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High Tea

Barbie High Tea at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

July 14, 2019 / High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Live your Barbie world dreams out at the outrageously pink Barbie High Tea at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.

From 5 to 28 July 2019, Executive Pastry Chef Anna Polyviou’s creative and delicious High Tea is on offer, themed to pay tribute to the iconic Barbie.

The lower Lobby Lounge is decorated beautifully in Barbie pink, including a retrospective photo wall of Barbie throughout the years and a throne for taking photos. Kids will adore the Barbie play house that is tucked into a little nook.

Kids can BYO Barbies or play with the Barbie that is given to each adult throughout the meal to take home and keep.

Sweet

“Fairy Bread Cake”
(white chocolate mud cake, bubble gum, Froot Loops)

“Rainbow Trifle”
(rainbow jelly, vanilla creme, fruit salad)

“Barbie Macaron”
(strawberries and cream butter creme)

“Choux Burger”
(apple compote, rhubarb jelly, cinnamon crumble)

Pink Whippy Ice Cream

Savoury

Vegetable Sushi
(avocado, cucumber, carrot)

Sausage Roll
(flaky pastry, pork mince, tomato sauce)*

Chicken Sandwich
(roast chicken, coleslaw, mayonnaise)**

Egg Wraps
(egg, lettuce, wrap)

* Vegetarian substitute was a vegetable quiche
** Vegetarian substitute was the sandwich minus the chicken

Scones

Buttermilk Scones, Clotted Cream, Mixed Berry Jam

Add ons

Barbie Shake $12
Glass of Chandon Rose $15
Glass of NV Chandon Brut Sparkling $15
Glass of NV Verve Cliquot Champagne $30

The theming at the High tea is extraordinary. Everywhere is decorated neo pink, pink, pink. With these thoughtful details, the mood is for a festive, fun dining experience.

Kids are even offered a sweet treat on arrival, with a variety of vintage lollies on offer including ring pops and candy necklaces.

We loved the kid-friendly savoury items, with the plain sushi a hit and egg wraps my favourite. The scones were fresh, fluffy and delicious, and the sweets inventive and so bright it felt bad to eat them.

The creative choux burger was a delicious surprise – adorably made to look like a burger but tasing like an apple sweet. The rainbow trifle was the other favourite desert, with the bright, tangy jelly popping with flavour in between layers of fruit and cream.

It’s a must to add the Barbie shake! So fun and delightful to look at, the kids just adored eating the fairy floss from the top before drinking the strawberry shake underneath.

As always, at the Shangri-La Hotel, the High Tea is pink perfection!

The Barbie High Tea, priced from $50 per child and $65 per adult *** (adult price includes a Barbie Doll), is available daily at The Lobby Lounge from 5 to 28 July 2019, between 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; 1:15 and 3 p.m., and between 3:30 and 5:15 p.m.
***15% surcharge on Sundays and public holidays.

The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel
176 Cumberland Street,
The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9250 6000
Prices: $$$
Bookings are essential. Please call (61 2) 9250 6000 or email dine.slsn@shangri-la.com
Online: shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/offer-detail/dining/easter-garden-high-tea/
Get Directions

We were hosted for this magical high tea. All opinions are my own. Additional images courtesy of the Shangri-La Hotel.

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney here.

High Tea Parramatta: Gatehouse Tea Rooms:

June 11, 2019 / High Tea, Parramatta, South West, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Gatehouse Tea Rooms: High Tea Parramatta

Enjoy high tea in the historic Gatehouse, located in beautiful Parramatta Park. Choose from a traditional high tea, savoury high tea or kids high tea. Gluten-free high tea, dairy-free high tea and vegan high tea are available.

Parramatta Park is rich in colonial history. In 2007 the park and Gatehouse building were granted World Heritage Listing by UNESCO.

Built in 1887, the Gatehouse is one of the oldest high tea venues in Australia, and my favourite spot for high tea in Parramatta.

There is indoor and outdoor dining available. The outdoor dining has a lovely view of the park but I imagine could be a bit cold in winter and a bit hot in summer.

There are several high tea options at the Gatehouse.

Traditional High Tea
Finger sandwiches*
Tiny pastries (bacon is the standard quiche served. I received cheese instead).
Scones with jam and cream
Homemade petit fours and sweet bites
Tea or coffee
($44 pp or $49 weekends. Add $5 for sparkling)

*Cucumber and cream cheese, chicken are the standard options. I received mixed vegetables as my vegetarian alternative.

