazing & the service sublime.
We have been to the Hopetoun Tea Rooms many times & it is a pleasure to highly recommend the venue to others.
Beautiful cakes,great ambience & Kelly & her team are to be congratulated on their exceptional service & hospitality
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina D
Melbourne179 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
This is an absolute must do when in Melbourne town. Just standing outside and looking in, is like a child looking in the window of a candy store. The display and array of sweet wonders will thrill the most fussy connoisseur of sweet treats and fancies. You may well have to line up, but trust me it's always worth the wait. I have one very important question for Hopetoun Tea Rooms, when, when, when, are you opening up another beautiful cafe in Melbourne town. Trust me, Melbourne can more than handle it and would be forever grateful. Thank you for your consistent quality, variety and lovely service.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becca0850
Brisbane16 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I recently had a glorious piece of black forest cake and a delicious cappuccino for afternoon tea on my birthday is this stunning little tea room in Melbourne. The service was amazing, the food and coffee was perfect, and it helped make my birthday that much more special. Don't be put off by the queue outside - it's worth it!
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eagle99au
Adelaide217 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
If you love cake, this is the place to visit. And they have a comprehensive selection of teas to accompany the delicious and fresh cakes on offer. Other drinks are on offer as well and there is also a High Tea option which looks spectacular.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr. Mario C
Perth325 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We were recommended to visit this tea rooms. Beautiful old premises. We had to line up and wait but it was well worth it. The service was excellent and we ordered the club sandwich and they were delicious. We normally drink coffee but tried tea Bards Tempest English Breakfast and Dahl House Ginger and Peach of course with Scones jam and cream. They were great. Recommend that this tea room should be part of your Melbourne Trip.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atippet
Horsham5 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
My husband and I have always enjoyed in a Hopetoun Tearoom experience when visiting Melbourne. Last year he turned 70 so it was decided to add the High Tea adventure to his special day with a gift voucher. What a memorable experience.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaqueline P
Bournemouth208 contributions
Nov 2019 • none
Very traditional tearoom which also does lunch time light dishes. Excellent table service with fine china and beautifully presented cakes and desserts which are delicious and melt in the mouth. A real treat.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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