Let’s Get the Par-Tea Started at these 5 High Tea Destinations

Have you ever been invited to a High Tea event but were not sure what to wear or even what happens at one?

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 Mother’s Day 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:

 

There are bold South-east Asian flavours on the menu along with amazing homeware and fashion at Bali-inspired Chinta Café on Scarborough Beach Road in North Perth. Chill out among potted palms, cane furniture, statues and umbrellas with an Absolut Tom Yum cocktail and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this oasis of calm, ideal for catch-ups with family and friends.

Treat Mum to morning tea from Monday to Thursday and devour sweet and savoury bites served on a three-tier stand, along with your choice of tea, coffee or juice; you can add a glass of bubbles, cocktail or mocktail to make the occasion extra special.

With a contemporary, Modern Australian menu highlighting the finest locally sourced ingredients, complemented by impeccable service, Lyrebird Restaurant is the perfect place to start your evening at QPAC in Brisbane’s South Bank Cultural Precinct. Nestled alongside vibrant Cascade Court, relax and enjoy the surroundings while taking in a curated collection of contemporary indigenous artwork.

Enjoy a delicious touch of elegance with a handcrafted high tea and delve into a superb selection of house-baked scones, jam and cream, finger sandwiches, savoury pastries, petit fours, tea or coffee; add a glass of bubbles and you are all set for your matinee show at QPAC.

 

Discover a hidden oasis in the heart of Barangaroo where culinary excellence and sustainability come together to create a truly unforgettable experience at Bottega Coco on Barangaroo Avenue. This stylish restaurant and patisserie encapsulate the essence of Italy while showcasing the best of Sydney’s gastronomic scene in elegant surrounds of banquette and booth seating, softly glowing lights and cabinets overflowing with sweet temptations.

Elegance meets indulgence every day with Bottega’s high tea experience – step into a charming haven that transports you to the heart of Italy and devour a delectable selection of savouries and housemade patisserie sweet treats inspired by Italian gastronomy.

 

Celebrating a shared passion for food, wine and a promise to constantly evolve, Signature restaurant is the pinnacle of Emporium Hotel Southbank's culinary collection. Located on Grey Street, this venue boasts a 150-year-old stained glass window, blush pink and burnt orange tones, a backlit white onyx bar and bespoke furniture, while more than 1000 handblown glass balls crown a range of design features.

Indulge this Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12 with a delectable high tea at Signature restaurant where every Mum will receive an Emporium gift along with savouries, sweets and more; add on a glass of Champagne or rosé for an extra special celebration.

Just 15 minutes from Adelaide, overlooking the rolling patchwork of Piccadilly Valley, is Mount Lofty House, home to Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant. An elegant atmosphere awaits, styled with true refinement and opulence, where intimate seating is set with white linens, a dark oak bar, open fireplace and ambient lighting, creating a welcoming space where diners can expect magnificent views as an accompaniment to their culinary experience.

Hardy’s high tea experience transcends the traditional offering – immerse yourself in opulence as you savour exquisitely crafted pastries, delicate finger sandwiches and the finest loose-leaf teas. Bookings are essential, head to the website to reserve your table.