Royal High Tea
The Traditional High Tea served with a piccolo of Moet & Chandon champagne
($74 pp or $79 on weekends)

Savoury High Tea
Freshly prepared finger sandwiches
Pumpkin, carrot and zucchini muffins with cucumber yoghurt
Savoury pastries (included goats cheese, mushroom and one meat-filled pastry)
Coffee or tea
($44 pp or $49 weekends)

We requested as well as the muffins.

High Tea for Tin Lids
(3-12 years)
Mini sandwiches (cheese)
Fairy bread triangles
Mini cupcake and assorted sweet bites
Juice or soft drink
($24pp or $29 on weekends)

Add $5 for gluten-free or dairy-free and $10 for vegan

The Traditional High tea was an absolute delight. Warm scones, plenty of jam and cream. fresh sandwiches and delicious sweet treats. They included a red velvet cupcake, fruit tart, caramel slice, dark chocolate tart and passionfruit cookie.

The addition of the Savoury High Tea to the menu is extremely welcome as several members of our family prefer savoury to sweet. We all tried a bit of the muffin and it was delicious. You can ask for the muffins to be swapped with scones if you prefer that.

The Kids’ High Tea is an excellent option and it was completely devoured. Lovely to have the mini muffins and cupcake as the “sweets” (plus a marshmallow that is hidden). It was the perfect size for our almost 8 year old. They even served her orange juice in a teapot.

The service at the Gatehouse is top notch. I appreciated that the staff came to check on us and brought us extra boiling water to refresh our tea.

Parking is next to the Gatehouse. It is $3 per hour, $14 all day or free after 12pm Saturday and all day Sunday.

There is lots to explore in Parramatta Park so set aside the whole day. Near to the Gatehouse is the Pavilion Flat Playground which has been newly renovated and is about to reopen.

About a 20 minute walk away is the excellent Domain Creek Playground. You can read more about the Domain Creek Playground here.

We absolutely loved this tea and highly recommend the Gatehouse for high tea Parramatta.

Gatehouse High Tea Rooms
Macquarie St Gatehouse,
Parramatta Park,
Parramatta
Tue-Sun 8am-4pm
(02) 9635 1515
gatehousetearooms.com.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney here.

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay High Tea, Sydney

May 13, 2019 / Eastern Suburbs, High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay High Tea

Indulge in a luxe high tea at the Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay. Choose from the Signature High Tea, Oriental High Tea or Kids’ High Tea.

High tea at the Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay is an elegant affair. Located upstairs in the Stillery, high tea is served daily between 11am and 4pm.

Adults can choose between the Signature High Tea and Oriental High Tea, while children have a special Kids High Tea on offer to them.

We chose the Signature High Tea with the option to add a glass of chilled Champagne.

The High Tea arrives on a very traditional three tiers, with sweets on top, sandwiches on the middle and hot savouries on the bottom.

I love sweets but as I’ve gotten older I’ve found that I enjoy the savoury and scones in larger quantities and my ability to eat sweets has lessened, so this type of high tea with its food ratio is my idea of perfection.

Each high tea is also served with your choice of tea of coffee, served in a pot that gives about 1.5 cups.

Signature High Tea

Something Savoury
Sage lemon chicken, watercress on multigrain*
Wild Mushroom Bruschetta, grilled leek, pecorino
Cold smoked trout, ricotta, black caviar, blini*
Meredith quiche, goat cheese, caramelised onion

* Vegetarian options: avocado and cucumber sandwich and a vegetable wrap.

Intercontinental Double Bay High Tea, Sydney, Australia
Something Sweet
Lemon myrtle cheesecake, wattleseed crumble, meyer lemon curd
Strawberry & basil, white chocolate, macadamia crunch
Lemon lime bitter macaron, Angostura bitters, chocolate fizz
Mascarpone mousse, crab apple jelly, Anzac biscuit
Homemade cranberry & sultana scone served with cream & jam

Intercontinental Double Bay High Tea, Sydney, Australia

Signature High Tea $59
High Tea with a a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne $69
High Tea with three mini martinis $79

Children’s High Tea

Intercontinental Double Bay High Tea, Sydney, Australia

Sandwiches
Fairy Bread, Pepe Saya butter, 100’s & 1000’s
Chicken & cheese toastie, multigrain bread, cheddar cheese*

* Vegetarian alternative: avocado and cucumber sandwich

Something Sweet
Chocolate fudge brownie, chantilly, Weiss dark chocolate, walnuts
Watermelon lollypop, compressed watermelon, desiccated coconut
Banana & chocolate cupcake, Nutella, Smarties
Smiley macaron, French salted caramel
Strawberry fondue, milk chocolate, fresh strawberries

Children’s High Tea is $25.

