An indulgent chocolate experience with an extravagant buffet, tempting savouries and a chocolate fountain that stole the show.
Who can resist the allure of chocolate? Whether it is a delicate chocolate éclair, a decadent dessert or the irresistible sight of a flowing chocolate fountain, there is something universally appealing about this much-loved indulgence. So, when we heard that Stamford Plaza Hotel, near Sydney Airport, was hosting a special chocolate-themed high tea in July, we knew it was an experience worth exploring.
With visions of luscious chocolate, dainty pastries and an afternoon of indulgence, we arrived ready to discover what this sweet celebration had to offer.
First Impressions: A Slightly Confusing Start
Our high tea experience began with a little unexpected adventure. Finding the restaurant proved more challenging than anticipated, as the staff we approached directed us upstairs, only for us to discover that the restaurant was actually located on the ground floor.
To add to the confusion, our prepaid booking could not initially be located. It took the team some time to trace our payment and confirm our reservation. While these administrative hiccups were certainly not the most polished introduction to an afternoon of indulgence, we were hopeful that the food would make up for the less-than-smooth arrival.
And as it turned out, there was plenty to look forward to.
A Buffet of Temptations
Unlike the traditional tiered high tea, where delicacies arrive neatly arranged on a three-tier stand, Stamford Plaza’s chocolate high tea took a more generous approach. This was a buffet-style affair, offering unlimited access to an impressive spread of sweet and savoury treats.
The sheer variety was a pleasant surprise. Delicate patisserie sat alongside an assortment of savoury favourites, fresh salads, pastries and, of course, the centrepiece of the experience: a magnificent chocolate fountain.
There was certainly no shortage of options, making this a high tea experience particularly appealing to those who enjoy sampling a little bit of everything.
Savoury Delights Worth Discovering
While the chocolate offerings were undoubtedly the main attraction, the savoury selection deserved its own moment in the spotlight.
The buffet featured an appealing variety of sliders, sandwiches, meat pies, arancini, empanadas and cold salads. It was a generous spread that offered something for different tastes, providing a welcome balance to the sweeter indulgences.
The empanada was a particular standout. With its delicious filling and beautifully satisfying texture, it lived up to our expectations. Given the restaurant’s Spanish culinary influence, this little savoury parcel was a reminder that there was more to the venue than its chocolate-themed offerings.
The arancini were another highlight, providing a comforting, savoury bite that complemented the sweeter items on offer.
The salads also impressed with their freshness, while the mayonnaise dressing had a pleasant tang that lifted the flavours and left a delightful impression on the palate.
For a high tea centred on chocolate, the savoury selection was surprisingly enjoyable and helped create a more balanced dining experience.
The Main Attraction: A Flowing Chocolate Fountain
Of course, no Death by Chocolate high tea would be complete without a chocolate fountain, and this was where the experience truly came alive.
Watching ribbons of luscious chocolate cascade from the fountain was an invitation to indulge. It was difficult not to feel a little excitement at the prospect of dipping all manner of treats into that glorious stream of chocolate.
The accompanying selection offered plenty of possibilities, including waffles, fresh fruit, plain doughnuts and fluffy marshmallows. For those who enjoy adding a little extra colour and crunch, sprinkles and Smarties were also available.
The fun lay in creating your own combinations. A piece of fruit dipped in warm chocolate offered a refreshing contrast, while a doughnut or marshmallow coated in chocolate was pure indulgence.
There was something wonderfully playful about the whole experience. The chocolate fountain was not simply a dessert station; it was an attraction in its own right, bringing out the childlike delight in adults while offering younger guests plenty of excitement.
It was easily the highlight of the afternoon and the feature that gave this high tea its distinctive personality.
Sweet Treats for Every Chocolate Lover
Beyond the fountain, the buffet continued to tempt with an assortment of pastries, patisserie, doughnuts and fresh fruit. The abundance of choices made it easy to browse, sample and return for another favourite.
For those who enjoy a leisurely afternoon of grazing, the buffet format was particularly appealing. There was no need to settle on just one dessert or savoury item, and the freedom to sample different offerings added to the relaxed atmosphere.
However, while the sweet selection was extensive, not every item made the same impression. The scones, in particular, were less memorable than we had hoped. In a traditional high tea, scones are often one of the defining features, and these did not quite meet our expectations.
Fortunately, the delicious arancini and satisfying empanada helped balance the experience, reminding us that the buffet’s appeal extended well beyond its sweeter offerings.
A First Attempt with Room to Grow
During our visit, the manager mentioned that this was the restaurant’s first attempt at hosting a high tea. It was an encouraging insight into the event, and one that offered some perspective on the minor teething issues we encountered.
While the initial confusion over the restaurant location and booking could certainly benefit from improvement, the enthusiasm behind the concept was evident in the generous spread and variety of food.
There is real potential in bringing together a chocolate-themed dessert experience with a selection of Spanish-inspired savouries. With a little refinement in service, stronger execution of traditional high tea favourites and continued attention to the overall guest experience, this could develop into an even more enjoyable offering.
Our Verdict: Is It Worth a Visit?
Stamford Plaza’s Death by Chocolate high tea was an indulgent afternoon with plenty to enjoy. The buffet-style format offered generous variety, the chocolate fountain was a clear crowd-pleaser, and the savoury selection delivered a few pleasant surprises.
The empanada and arancini were particular favourites, while the fresh salads provided a welcome contrast to the sweeter treats. Although the scones fell short and the arrival experience could have been handled more smoothly, the food selection ultimately gave us plenty of reasons to enjoy our visit.
What we appreciated most was the freedom to explore the buffet at our own pace. It was a relaxed, sociable way to enjoy high tea, especially for anyone who loves variety and finds it difficult to choose just one sweet treat.
We left satisfied, with fond memories of the chocolate fountain and a newfound curiosity about the restaurant’s Spanish cuisine.
Would we return? We would certainly be interested in discovering more of the restaurant’s Spanish offerings, particularly after enjoying its empanada and arancini.
For chocolate enthusiasts and those who prefer an abundant buffet over the traditional tiered stand, this was an enjoyable high tea experience with plenty of promise.
After all, when chocolate is involved, there is always room for a little indulgence.
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