We couldn’t miss out on the boutique shopping at the historic Block Arcade, and in turn we found ourselves indulging in what is possibly the most bourgeois activity on our trip: having high tea.
Hailing from Singapore, I’m a bit skeptical of years attached to tea brands, no thanks to TWG and Bacha. However, I was pleasantly surprised to know that The Tea Rooms’ history is actually legit!
Fitting of Block Arcade’s History, The Tea Rooms 1892’s iconic cake window has mesmerised with its exquisite displays of delicately crafted cakes and pastries for over a century.
From 1893 until 1907, The Victorian ladies’ Work Association ran a small tea room, previously located under the dome in the Arcade. It became a fashionable spot for ladies to take lunch or afternoon tea. As the popularity of the rooms began to grow, they relocated to their present location where they have remained ever since.
Today, the Block Arcade Tea Rooms 1892 is an iconic facet of the Block Arcade. Frankly, it is very hard to miss.
After all, the fancy display of cakes, sandwiches, and other pastries really glow and entice. That is also why I couldn’t resist the allure of having afternoon tea there!
From the emerald green printed wallpaper, the magnificent etched mirror, the chandeliers and the white and gold fine bone china, you can tell that the tea room has kept most of its architecture and essence intact.
What to order and eat at The Tea Rooms 1982
It’s pretty obvious that most people would come to The Tea Rooms 1982 to have high tea. However, we were unaware the bookings for the high tea set were mandatory due to limited demand.
Hence, we opted to order ala carte instead.
We also severely underestimated the popularity of The Tea Rooms 1982 and could not get a seat inside the tea room itself. Hence, we were ushered to a table along the other shops but near The Tea Rooms 1982. It did kill the overall vibe a little, especially with people walking to and fro staring at us eat.
I can’t remember the exact names of the cakes and tea we ordered, but it was fruit cake and tart paired with black tea.
I had obvious cravings for fruit during my pregnancy (oops) and citrus ranked high on my craving list. Tea-wise, we’ve always preferred bolder tea flavours. I find that the high caffeine content tends to be a lot more palatable, especially in the afternoon.
The amazing plating details and fine bone china used are mainly aesthetic, but I loved them so much! It really elevates the whole experience of having afternoon tea, even if we couldn’t get our hands on the full set.
The cakes were pretty tasty, although I didn’t find them particularly amazing. I appreciated that they didn’t scrimp on the ingredients nor made them cloyingly sweet. They went together nicely with the tea, which I felt was more noteworthy than the pastries!
2025 update: we were back at The Tea Rooms 1982, this time with our 8-month-old baby! We didn’t order the high tea set but I think I ended up ordering the same tea (Earl Grey Lavender) once again.
Cakes included some lemon-flavoured cake, tiramisu, and a chocolate gateau. The first 2 were actually quite delicious but the chocolate gateau was terribly dry, in my opinion.
Is The Tea Rooms 1982 worth visiting?
Paired with the luxurious architecture of Block Arcade, it makes you feel like you’re really having afternoon tea in British high society. I surely didn’t imagine I would be having high tea in Melbourne – thought it would be cup after cup of coffee everyday!
The overall experience was unexpectedly pleasant and I enjoyed the downtime, sipping on tea while reading a book.
I did wish we had managed to book the high tea set though, because I saw some patrons having it and it looked scrumptious. Something to take note of if you’ve your heart set on it!
The Tea Rooms 1892 also offers breakfast and lunch options if you’re feeling peckish. I personally don’t think the menu appeals to me, and I find it a little pricey. But to each their own!
DIRECTIONS
Address: Shops 1 & 2 The Block Arcade, Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
A La Carte: Walk-ins are welcome.
High Tea: Bookings essential.
Monday to Saturday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday and public holidays: 9:00am – 5:00pm
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FAQ: The Tea Rooms 1892 (Block Arcade, Melbourne)
Everything you’ll want to know before you go — bookings, what to order, and how to plan your visit.
The Tea Rooms 1892 is inside Melbourne’s iconic Block Arcade on Collins Street in the CBD (a beautiful historic arcade that’s worth visiting even if you’re just passing through).
The venue is commonly known as The Tea Rooms 1892 (referencing the original tearoom heritage in the Block Arcade). If you’ve seen “1982” online, it’s likely a typo or an older naming mix-up.
If you’re doing High Tea, you’ll usually need a booking (especially on weekends). If you’re visiting for a la carte (cake + tea, breakfast, or lunch), walk-ins are typically welcome — but expect a wait during peak times.
As a general guide, The Tea Rooms 1892 operates around 8:00am–5:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 9:00am–5:00pm on Sundays/public holidays. Hours can change seasonally or for events, so it’s worth checking before your visit.
High Tea is the classic tiered set with savoury bites plus sweets, designed as a full “experience.” A la carte is more flexible — you can drop in for a pot of tea, a slice of cake, scones, or a casual meal without committing to a full set.
If you want the signature “tearoom moment,” go for High Tea. If you’re short on time, the easiest first-timer combo is: choose a cake from the iconic cake window + order a pot of tea. It’s simple, very Melbourne, and feels special without being too heavy.
Yes — the cake display is part of the entire Block Arcade ritual. Even if you don’t dine in, it’s worth stopping to look. If you do dine in, choosing your slice from the window makes the experience feel extra “old Melbourne.”
There’s usually no strict dress code, but people tend to dress a little nicer for High Tea (smart casual). If you’re café hopping in the city, neat casual is totally fine.
It can work for kids, especially for a quick cake-and-drink stop, but the vibe is more “classic tearoom” than “family restaurant.” If you’re bringing little ones, aiming for off-peak hours and shorter visits usually makes things smoother.
Many tearooms can accommodate some dietary needs, but High Tea is the one where you’ll want to note requirements at booking (or call ahead) so the kitchen has time to prepare alternatives. For allergies, it’s always safest to confirm directly with staff before ordering.
For High Tea, plan around 1.5–2 hours so you’re not rushing. For a la carte cake-and-tea, 30–60 minutes is usually enough (unless you’re lingering to admire the arcade and people-watch).
Weekends and school holidays can get busy. If you’re flexible, try weekday mornings, or go earlier in the day. For High Tea, booking ahead is the easiest “no stress” move.
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