We adored this high tea. The sandwiches were delicious and fresh, the scones warm, the jam absolutely divine. Hubby wanted to take the jam home.

The sweets were excellent. A great variety and unusual flavours. My fave was the lemon myrtle cheesecake with wattleseed crumble and meyer lemon curd. It was slightly tart, fresh and sweet. I could have eaten more!

The kids’ high tea was a very happy addition to the menu. Cheese often finds the food on the regular high team menu to be too fancy, so she likes to have her own high tea where the food caters to simpler taste palates. Her fave was the chocolate fondue with strawberries. She loved it so much we had to ask for more strawberries.

Intercontinental Double Bay High Tea, Sydney, Australia

The service at the InterContinental was just as you would expect. Efficient and friendly, making for an extremely pleasant dining experience. Highly recommend the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay High Tea!

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
33 Cross Street, Double Bay, Sydney NSW
Bookings recommended (you can book online)
Website

More things to do in Sydney

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

“The Tale of Mr Rabbit” Easter Afternoon Tea at the Langham, Sydney

April 13, 2019 / CBD, High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food, The Rocks / 0 comment

Hop into Easter with “The Tale of Mr Rabbit” Afternoon Tea at the Langham, Sydney

These April school holidays, treat kids with a delightful Easter-themed afternoon tea at The Langham, Sydney. “The Tale of Mr Rabbit” Afternoon Tea is an enchanting experience involving decadent treats, a stunning chocolate Easter egg display and a visit from Mr Rabbit himself.

“The Tale of Mr Rabbit” Afternoon Tea is on offer over three consecutive weekends only, from Saturdays and Sundays from 13th April to the 28th April, excluding Easter Sunday. Seating times are 12pm-2:30pm or 3pm-5:30pm.

Executive Chef Dave Whitting has prepared a fantastic afternoon tea that tastes as good as it looks. The tea is available for adults and kids – it is the same menu for both, with a reduced price for kids.

When we arrived we were delighted to see the beautiful Easter table set up in the middle of the room, overflowing with treats. About 30 minutes into our dining session the staff poured liquid nitrogen into the centre of the table which made the kids (and adults!) squeal with delight. What an extravagant table!

Mr Rabbit himself arrived just after and proved to be a dab hand at entertaining the kids. He handed out little pouches with two tiny Easter eggs in them to each child and happily posed for photos. I was delighted to see Mr Rabbit hung around for the next hour or so and happily entertained the kids. Thank you Mr Rabbit!

Also on hand to entertain squiggly little ones are colouring in sheets and plenty of coloured pencils.

Savoury

Beef and potato pie *
Mushroom and gruyere cheese puff
Tuna, creme fraiche and caviar tartlet*
Kingfish tartare, lime, coriander, charcoal cone*
Chicken tarragon and spinach finger sandwich*
Curried egg and rocket finger sandwich *

(As a vegetarian I received vegan substitutes for these items.)

Homemade pastries and tea cakes

Mr Rabbit tartlet
Mandarin and white chocolate egg
Carrot and ginger garden bed
Golden egg bon bon
Hot cross bun macaron
Carrot cake and vanilla scones with homemade jam and cream

The tea also includes a selection of tea or barista coffee including an optional hot chocolate with marshmallows for children.

As always, the food at The Langham, Sydney was of exceptional quality. The fresh bread on the sandwiches and perfect, fluffy scones made me extremely happy, as these are often hard to get right.

I particularly enjoyed the curried egg sandwich and my cauliflower tartlet which was a substitute for the tuna one.

I ordered the peach iced tea for my beverage and I really could drink these all day, they are so sweet and refreshing.

Our junior diners couldn’t get enough of the scones, with both the plain and carrot proving extremely popular. While they were offered a hot chocolate, all three chose chamomile tea.

My favourite pastry was the golden egg bon bon, which has a crisp chocolate coating with a lemon centre. A little bite of heaven.

We attended on opening day and it felt like some of the kinks were still being ironed out with the tea, such as the advertised complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival which we didn’t receive, but this may have been because we attended on the first day when staff were getting the hang of the new menu and package.

