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 five of our faves:
Offering a unique blend of art and food on the Gold Coast, discerning diners head to Palette on Bundall Road in Surfers Paradise for a meal to remember. Nestled in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Palette is a place for celebration and entertaining; whether you are looking for a private dining room or an intimate evening with your someone special.
Every Sunday from 11am-4pm, indulge yourself, family and friends with a High Tea, including a glass of Veuve Clicquot and Tavalon Tea and temptations such as white chocolate and cranberry scones, blini with smoked salmon, prawn toast, crème caramel and salted caramel macarons.
Sweeping views of the Mary River and a beautiful historic building await Maryborough locals and visitors at Portside Café & Restaurant on Wharf Street. Nestled inside the original Customs House residence, relax alfresco on the spacious verandah or on the green, overlooking Mary River Parklands and Queens Park; while indoors is warm and inviting promising memorable dining at white-clothed tables.
Choose from three High Tea menus – traditional, Champagne and gluten-free – and indulge the senses with smoked salmon and dill sandwiches, mini quiche, petit fours, freshly baked scones, whipped cream and housemade conserve, tea, Champagne and orange juice.
Elegance and flavour combine in a picturesque waterfront paradise, ideal for enjoying High Tea at Café Balaena on Buccaneer Avenue in Urangan. Soak up stunning views over the marina to Fraser Island at this Hervey Bay café located in the Tourist Terminal, whether stopping in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends.
Expect delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jam and cream along with a sweet treat selection sure to impress, enjoyed with cocktails such as a mango Bellini, or Fruit Tingle – Kahlua, Frangelico, Malibu, crem and chocolate.
Find the place where great stories start with a drink at The Fox Hole on Erskine Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. This relaxed yet stylish watering hole and eatery offers more than 100 different gins, the finest whiskeys and incredible cocktails in moody surrounds of wooden ceiling beams, exposed brick and softly glowing bulb lighting.
On Saturday and Sunday, discover all the best bits of a High Tea along with teapots filled with gin cocktails to go with sandwiches, pastries, scones and everything nice – all served on a beautiful three-tiered tower, alongside glass teapots filled with your choice of gin cocktails.
White-gloved service, a live harpist and exquisite housemade treats accompany High Tea every Sunday at Firewater Grille on St Georges Terrace in Perth. Located on the lobby level of the Duxton Hotel, bask in an interactive dining experience with décor designed to create a unique ambience for each meal at this elegant and stylish restaurant.
Along with Silver Jubilee Gourmet teas, expect to devour delicate canapes, savoury sandwiches and an assortment of handcrafted desserts; while the freshly-baked scones are served warm with clotted cream and berry compote.
