High Tea is a light meal typically eaten between 3pm and 5pm, served with desserts, cakes and tea sandwiches. Also called afternoon tea, its origin is attributed to Anna Maria, 7th Duchess of Bedford, when she requested tea and light sandwiches late in the afternoon to help tide over her hunger until dinner time.
She also invited her high society friends to join her and the concept became popular among the elite who loved entertaining guests in their drawing rooms.
Today, High Tea is a highly-favoured theme for birthdays and much more – dining at this hour allows you to take things at a leisurely pace, maximising the joys of socialising over the pleasure of food.
All around Australia, every week you can discover a High Tea event to salivate over, here are five of our faves:
Monthly Signature High Tea
Escape the bustle of the city at charming and serene The Balfour Kitchen on Balfour Street in New Farm. Set in a beautiful Queenslander, guests can dine on the verandah, enjoy relaxed gatherings under frangipanis in the courtyard, or cocktails on the rooftop bar, as the sun sets over the Storey Bridge.
Serving edgy modern Vietnamese-inspired cuisine with a French twist, join the fun for a monthly signature High Tea on the verandah or in the frangipani-filled courtyard and delve into sweet treats such as Portuguese tarts, chocolate bonbons and scones with Chantilly cream, berry and apple jam, along with savouries like chicken and mustard brioche, spanner crab tart with avocado mousse and pork terrine with pickled onion.
High Tea on Saturdays
Creating a new and exciting dining experience in Windsor, head to The Church Bar on Kable Street for bistro fare dished up in a renovated church. Bursting with character, this restaurant is the ideal place to dine, sip and unwind with friends among arched windows, wooden tables and metal pendent light fittings; on balmy days enjoy a cocktail alfresco while listening to live music and pondering an extensive menu of classic pub food.
Stop in on Saturdays from 1 pm-4 pm for High Tea for a selection of delicious temptations such as macarons, chocolate fudge brownie, scones, jam and cream, chocolate dipped strawberries and savouries like delicate finger sandwiches, all enjoyed with a tea or coffee of choice, or elevate the experience with a glass of bubbles.
Charming and Serene High Tea Setting
Set in the beautiful Swan Valley, head to The Swans Restaurant & Function Centre on West Swan Road in Henley Brook for Modern Australian food with an Italian twist. A Federation-style façade complete with undercover verandah is the ideal spot to sip an icy glass of wine, while indoors projects an elegant vibe of dark maroon carpet, chandeliers and white-clothed tables.
Providing the best service, delicious food and memorable events, indulge in elegance with a delightful High Tea experience to savour a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, ham and cheese croissants and arancini balls plus an exquisite array of pastries. Pair your treats with a choice of teas, all served in a charming and serene setting.
High Tea Available Daily
Discover the ultimate Adelaide Hills hangout and tourism destination for craft beer, delicious gin, artisan cheese, local wine, tasty food and good times at Grünthal Brew on Mount Barker Road in Verdun. This microbrewery produces Grünthal craft beer, cider and gin, as well as Udder Delights Cheese and Hesketh Wine; while the casual, family-friendly eatery serves Mod Oz fare and delicious pizza ideal for weekend catchups with friends.
Get your Udder Delights Cheese High Tea party started with old favourites mixed with brand new goodies from sweet sensations to savoury surprises available daily for just $65 per person; think chicken ribbon sandwiches with celery and tarragon, quiche, pork and fennel sausage rolls, mixed berry and vanilla cheesecake and dark chocolate and almond cake. Pick from a glass of sparkling wine or a Mimosa to enjoy with your delicious feast.
High Tea by the Murray River
Located on the Murray River at Goolwa Wharf, Hector’s Modern Australian Kitchen combines waterfront views with a contemporary dining experience. On warm days sit alfresco on the heritage-listed wharf and watch all manner of watercraft cruise by; or dine indoors in a nautical vibe of sailboats, paddles, recycled timber floors and shabby chic furniture.
Enjoy three tiers of delectable desserts, sensational savoury snacks, fantastic finger sandwiches and a glass of bubbles at Hectors’ High Tea by the River on Thursday, July 25; the kitchen team loves baking dainty cakes, held ever so elegantly as a cup of English Breakfast tea is sipped from a Chinesque cup.
