High SocieTea – High Tea reviews

As December rolls around, the search for the perfect Christmas High Tea becomes an annual tradition, and each year, we find ourselves returning to Shangri-La. Their festive offerings are always a treat, but this year, we decided to try something new: The Fullerton Hotel.

Booking was a breeze, done either via Instagram or their website. A quick note of advice—if you choose to reserve through Instagram, you won’t receive a confirmation, so we highly recommend booking directly through their website to ensure everything is in order.

Excitement filled the air as we arrived early to enjoy a cocktail at the bar before the main event. The Fullerton’s festive charm is undeniable, with its grand Christmas tree made entirely of teddy bears—an homage to the hotel’s roots as the old Australia Post Office. This delightful creation sets the perfect tone for what’s to come.

Our cocktails—a refreshing lychee concoction and a classic Margarita—were a perfect start to the festivities. Both drinks were expertly crafted: sweet, tangy, and absolutely delicious. We sipped on these vibrant beverages, soaking in the atmosphere, before making our way to our table.

Opting for the $89 high tea, which included a glass of bubbly, we were immediately taken by the elegant table setting. The napkins were folded into the shape of a Christmas tree, a thoughtful touch that added to the festive spirit.

When the high tea arrived, we were captivated by its beautiful presentation. The savoury selection was nothing short of a holiday feast: Yule Turkey sandwiches, a Yamba prawn cocktail adorned with wild scampi caviar, festive ham brioche, and eggplant with honey caviar and spiced pumpkin—each bite a delight for the senses.

The sweets, too, were a visual and gastronomic masterpiece. The Christmas spiced Mille-feuille, designed as a reindeer, was a true standout. Mille-feuille, meaning “thousand leaves,” is a delicate French pastry made of layers of flaky dough filled with custard crème. The layers practically melted in your mouth.

The tropical trifle was another triumph. Presented in a charming little jar, it was a tropical indulgence featuring mango passionfruit jelly, fresh fruits, diplomat cream, and topped with a coconut mousse bauble. Its vibrant flavour and playful presentation were simply divine.

Then came the Gingerbread Man, which remains a lasting memory. This tiny creation was filled with a decadent ganache—so delicate, it was almost too beautiful to eat. But when you finally did take a bite, the ganache exploded in your mouth in the most heavenly way, leaving a lasting, delightful taste.

Rounding off the experience was a Peach Melba shaped like a gift box—another example of the chef’s ingenuity. The creativity and festive flair behind each item truly set this high tea apart, with the tropical trifle seamlessly tying everything together.

A special mention must also go to the cocktail bar. After our high tea, we lingered on the lounge for a leisurely time, sipping on coffee and lemon iced tea, reflecting on the experience. While the wait for our high tea was slightly longer than expected, the exceptional flavours more than made up for it.

In the end, The Fullerton has quickly become a new contender in our Christmas high tea tradition. With its impeccable presentation, festive charm, and unforgettable flavours, it has earned a well-deserved place as our number two pick for 2024.

If you’re seeking a truly delightful, festive experience this holiday season, The Fullerton’s Christmas High Tea is one you won’t want to miss!