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. Eventually, the practice caught on among the working class as a post-lunch energy boost to keep them full until the end of the work day while supper was being prepared.
Today, High Tea is a highly-favoured theme for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, christenings 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 three of our faves:
Stylish Restaurant & Patisserie
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 at Bottega’s High Tea event celebrating the art of tea with a touch of Italian flair – enjoy a delectable selection of savoury and housemade patisserie sweet treats from delicate finger sandwiches to freshly baked scones, jam and cream every day of the week, accompanied by a glass of Chandon Brut.
Panoramic Views & High Tea
The JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa on Ferny Avenue in Surfers Paradise offers a superior level of comfort, panoramic views and award-winning cuisine to locals and visitors alike. Meeting the needs of multi-generational travellers, guests enjoy a range of options with 200 ocean and mountain view rooms, plus an additional 23 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing each room in ample light.
Head to Chapter & Verse Bar and Lounge for a cheeky cocktail, light snack, or treat your special someone to a High Tea experience like no other – pair an ice-cold glass of bubbles with scones, jam and cream, savoury finger sandwiches and mini bao buns, along with a decadent selection of sweet treats.
Escape the City for High Tea
Experience fresh wholesome food complemented by natural scenery as loved ones come together at The Vintage Secret Garden on Galston Road in Galston. Escape the city and enter this secret garden to hear birds chirping and the calming sounds of the water fountain in a unique setting at this cute Sydney café, whether dining indoors at white-clothed tables or alfresco among the lush grounds.
Celebrate weddings, bridal and baby showers, birthdays or just a day out with High Tea in the private house function room and delve into a three-tier stand laden with sweet delicacies baked on site, savoury tempters and finger sandwiches; add a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, along with your choice of loose leaf tea, iced tea or juice.