The servers as always were kindness and courtesy personified. They were efficient and helpful and as always, a credit to The Langham.

All Bookings can be made by contacting tlsyd.rsvn@langhamhotels.com or by calling
directly on 02 9256 2222.

Easter at The Langham Hotel
89-113 Kent St, Millers Point,
Sydney NSW 2000
Prices: $$$ (Children aged 4 -12 $45 and adults $95)
Hours: Seating is from 12pm-2:30pm or 3pm-5:30pm.
Bookings are available on all Saturdays and Sundays from 13th April to the 28th April, excluding Easter Sunday.
Phone: 02 9256 2222
Get Directions

We were guests of The Langham, Sydney. All opinions are my own.

Anna Polyviou’s Enchanted Easter Garden High Tea Picnic at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

April 2, 2019 / CBD, High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Anna Polyviou’s Enchanted Easter Garden High Tea Picnic at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Fall down the rabbit hole with Anna Polyviou at her enchanted Easter Garden with a delightful High Tea Picnic at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, from 30 March to 29 April, 2019.

The pop-up garden is a fantastical world of colour with delightful treats to match, created by our fave pastry chef, the Punk Princess of Pastry, Anna Polyviou.

Follow the bunny feet in the lobby and hop on down to the Easter garden to enjoy the immersive experience. There’s a mini maze with flamingoes straight out of Alice in Wonderland, giant mushrooms, towering and tiny bunny rabbits, mad hatter clocks and white tables and chairs set up for “al fresco” dining.

Tiny details are set amongst the garden for those who look carefully. A little sheep, a fox, Easter eggs in abundance. It’s an absolute delight to dine in such a whimsical setting, with amazing attention to detail.

The Easter High Tea Picnic is something special. It comes in a hamper and includes a decadent menu which features:

“Club Cake”
Matcha sponge, vanilla chantilly, strawberry gel

“Lemon Meringue Pie Macaron”
Lemon zest, meringue pie, macaron

“Cracked Egg”
Mandarin POP, mascarpone creme, mango compote

“Chocolate Pot”
Roasted milk chocolate, hot cross bun crumbs, banana jam

“Quiche”
Flaky pastry, bacon, onion, egg mixture (our vegetarian version contained only onion)

“Roast Chicken Roll”
Roast chicken, mixed herb stuffing, milk bun, coleslaw (our vegetarian version contained only coleslaw)

“Rice Paper”
Vegetable, tofu, rice noodles

“Cheese & Crackers”
Blackall Woombye cheese, quince paste, flat bread

“Hot Cross Buns”
Hazelnut spread, salted butter

“Mrs Whippy”
Milk whippy, waffle cone

The menu is the same for adults and kids, with a discounted price for ages 0-11. I would say it’s an adventures menu for little kids so would recommend it for those willing to try new things or older kids. I did really enjoy the unusual additions to a traditional high tea, such as the inclusion of cheese and crackers, the matcha Club Cake, hot cross buns and milk whippy.

Cheese’s favourite items were the matcha cake (she ate both pieces), mandarin pop on the “Cracked Egg” and the “Mrs Whippy” which I thought tasted a bit like Japanese milk soft serve, but with the consistency of ice cream. Really delicious!

As always with the Shangri-La Hotel, everything in the basket was just delicious. Fresh, light, perfectly cooked. The hot cross buns were some of the best I’ve ever tasted and the macaron was not only adorable with cute bunny ears, served in a garden pot along with hidden Easter eggs, it was absolutely was heavenly and melted in my mouth.

I thought the serving size was generous and left absolutely stuffed even though I didn’t eat everything that came in the basket.

Also included is your choice of tea or coffee. We chose the chamomile flowers, which comes in a pop big enough for 2.5 cups of tea, and a hot chocolate for the little lady (two marshmallows! Score!).

Add a Belvedere Spritz for $14, Chandon Rose for $14/glass or Chandon Spritz for $12/glass. You can also try the Popcorn Caramel Martini.

At night the garden caters to grown-ups with a cocktail picnic basket for two, and food including cured meats, Australian cheese, olives, fluffy quiche, and the fresh fruit (pictured below).

Anna’s Easter Garden is open at the Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, from 30 March to 29 April 2019.

The Easter High Tea Picnic is available daily from 11am-12.45pm, 1pm-3pm, and 3.15pm-5pm, and is priced from $75 per person, and $55 per child (0-11 years).

