High Tea is a light meal typically eaten between 3 pm and 5 pm, 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 weekend you can discover a High Tea event to salivate over, here are five of our faves:
Timeless High Tea Elegance
Greek-inspired food and delicious cocktails have Melburnians returning for fun and frivolity at new restaurant on the Northcote block, Dante on High Street. Pull up a suede stool at the bar and contemplate a cheeky Honey Ginger on Fire cocktail or settle into a cosy table setting with friends for an after-work catch-up and memorable meal.
Indulge in an exquisite afternoon at Dante where the timeless elegance of High Tea blends with the vibrant flavours of Greek cuisine with an array of delectable savoury bites and sweet treats, perfectly paired with a selection for fine tea. From delicate spanakopita to sweet baklava, each bite is a celebration of Greek heritage and culinary artistry; expect tempters like dark chocolate and pistachio kataifi, spinach and ricotta tart, Mediterranean sandwiches and salmon saltine, along with unlimited Champagne if you are in the mood for bubbles.
Monthly High Tea Temptations
Wheelers Seafood Restaurant offers a dining experience full of fresh seafood, swift service and serene views of Merimbula Lake, where their quality oysters are nurtured and grown. Wheelers carefully presents dishes with a signature touch of delicacy, reflected in the flavours of each meal and a seasonal menu showcasing local produce.
Join the monthly High Tea action for a medley of housemade sweet and savoury delights from jams and preserves to cakes, sandwiches and scones sure ignite the senses and tastebuds, accompanied by unlimited tea and coffee, add a glass of bubbles for the ultimate tea party with family and friends.
Share a Tiered High Tea
Enjoy exceptional local food and drinks in a relaxed coastal setting at Marion Storm Maritime Café on Gloucester Avenue in Devonport. Celebrate simple pleasures by the sea at this well-loved café, nestled inside the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, with a sun-drenched outdoor deck overlooking Bass Strait and the Mersey River plus plenty of room for kids and pets to play while you sip a great brew of choice.
For a special occasion, share a tiered High Tea for two with offerings such as lemon curd tart, chocolate caramel mousse cups and carrot walnut cake, along with savouries like pumpkin frittata, chicken point sandwiches, mini pork and fennel rolls and smoked salmon crostini, best enjoyed with a glass of Tassie sparkling wine, pot of tea or coffee.
Mornington Peninsula High Tea Spot
Find a dish to satisfy every taste bud on the menu at popular beachside brunch café, Penny Lane on Point Nepean Road in Dromana. This Mornington Peninsula go-to dining destination exudes a relaxed and inviting vibe making it the ideal place to enjoy a meal with family and friends either alfresco or indoors where colourful artwork covers the walls and cane pendents glow softly overhead.
Daily except for Sunday, delve into High Tea for just $50 per person and enjoy unlimited tea and coffee, assorted sweets and savouries, fruit, cheese and crackers; think macarons, scones, jam and cream, along with cupcakes for the sweet tooth, while salmon and cream cheese blini, delicate finger sandwiches and avocado on toast appease those with a savoury bent.
Oasis of High Tea Greenery
With abundant gardens and relaxing music, the world beyond will be forgotten at Greendays on Ashmore Road in Bundall. Nestled in the Island Emporium, this Gold Coast café is an oasis of greenery ideal for whiling away the hours over a long lunch, high tea or romantic rendezvous among palms, Parisian-style bistro settings and sparkling glassware.
With a stunning pavilion setting, lush gardens and tranquil atmosphere, Greendays is the perfect venue for High Tea, available at any time with 24 hours notice. Expect a French-inspired High Tea with the likes of Princess cake, spiced orange scones, apple tart tatin, Madeleines, spinach choux with creamed eggs, French confit onion vol-au-vent with oven-dried tomato, salmon rillet on house focaccia and poached chicken and pistachio finger sandwiches.
