A Sassy Spin on High Tea: QT Hotel Sydney Review

After seeing Time Out Sydney’s roundup of the “10 Best High Teas in Sydney to Take Your Nan To”, we decided it was time to check another one off the list — QT Sydney’s High Tea on Market Street.

We’ve already experienced half the spots on the list, and one—Reign at QVB—has permanently closed its doors. That left QT on our radar. But spoiler alert: we’re not sure Nana would feel quite at home here… and here’s why.

The setting: Velvet, Vibes, and a Hint of Drama

QT Sydney is tucked inside the glamorously restored State Theatre and Gowings department store buildings — a location that already oozes charisma before you even step inside. The lift doors open and boom — you’re in a gothic-glam dreamscape, with a live DJ spinning smooth beats and interiors that feel like Art Deco met Twin Peaks in a cocktail bar.

The venue is drenched in deep colours, velvet textures, moody lighting, and eccentric design choices. Staff greet you promptly, and the front-of-house team? Think cabaret-chic, with a cheeky wink. It’s stylish, bold, and unapologetically theatrical.

This is not your grandmother’s tearoom.

The Only Faux Pas? The Front Row to the Lobby

Our only gripe? Our seats were positioned right in front of the lobby lifts — a busy thoroughfare of arrivals and departures. It made the space feel more like an upscale hotel waiting area than a serene afternoon tea lounge. For a setting this lush, we’d recommend requesting a more secluded table next time.

The Vibe: Five-Star Sass Meets DJ Cool

With bass gently pulsing in the background and an atmosphere that teeters between elegant and edgy, QT’s tea experience is perfect for the adventurous, the bold, and the stylish. Perhaps not exactly the spot for a quiet tea with Nan — unless she’s into DJs, dim lights, and cabaret vibes (hey, you never know).

That said, the service is stellar — polished, warm, and impressively attentive.

The Food: Adriano Zumbo Does High Tea His Way

The presentation is Instagram-worthy: sweets and savouries each displayed on their own chic serving stands. Everything feels contemporary — no frilly doilies here.

The savouries are a serious hit:

Chicken Katsu Sando – Crunchy, juicy, and rich.
Farro Salad – A wholesome surprise.
Prawn Toast – Crispy and flavour-packed.
Savoury Choux Bun – Soft, seasoned, and absolutely divine.

The scones (actually Sconez) come courtesy of Adriano Zumbo — they’re more brioche than scones, served with cherry jam and clotted cream. Not your traditional English scone, but a delicious detour nonetheless.

Sweet highlights include:

Zumbarons (Zumbo’s iconic macarons): Flavours like Turkish Delight, Black Tea Chocolate, and Passionfruit & White Chocolate — every bite is a playful pop of flavour.

The tea list is creative, though we did miss our usual go-to peppermint. The Burnt Blueberry blend was intriguing but not exactly blueberry-forward.

Final Sip

QT Sydney’s high tea is quirky, stylish, and full of personality. It’s not for the traditionalist, but if you love art deco glamour, gothic vibes, and food that dances on the palate, this is your next afternoon adventure.

Would we bring Nana? Maybe not. But gather your trendiest friends for a decadent afternoon and ask for a table near the window or away from the lifts for a more pleasant experience.