The Cocktail Picnic Basket is available from 6pm-9pm, and is priced from $55 for two.

Sweet devotees can also enjoy an Easter Escape stay package including High Tea from $420 per night.

Easter Garden High Tea at the Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel
176 Cumberland Street,
The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9250 6000
Prices: $$$
Bookings are essential. Please call (61 2) 9250 6000 or email dine.slsn@shangri-la.com
Online: shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/offer-detail/dining/easter-garden-high-tea/
Get Directions

We were hosted for this magical high tea. All opinions are my own. Additional images courtesy of the Shangri-La Hotel.

Shopkins Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel Sydney

November 11, 2018 / High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Do you have a Shokins fan in the house? We do! I don’t know who was more excited to head to The Langham Sydney this weekend to check out the new Shopkins Afternoon Tea, me or the kid!

The Langham is renowned for their excellent high tea (or afternoon tea), which is always elegantly served on tailor-made “Langham Rose” Wedgwood teaware made exclusively for the hotel.

I love so much when hotels such as The Langham put on a special kids’ afternoon tea or kids high tea. They give families a chance to experience a high tea with the pressure off. No one expects kids to be perfectly behaved when the tea is especially put on for them! The kids’ high teas also give kids a chance to dress up in their fanciest outfits and spend quality time with their parents, while feeling very grown up and sophisticated.

For a short time only, kids can get fancy and head to The Langham Sydney to enjoy the special Shopkins High Tea.

The afternoon tea is adorably designed to feature beloved characters in sweet form! Kids will get such a kick out of trying a D’lish Donut, Twinkle Cupcake, Macca Roon, Suzie Slice, Molly Cake Pop and many more delicious treats.

Kids are presented with a special Shopkins gift bag on arrival, which includes two special edition Shopkins, a Shopkins magazine and a Pikmi Pop.

Shopkins-themed colouring-in supplies are available, too. We didn’t need them because we brought our own Shopkins from home to play with.

The really special moment of the high tea for most of the kids was the Shopkins character meet and greet (available between 1pm-4pm). We met Kooky Cookie when we entered the tea room and then again when she came around the room to each table to say, “Hello”.

Kooky Cookie and her good natured minder entertained the kids for a solid half an hour with an impromptu dance party and answering some of the kids’ pressing questions. “Can Kooky do a cartwheel?”, “Can she stand on her head” and “Who took a bite out of her?” featured highly.

Savoury Snacks

Cheesy Popcorn
Brioche cheese and beef slider *
Mushroom arancini, Napoli sauce
Mini cheese and smoked ham pizza *

* We received the following vegetarian substitutes:
Cucumber sandwich
Veggie burger
Mushroom sandwich

Something Sweet

D’lish Vanilla Donut
Twinkle Strawberry Cupcake
Lemon Macca Roon
Suzie Chocolate Slice
Molly Raspberry Cake Pop
Yvonne Scones with homemade jam and cream

Beverages

Watermelon Melissa Sips (add’l $12)
Hot chocolate with marshmallows
Tea & coffee

The food is delicious and absolutely suited to adults as well as the kids. I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh sandwiches on light, fluffy bread, little sliders, warm scones and mini pizzas.

With our stomaches groaning we tried one of everything, including the sweets. They’re so delicate and delicious, and particularly adorable for this tea with the beautiful theming.

For my tea I ordered an iced tea, which was delicious and refilled as part of the package. Cheese chose chamomile which was served in a delicate silver pot with real chamomile flowers inside, and later a hot chocolate.

As always the tea never looks “that big” but we struggled to finish it all.

Adults young at heart (ahem like me) can indulge in the Shopkins Afternoon Tea or choose to enjoy Palm Court’s Spring Afternoon Tea.

The Shopkins Afternoon Tea is only available on Sunday 18th November

Session 1

12pm-2:30pm

Session 2

3pm-5:30pm

The Shopkins High Tea costs $45 per child includes Shopkins gift and activities and $80 per adult. $95 per adult includes glass of sparkling on arrival.

To make your booking or for any enquiries please contact Langham Service on +61 (2) 9256 2222 or email tlsyd.rsvn@langhamhotels.com
http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/sydney/offers/dining-offers/shopkins-afternoon-tea/

We were hosted by The Langham Sydney. All opinions and cake-eating antics are our own. We genuinely love high tea at The Langham.

