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 lates 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 four of our faves:
Savour a variety of carefully-crafted dishes that will treat your palate to a truly memorable experience at Mode Kitchen & Bar on George Street in Sydney. Available for groups and parties, expect three tiers of handcrafted sweets, savouries and scones all made inhouse and served in a relaxed ambience.
Mode strikes an ideal balance between a casual bistro and fine dining, with a touch of glamour from surrounds of polished wood, statement pendents and banquette seating, ideal for enjoying great food, great drinks and great company.
Steeped in style and elegance, multi-award-winning Darleys on Lilianfels Avenue in Katoomba, sparkles with newly revived old-world charm. Nestled in Lilianfels Resort & Spa, magnificent décor awaits guests, with an ornate fireplace, leadlight windows, crystal chandeliers and evocative artwork, setting a luxurious ambience.
With breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains, enjoy freshly baked scones with jam and cream, exquisite French pastries with freshly brewed tea and coffee served in grand style in the lounge while relaxing in plush Victorian armchairs.
Head to Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant on Mawson Drive in Crafers at the weekend to indulge in a high tea like no other with offerings like leek and bacon quiche, housemade waffles, liver pâté and truffle honey.
Tantalise taste buds and relish flavours while gazing into the clouds and feeling the warmth of a cosy fireplace as you are captivated by a meticulously curated assortment of premium tea, from green to robust blacks, herbal infusions and rare blends, elevating your high tea experience to new heights.
Dine beneath chandeliers on a decadent high tea selection at Riverston Tea Rooms on Quay Street in Rockhampton; pair a selection of housemade sweets, savouries, scones and sandwiches with your choice of Prosecco or a mocktail, unlimited loose-leaf tea and barista coffee.
This elegant dining destination exudes charm with dark wood table settings, polished wood floors and alfresco fretwork, setting the scene for memorable meals with family and friends and high tea experiences to suit all occasions.
