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Imagine walking into an Agatha Christie novel, decked out with floral tablecloths and curtains, doilies and endless pictures of one of her most famous characters, Miss Marple. 

Set in a purpose-built Tudor style building, this restaurant was established in 1982 Miss Marple’s English Tearoom. She was shrewd and sharp in her pursuit of the truth, loved a good gossip and was partial to a good cup of tea. 

If you’ve got time for a bit of a drive, take yourself up to Sassafras while it’s warm, the air is so clear up there – it’s just delightful. 

There’s something about Sassafras that takes you to another world far away from Melbourne. Old cottages, unique shops and fresh organic food stalls; it’s a treasure hunter’s paradise. As you wander through the village shops, you’re sure to need a warm cup of tea, and nowhere else but the renowned Miss Marple’s Tearoom.

There is actually quite an extensive menu and the choices ooze nostalgia – lime spider took me right back to childhood. 

The first chapter … to start with I had the soup of the day, cauliflower soup topped with artful cream. It was perfectly smooth and creamy and even my soup-hating friend I took with me thoroughly enjoyed it.

Controversial next choice and a question first – do you think pineapple belongs on pizza? What about on one of Miss Marple’s Famous Fingers – open toasted sandwiches? 

I just had to try the chicken, cheese and pineapple fingers as a lover of a Hawaiian pizza, this was right up my alley. 

But my favourite thing on their menu might sound quite simple but is really perfectly simple, and not on accident. Champagne ham, English cheddar and chutney fingers. Like your perfect ham and cheese toasty but even better because the open sandwich means the cheese browns gorgeously on top and the chutney oozes underneath.

Delightful and reminded me, alongside my lime spider of an elevated version of my favourite after school snack. Topped with the nineties favourite, alfalfa.

Then, for the second chapter I had to try one of Miss Marple’s most iconic dishes in the Ploughman’s lunch – salad, cheese, pickle and crusty rolls, for a little more you can add cold meats. Honestly, given the amount of iconic dishes on their menu I looked longingly around as I ate my salad as the crumply Pimlico Pastie, quiche lorraine, cottage pie, fish and chips but my eyes were bigger than my tummy. 

Their scones is obviously one of their signature dishes too, when I heard they did a gluten-free option.

Remember they don’t take bookings, so put your name on their waiting list, have a drive around and enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in Victoria.

It’s worth the wait!

Miss Marple’s Tearoom

382 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road

Sassafras