Tiny crustless cucumber sandwiches, hot tea, and petit fours—all the elements you would expect to find at high tea. There’s no better place to properly tuck into a high tea than Sydney.
From three-tiered stands adorned with cakes and tiny sandwiches, to the company we keep, there’s always time to indulge in high tea.
For the best high tea, Sydney has to offer, check out these fanciful feasts.
The Langham
The Rocks
High tea is a British tradition, so what better place to indulge in petit fours than The Langham, famed as the birthplace of the traditional Afternoon Tea, direct from the London flagship hotel. Enjoy champagne, sandwiches, sweet treats, all while being surrounded by the opulence of The Langham. It doesn’t get fancier than that. Prices range from $98 per person including a glass of sparkling, and $49 per child (12 years and under).
QT Sydney
CBD
The QT Sydney is known for its quirky nature, so it should come as no surprise, their high tea offering is unlike your nan’s. Much like everything Zumbo touches, and as QT breathes, the launch of QTea is suitably extravagant, with a generous dash of quirk. The menu is a suitably extravagant affair featuring a mix of sweet and savoury dishes,
including a nostalgic roster of Zumbo’s most famous sensations paired with a line-up of never-before-tasted delicacies such as Sconez, an unexpected twist on the expected scone and Just Love Me, chocolate, raspberry and pistachio piece of perfection and a delectable white glazed yuzu
vanilla cake. It cost $95 per guest and is worth every delicious calorie.
The Gunners Barracks High Tea Room
North Shore
The Gunners is one of the most spectacular places to have high tea in Sydney, in part due to its view. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, you can wine, dine, and drink tea nestled among lush greenery. They offer morning tea, or a traditional high tea from 10 am daily. Expect a set selection of pastries, finger sandwiches, scones, and an extensive array of tea. You can even opt-in for a cocktail high tea or piccolo champagne evening. Price varies from $65 to $90 per person. Given the views and quality experience, it’s not a bad price.
The Tea Room QVB Sydney
CBD
Another classic high tea experience in Sydney is the QVB, which offers one of the most regal affairs. Whether you have a hens party or a mother-daughter outing, there’s always a reason to sink into this tea room, for small bites and fine china. You can tuck into the simple pleasures of Devonshire tea and a plate of sandwiches, or indulge in a champagne high tea complete with petit fours, French champagne, finger sandwiches, pastries, and more. The prices here range from $25 to $90 per person.
Estate Vaucluse House
Vaucluse
This enchanting spot is everything you would expect from Vaucluse—sophisticated, elegant, and beautiful. Surrounded by gardens, enjoy high tea outside or inside, depending on the weather. The sweet desserts here have that something extra special, while the savoury pastries are full of flavour, and some of the best you will find in the city. Sip on a glass of sparkling, or pour a cup of tea, the choice is yours.
Alibi
Woolloomooloo
Alibi, the restaurant and bar inside the stunning Ovolo Woolloomooloo hotel offers a vegan high tea for $55 per person. The best part, you can upgrade to free flow sparkling rose for $79 per person or free flow NV Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut for $140 per person. You can get a wide selection of teas, and small savoury and sweet bites—all vegan.
Loftus Lane Cafe
Circular Quay
Sitting on the corner of Loftus Street and Bridge Street is Loftus Lane Cafe, decked out with glam furnishings and French crockery. You have the choice of two high tea experiences. The first is the Ferris Wheel High Tea, second is Sweet Box High Tea. Regardless of which one you choose, you’re guaranteed elegant French style tableware, decorations, and a mouthwatering menu with all plates designed to share. The decorations have been known to be pocketed over time by diners, so if you do fancy a shiny object, there is a fee if you accidentally slip a spoon in your bag. Each high tea is $65, more if you ad options including an unlimited beverage package, which is $119 per person for 90 minutes.
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