Shangri-La Hotel Blu Bar High Tea Buffet

September 10, 2018 / CBD, High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Is there anything sweeter than high tea in the sky? The new Blu Bar High Tea Buffet at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney is a decadent indulgence that is the perfect way to mark a special occasion.

Currently on offer until Dec 31st, 2018, the Blu Bar High Tea Buffet takes high tea to the next level. We have enjoyed the standard Shangri-La high tea on numerous occasions and always enjoy the colourful creations by Executive Pastry Chef, Anna Polyviou, so adding a view to die for to an already incredible food offering makes this experience an absolute must for any fellow lovers of a traditional high tea.

The Blu Bar High Tea Buffet runs from Friday to Sunday in two sessions, 11.30am- 1:30pm and 1:45pm-3:45 pm. They are very strict with the timings so if you arrive before 11:30am you will find the elevator lifts locked for level 36 – pull up a comfy seat in the lobby while you wait for the time to arrive.

Level 36 offers a spectacular view of Sydney’s harbour and icons. While there are no bad seats, I suggest requesting a window table if you have a small party so there is nothing between you and the view but a piece of transparent glass. Warning – the sun comes streaming in these windows, so you might find yourself in a literal hot seat as the weather warms up.

Included in the high tea buffet are two alcoholic drinks; one sparkling wine and one cocktail or mocktail, plus your choice of teas as usual. We had the tequila cocktail topped with pink Persian fairy-floss reminiscent of Anna Polyviou’s fabulous mohawk, and it was as delicious as it was beautiful.

The buffet offers a wide selection of sweet and savoury options. If you have dietary requirements, please let the staff know in advance so they can bring you suitable alternatives. I didn’t think to let them know I was vegetarian ahead of our visit, which was a shame as I then saw another vegetarian being brought their own veggie platter (see pictures below).

I did however find enough vegetarian items that I could eat on the buffet, so it wasn’t a problem at all. I did however find the lack of information for the dishes a challenge. With no signage on the savoury items it was difficult to know what contained meat. If you have dietary requirements I suggest asking staff to walk you through the buffet selection.

Savoury selection
Quiche: roast vegetable and lorraine
Egg deconstructed sandwich with mayo and watercress
Chicken brioche sandwich
Salmon with beetroot and capers
Salad with Goats cheese, vegetables, olive oil
Cream cheese and cucumber sandwich

Scones
Buttermilk & tea-raisin scones
Clotted crème, pepe saya butter
Rose red berry jam
Pineapple marmalade
Apple cinnamon

Sweet selection
“Pina-Colada” – a slice with coconut, pineapple, lemongrass and Malibu
“Popping” – a chocolate slice with caramel and popcorn
“Tea Cake” – a cake with apple, rhubarb
“Strawberries ‘n’ creme” – a delicious mix of fresh strawberries, mascarpone and vanilla
Chocolate lollipops
Chocolate assortment
Cheesecake
Lemon and poppyseed mini cakes
Macarons

The savoury food is replenished throughout the high tea but not all of the sweet selections are. Some of the items, particularly the handmade chocolates, vanished quickly and weren’t replaced.

The quality of the food, as always, was spot on. Fresh, bright ingredients and creative displays made for a very visually attractive as well as delicious meal.

I do particularly like that with a buffet you can choose only the kinds of food that you like, so if you are feeling savoury more than sweet, you can select plenty of those items and just have one or two pastries. A great option for those who don’t necessarily want one of everything!

Kids are welcome at the high tea however there is no discounted price for kids. They cost the same as an adult to dine at this particular high tea.

High Tea will take place at Blu Bar on 36, each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11.30am- 1:30pm and 1:45pm-3:45 pm.

Priced at AUD 75 per person, Friday-Saturday, and AUD 95 per person on Sundays. Sunday price is inclusive of a glass of champagne upon arrival, which is a $15 upgrade.

Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
176 Cumberland Street,
The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9250 6000
Prices: $$$
Bookings are essential. Please call (61 2) 9250 6144 or email dine.slsn@shangri-la.com
Get more information on the Blu Bar High Tea here.
Get Directions

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

“Low Tea” at Daisy’s Milkbar Petersham, Sydney, Australia

August 18, 2018 / High Tea, Inner West, Petersham, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Low Tea at Daisy’s Milkbar in Petersham is reminiscent of a school fete or bake sale. It’s like every childhood party you attended in the ’90s before Pinterest and the rise of fancy desserts took over. In other words, it’s completely YUM and will take you right back to the 3rd grade with every sweet bite.

