Stroll through Block Arcade and you cannot miss Hopetoun team rooms. There is always a line of people waiting patiently - or not so patiently - for their seats. The window lures you in with a display of numerous sweet tarts and cakes, taunting you to queue up, too.  

You will feel like a queen in here, or make someone feel like one. Are you an English lady or a French one? There are enough tea and cake selections for both.

J and I were lucky not to have had to wait too long, but as soon as we were in the line outside got longer and longer... Perhaps you shouldn't sit so close to the window, with all these people watching your plates and wondering when you will leave so they can take your place. 

Where there's tea, there's hope. I enjoyed the Colonville tea, a blend of French vanilla and black Vietnamese tea. Don't forget to check out the daily specials, as well. J had soup of the day and it looked amazing. 

Hopetoun Tea Rooms

282 Collins Street, Melbourne

Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

Sun 9am-5pm