To us, the finer things include finger sandwiches, petit fours, scones with jam and cream, and lots of tea-sipping. Gather your gal pals and make a date at one of the city’s many gorgeous high tea spots.
W BRISBANE | CBD
If you’ve ever found yourself enjoying a meat pie and just wishing it was slightly more sophisticated, we’ve got news for you. Live your classiest Aussie life in W Brisbane’s Living Room Bar as you taste your way through decadent bites inspired by the sunshine state. Enjoy a slow cooked mini lamb pie, a sunset-inspired marshmallow tart, and many more sweet and savoury goodies.
EMPORIUM HOTEL | SOUTH BANK
Feel like royalty with an afternoon of sweet and savoury treats at Emporium Hotel. Choose between the indulgent Belle Epoque or the classic Piano Bar and treat yourself to truffle chicken sandwiches, followed by scones, banana caramel choux and strawberry cheesecake.
PATINA RESTAURANT | CBD & ST LUCIA
It doesn’t get more glamorous than high tea at the beautiful heritage listed Customs House. This gourmet high tea is also available at Alumni Court in case you need a pick-me-up during exam season! Munch on dainty smoked salmon blinis with sour cream and salmon pearls, a capsicum, eggplant, zucchini, basil and goats cheese roulade, mini Queensland spanner crab and celery buns, and assorted handcrafted petite desserts.
INCHCOLM BY OVOLO | SPRING HILL
An icon, to say the least. Inchcolm’s high tea platter is packed full of sweet and savoury delicacies, sandwiches and petit fours, complete with free flowing coffee and an assortment of teas. Indulge in delicious treats like Yarra Valley caviar with smoked salmon blini, traditional tea sandwiches and chicken brioche rolls. Your sweet tooth will be well taken care of thanks to freshly made lemonade scones served with jam and creme fraîche, madeleines, macarons and chocolate macadamia gateau. Yum!
DANDELION AND DRIFTWOOD | HENDRA
Allow yourself to drift away and relax at Hendra’s quaint Dandelion and Driftwood. Or at home; they offer takeaway boxes too, complete with bubbles and coffee! Enjoy a range of signature ribbon sandwiches, assorted mini savouries, pastries and filled croissants, light and fluffy scone and a delectable selection of sweets including mini lemon curd and caramel tarts.
LENNONS RESTAURANT | CBD
Step out of Queen St Mall and escape to your safe haven for elegance. Lennons’ high tea is served every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, and they’ve curated the perfect bites for winter. You can’t go past a fluffy scone with fresh cream and jam, and with a smooth espresso martini on the side, this is true heaven.
ROOM WITH ROSES | BRISBANE ARCADE, CBD
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but not as sweet as Room With Roses treats. Find the perfect (edible) gift with their range of high teas including a champagne tea, deluxe tea, chocolate tea or ULTIMATE chocolate fondue high tea (think strawberries, banana, dried apricots, biscotti and marshmallows). All variations include rotating ribbon sandwiches, warm savouries and raspberry scones.
TREASURY HOTEL BRISBANE | CBD
For true indulgence, look no further than Treasury’s lavish Chandon or standard high tea. Treasure your taste buds with a divine afternoon full of sweet and savoury treats, paired with La Maison Du Thé French hand-crafted teas and Chandon. Fill your afternoon (and belly) with dainty gourmet ribbon sandwiches, scones, petite quiches and frittatas, and decadent pastries – all prepared by The Treasury’s very own pastry chefs.
BACCHUS RESTAURANT | SOUTH BANK
Bacchus Restaurant’s fare will keep you going bacc for more, and the same can be said about their fancy high tea. Served on William Edwards fine bone chinaware alongside free flowing teas and the option of endless Chandon, this is classic high tea at it’s best. Make your way through three tiers of chicken croissants, mac and cheese croquettes, lemon curd tarts and canolli with ricotta and pistachios, and we’ll be best friends in no time.
Honourable Mention – Beyond Brisbane
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort | Gold Coast
While it may be outside of Brissy, we can’t ignore the unique high tea offered by this Gold Coast legend! The aptly named ‘High Cheese’ experience features locally sourced Woombye cheese paired with prosciutto, grapes, and quince paste. Indulge further with delectable desserts and a classic Swiss cheese fondue featuring marinated figs, pickles, artisan crackers, and freshly baked bread. Plus, you can choose between a flight of paired wines or whiskey – they’ve thought of everything.
Turns out you don’t have to be entirely high-brow to enjoy high tea. We’ve proven this on numerous occasions.
