MISS MARPLE'S TEA ROOM

382 Mt. Dandenong-Tourist Road               
Sassafras VIC 

http://www.missmarples.com.au/

Named after the fictional Agatha Christie detective, Miss Marple’s Tea Rooms wouldn’t look out of place in a stereotypical English village.  Fortunately for us it is located a little bit closer to home at Sassafras, in the heart of Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges.

Many come for Devonshire tea but on a midweek visit with hubby and Miss Three, we decided to go for an early lunch.  We arrived early as no bookings are taken, although they will put your name on a waiting list if they are full.

The interior of the room is charmingly lit by antique wall lamps with numerous pictures of Miss Marples herself lining the walls.  Shelves covered in various styles of tea pots line the awnings and there are house brand jams and tea available for sale.  An open fireplace burns at one end of the room and the waitresses are dressed as maids in black tunic style dresses with white aprons.

It’s all very quaint and definitely aimed at the tourists but those that like a little nostalgia should enjoy the experience.  On the downside, it is not licensed and the menu is somewhat limited.  They’re certainly not pushing the culinary envelope but that is not what Miss Marples is about.  It’s about settling in, relaxing and enjoying the experience.

WE ORDERED
Hubby and I ordered the Quiche Lorraine (Egg & Bacon) - Served with "hot" chipped potatoes & garden salad.

Despite not being listed, our waitress informed us of a Children’s Menu from which Miss Three ordered the standard Chicken Nuggets & Chips!

For dessert we all shared a Vicar’s Folly - A delicious congregation of butterscotch ice-cream, honeycomb pieces, chocolate, whipped cream and caramel fudge.

WE THOUGHT
Servings were generous and I enjoyed the Quiche Lorraine which had a thick pastry crust rather than the usual crumb type crusts that are often found on a quiche.  Hubby found his a bit oily for his liking. 

Past experience has taught us always to share desserts at Miss Marples and there were no complaints this time around.  It was good value for money and enough to feed the three of us...you can’t really go wrong!

WE LIKED
Pretty much everything.  The service was warm and friendly and the atmosphere cosy and inviting.  Those who visit during late June and July can also try the Christmas in July menu.

WE DISLIKED
The tables here are too close together.  Be prepared for a bit of a squeeze and those with prams/strollers can forget it.

WILL WE RETURN
It might not be to everyone’s cup of tea but it’s all about the experience rather than the food at Miss Marples.  We’ll definitely be back.

8/10