High Tea in Melbourne CBD

Getting High Tea Right

Collins Street and Spring St each hold a long-running high tea in the middle of the city. The Tea Rooms 1892 fill shops in the Block Arcade, under a glass roof above mosaic floors, with emerald patterned wallpaper and cake cabinets in the window. Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor is served in the One Eleven dining room of a hotel that opened in 1883, next to the Princess Theatre.

On the stands and in the cups:

Savouries at The Tea Rooms 1892: quiche Lorraine, roast beef on dark rye with horseradish mayonnaise and smoked salmon pinwheels.
Sweets at The Tea Rooms 1892: house petits fours, fresh fruit and berries, and scones with triple berry jam and double cream.
At the Windsor: tiered stands with specialty teas and coffee, plus a dessert buffet and chocolate fountain at weekends.
For younger guests: the Windsor's children's stand leans on Golden Gaytime, Wagon Wheels and Vegemite.
To drink: tea, coffee, soft drink or juice at the Tea Rooms, with wine or bubbles on offer since it is licensed.

Private celebrations lean towards the Windsor, which hosts afternoon tea parties in two heritage dining rooms, while The Tea Rooms 1892 suit a table of family or friends, with bigger groups arranged by email.

Bridal and baby showers: the Windsor's private parties start with French sparkling wine, and the Tea Rooms 1892 take larger showers by email.
Milestone birthdays: the Windsor's chandeliered room seats up to 80 under gilt-framed art and an antique mirror.
Anniversaries: the Winston Room, the Windsor's original dining room with tall windows, takes up to 50.
A morning out with grandparents: the Tea Rooms' 9am sitting gives an early start in a period room.

Before you book

The Tea Rooms 1892 start From $75 per person, with a lower price for children up to 10 booked with an adult.
Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor starts From $89 per person, rising at weekends.
Windsor stands can be vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or pregnancy-suited; the Tea Rooms do gluten-free, vegetarian and pescatarian.
The Windsor asks for smart casual dress, and the Tea Rooms take full payment at the time of booking.

Common Questions About High Tea Suppliers

How long is a high tea sitting in the CBD?

Two hours at both. The Tea Rooms 1892 start sittings at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, and The Hotel Windsor serves from noon, Wednesday to Sunday.

Can we have the Winston Room to ourselves?

Yes – it is one of the two heritage rooms The Hotel Windsor uses for private afternoon tea parties, taking up to 50. The other, a chandeliered room, takes up to 80. Reservations open 150 days ahead.

Is there a vegan high tea option?

The Hotel Windsor's pastry team can prepare a vegan stand if you note it when booking. The Tea Rooms 1892 can't meet vegan, dairy-free or halal requests.

Can I book a big group at The Tea Rooms 1892 online?

Online bookings go up to eight guests. Larger parties, or times outside the set sittings, are arranged by emailing the team, and bookings close at 4pm the day before.

High Tea in Melbourne CBD

Find the Right High Tea Venue in Melbourne CBD