Image Credit: Victor Harbor Regional Gallery
With all the craziness of 2026, we’re making an official call to action to bring back the art of a good old cuppa. And we’ve found just the place to make our case, as they’re serving it up just the way nan intended.
The Granite Tea Rooms has reopened next door to the Victor Harbor Regional Gallery, dishing up proper Devonshire tea with scones, jam, cream, a pot of tea and fine china worthy of lifting your pinky.
Located at 7A Railway Terrace, right across from Victor Harbor’s railway station, the building is fittingly a bit of an old girl herself. Built in 1905, she originally operated as a tea room early last century, while her neighbour, the old bakery, has been home to the Victor Harbor Regional Gallery for the past 20 years.
That bakery is actually where this whole story begins.
Owner Doug McLaren has always had an interest in restoring heritage buildings, and bought both buildings back in 1993 after being drawn to the beautiful original wood-fired baker’s oven, which is still there today.
It’s a lovely reminder that people have been coming here for something warm, freshly baked and made by the community for a very long time.
However, bringing it back to life took a little longer than a steep. Doug has spent the past five years painstakingly restoring the tea rooms, working to bring them back to their original state.
“Challenges include sourcing authentic materials and features… One decision Doug has made is to expose the original stone north wall of the adjoining gallery, which was previously covered,” explained Kate from the Victor Harbor Regional Gallery.
“A rewarding moment was the discovery of a pencil signature of Tom Price, Premier of South Australia, dated September 17th, 1905, hidden behind an old door jamb!”
The heritage touches carry on outside, too.
Out in the courtyard, the original well has been uncovered, while an original cast-iron gas lamp post from Port Elliot’s main street (which still runs on gas) now stands proudly. Back inside, keep an eye out for the leadlight window, made by a local Port Elliot leadlighter from a design by gallery artist Althea Holmes.
Step inside and you’re welcomed into the cosy atmosphere of a traditional tea room, with wooden tables set with delicately decorated china plates, cups and saucers.
On the menu are Devonshire teas with homemade scones, jam and cream, alongside a selection of cakes, including gluten-free options.
“Our teas are T2 loose-leaf teas served in a pot,” Kate explained, with English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Peppermint, Melbourne Breakfast, China Jasmine and Chai all on offer.
Image Credit: Victor Harbor Regional Gallery
Not a tea drinker? There’s also coffee, hot chocolate, pressed juices and smoothies.
And whether you take your tea with sugar or without, a trip to the tea rooms is made a little sweeter knowing it operates as a not-for-profit community space in partnership with the gallery. Gallery members and local volunteers are the ones pouring the tea, so every scone supports something good.
The gallery itself is run by a co-operative of local artists, showcasing work from across the Fleurieu Peninsula in all kinds of mediums. With a new artist exhibition every month, plus handmade gifts, cards and artisan pieces to browse, you might come for a scone and leave with a painting.
“Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people delighted to see the tearooms brought back to life,” said Kate.
“Visitors to the newly opened tearooms have been amazed by the transformation.”
So make a day of it. Ride the Cockle Train, wander the historic streets, then settle in for a cuppa. Because we’d argue that when things feel a little out of hand, a step back in time and a warm cuppa might be all you need.
Granite Tea Rooms
Where: Victor Harbor Regional Gallery, 7A Railway Terrace, Victor Harbor SA 5211
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4pm
For more information, click here.
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