Our High Tea adventures: Memorable Places we have explored

Welcome to our ongoing journey through the world of high tea! Here’s a quick review of some of the fantastic places we’ve visited over the years, each offering a unique high tea experience. We’ll keep this list updated as my friends and I discover new gems or revisit old favourites.

We’ve ranked these venues based on food quality, value for money, and overall surroundings.

1. Shangri-La (Blu Bar) – 10/10

A rare gem that caters to all dietary needs, including allergies, diabetics, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and crustacean. We’ve experienced high tea at Blu Bar, their restaurant downstairs, and a lavish Mother’s Day high tea in the ballroom. Each visit has been exceptional.

Mother’s Day in the ballroom

One festive Christmas afternoon, we indulged in high tea at their restaurant downstairs—an experience brimming with charm and Christmas cheer. Amidst the festive melodies of Christmas carols and themed delicacies, the joyous ambiance enveloped us. What made it truly special was the seamless transition from the cozy restaurant setting to the panoramic splendor of Blu Bar on 36. There, we capped off our delightful day with expertly crafted cocktails, savouring every moment of this enchanting holiday celebration.

What makes it truly exceptional, you might ask? The breathtaking view from Blu Bar on 36. Here, you can take in all of Sydney’s iconic sights—the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and sparkling harbour—all while lounging in the city’s premier cocktail destination on a sunny afternoon.”

High Tea on Level 36

https://www.shangrilasydney.com.au/products/high-tea-at-altitude

2. Chateau Mon Desir, Mauritius – 10/10

Divine food and the most beautiful gardens in the world. The seating, crockery, and chateau itself felt like paradise.

Check separate review and more photos on post (Chateau Mon Desir Mauritius) for more information.
Times visited: 1

3. Kirkton Park Hotel, Hunter Valley, NSW – 9/10

More for the stunning surroundings than the food. A beautiful rose garden, green grass, trees, and sometimes wine tasting make it a lovely experience. Check separate blog post Kirkton Park Hotel – A special high tea.

Times visited: 1

4. Crown Melbourne 2013 – 10/10

An open buffet with an impressive array of choices and a chocolate fountain. The all-you-can-eat option for high tea made for an absolute blast with my sisters. We celebrated my sister’s 40th birthday that day and it was a lavish afternoon. High tea in 2013 was in the Conservatory at Crown. High tea nowadays is in the Waiting Room at Crown.
Times visited: 1

https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/bars/the-waiting-roome.com.au/bars/the-waiting-room

5. Intercontinental, Sydney – 9/10

Notable for its pancake offering and open buffet. Definitely on the list for a revisit since things would have change now.

https://www.sydney.intercontinental.com/dining/hightea/
Times visited: 1

6. Burnt Orange, Mosman, Sydney – 8/10

Beautiful food and princess-like crockery. The surroundings added to the fairy-tale experience.
Times visited: 1

High Tea is always fun at Burnt Orange

7. Swissôtel, Sydney – 8/10

A favourite when they offered a high tea buffet with a giant chocolate fountain. The fountain and the array of food to dip in it were unforgettable. Meat pies and pates were on the menu and comfy lounge chairs. Recent visit again in 2024 in separate blog.
Times visited: 3

https://swissotelsydney.com.au/offers/arches-afternoon-tea/

8. Old Lachlan’s Government House, Parramatta, Sydney – 10/10

(now shut down)

Excellent food and the option for a private room. Celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary here, and the stroll in the gardens afterwards was beautiful.
Times visited: 1

9. Queen Victoria Tea Rooms, Sydney – 7/10

Remarkable for the setting and the elegant furniture. This is on our list to re-visit again.
Times visited: 1

https://thetearoom.com.au/

10. Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, Mauritius – 5/10

Nestled in the idyllic Indian Ocean, Mauritius boasts a stunning backdrop that sets the stage for unforgettable experiences. During a delightful high tea at a waterfront hotel, guests can savor the ambiance of luxurious surroundings against the backdrop of picturesque harbor views. While the cuisine may not have been exceptional, the allure lies in immersing oneself in the tropical island’s French colonial heritage, evident even in the presence of Moët and French champagne—a beloved indulgence in local hotels.
Times visited: 2

https://ninetysixhotels.com/labourdonnais-waterfront-hotel-port-louis-mauritius.html

11. Doltone House, Hyde Park, Sydney – 7/10

Good food and an amazing chandelier and decor, but the tables were a bit too close together for comfort.
Times visited: 1

12. Observatory Hotel (now Langham) – 5/10

The atmosphere changed when it became Langham, with less focus on high tea and more on crowding. The bathrooms remain beautiful, though.
Times visited: 2

https://www.opentable.com.au/r/afternoon-tea-at-the-langham-sydney-sydney

13. The Westin (now Fullerton) – 9/10

Very accommodating with kids. The staff’s kindness in offering free scones for my son was unforgettable.

https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney/dining/afternoon-tea
Times visited: 4

https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney/dining/afternoon-tea

14. Stamford Circular Quay, Sydney – 10/10

Nice food and very accommodating to children. They accepted our last-minute booking, enhancing the overall experience.

https://www.stamford.com.au/hotels/stamford-circular-quay-hotel/eat-and-drink/sydney-high-tea/

Times visited: 1

15. Captain Cook Cruise, Sydney – 8/10

Noteworthy for the spectacular views and a perfect girls’ day/night out. Ensure you arrive on time, as the boat can’t wait for late arrivals.
Times visited: 3 – Read about the most recent visit in separate blog.

https://www.captaincook.com.au/dining-experiences/high-tea-sydney-cruise/

16. Pullman Quay – 8/10

Special Father’s Day experience with good food and surroundings.
Times visited: 1

https://bestafternoonteas.com/pullman-quay-grand-sydney/

Other notable mentions

The Loft (above Bungalow 8, Sydney): Now closed, but was known for beautiful teapots and an array of different teas.
Museum of Sydney: Once had a special high tea.
The Palace Tea Room in QVB: Offers both full and mini high teas, which are very affordable and perfect for a quick indulgence. Read about it on our separate blog.
The Tea Room QVB: This is a royal experience, beautiful room, plush seats. I took my mum to this high Tea and it was the perfect place. Dainty petits fours and tea in exquisite teapot. You really feel like royalty.

https://thepalacetearoom.com.au/

Gate House, Parramatta, Sydney: Quiet with good food, though we missed out on the bubbly.
Queen’s Brunch High Tea at Cosmopolitan, Double Bay, Sydney: A classic option.
David Jones, Sydney City: No longer offering high tea but known for amazing scones and cream.
Woolwich Pier Hotel, Woolwich, Sydney: Fondly remembered, though they no longer offer high tea.
Tea 2 Café, Macquarie Centre, Sydney: No longer offering high tea.
Passiontree Velvet, Macquarie Centre, Sydney: No longer offering high tea but had the best soft, crumbly scones for high tea.

Sugar n Spice – Chatswood Chase in Chatswood: Beautiful crockery and thoughtful food, though cancellation policies can be strict.

During my travels with the Lion King International Tour, I couldn’t resist exploring the high tea offerings in Taiwan. While it didn’t quite match the lavish spreads of Australia, it still offered a delightful experience. Picture this: savoring miso soup and sushi as part of a unique high tea affair. It was a fusion of flavors that perfectly blended Eastern culinary finesse with the elegance of traditional high tea. Taiwan certainly knows how to infuse sophistication into its culinary offerings, making every bite a memorable experience amidst my adventurous journey.

High SocieTea – High Tea reviews