Daisy’s Milkbar has been a fave of ours since it opened, thanks to it’s cool 1950s vibe and extremely kid-friendliness. You can read about a previous visit to Daisy’s Milkbar here.

The Low Tea has got to be a new fave of ours both because of it’s fun, nostalgic design, but also because the food is delicious and the value is incredible.

The photos you see are of a Low Tea for two people. Thankfully we didn’t order for three, as we has to take most of the sweet stuff home with us as it was.

Each Low Tea costs $45 and includes a non alcoholic drink (tea, coffee, milkshake etc) and an alcoholic drink (cocktail or boozy shake) for each person plus a selection of sweet and savoury bite-sized treats.

The food in the Low Tea may change but at the moment it includes: mini sausage rolls, veggie quiche, mini pavlovas, cheese and tomato sandwiches, French onion dip and Jatz, mini mac n cheese, honey joys, chocolate crackles, pikelets, pink jam lamingtons, lemon bars, vanilla slice, rocky road, fairy bread and assorted iconic Aussie biccies like Iced Vovos.

As well as looking beautiful, the food tasted great. Highly recommend for freshness and flavour.

It’s worth noting that Daisy’s is a fantastic place for families in particular, and we saw a lot of mums, dads and their kids enjoying lunch together while we were there. There is a large selection of board games that can be borrowed and played at the tables, as well as card games (we spotted UNO) and drawing materials.

The Low Tea costs $45 pp and is on offer Fridays to Sundays, 10am – 2pm, bookings essential. Groups of groups of 2-8 people only.

Daisy’s Milkbar
340 Stanmore Road
Petersham NSW 2049
Ph: (02) 8065 3466
Prices: $$
Online: daisysmilkbar.com
Get Directions

Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel High Tea

August 6, 2018 / CBD, Circular Quay, High Tea, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Enjoy traditional high tea in the understated elegance of the Sir Stamford Circular Quay Hotel. A Sir Stamford High Tea is the perfect afternoon indulgence and can be catered to suit all special diets.

The Sir Stamford Hotel is located at Circular Quay, a few steps from the Sydney Opera House and a short walk to the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. It’s an elegant hotel, full of old world charm.

Sir Stamford High Tea

The Sir Stamford high tea is unique in that several variations are offered. This makes it much easier when dining out with a larger group who have different dietary requirements. Our group ordered two traditional high teas, two deluxe Devonshire teas and one children’s high tea.

A gluten-free high tea is also available, as is a “guilt-free” high tea, served with fresh Vegetable juice & Dilmah Tea Selection. All items on the guilt-free high tea have low saturated fat (no butter, cream) and are low sugar.

We really enjoyed looking at the curios around the dining room, such as a hand-made model ship. This is a hotel that embraces its history, and a visit is like a trip back in time.

Traditional High Tea
Served with a glass of Australian Sparkling Wine and coffee or tea

Savoury

Curry Egg Sandwich
Chicken & Shallot in Tomato Bread Pinwheel*
Tuna & Celery Sandwich*
Prosciutto & Persian Feta on Baguette*
Cucumber with Dill Cream Cheese Sandwich
* I was given vegetarian substitutes for these items

Sweet

Yellow Peach Yoghurt Dome
Blueberry Cheese Cake
Passion Coconut Verrine
Explosive Raspberry Marshmallows
Assorted Macaron
Lemon Scented Scones with Clotted Cream and Mixed Berry Jam

Deluxe Devonshire High Tea
Served with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea

Savoury

Curry Egg Sandwich
Chicken & Shallot in Tomato Bread Pinwheel
Tuna & Celery Sandwich
Prosciutto & Persian Feta on Baguette
Cucumber with Dill Cream Cheese Sandwich

Sweet

Brownie with Fresh Berries
Lemon Scented Scones with Clotted Cream and Mix Berry Jam

Kids High Tea (5-12 years old)
Served with a glass of juice or hot chocolate

Savoury

Ham & Mayo Sandwich
Cranberry & Turkey Sandwich
Roasted Chicken Pinwheel in Tomato Bread
Tomato and Cheddar Sandwich

Sweet

Chocolate Brownie
Strawberry & Lemon Cheesecake
Dark Chocolate Mousse Cup
Assorted Macaroon
Lemon Scones with Clotted Cream and Mix Berry Jam

We really enjoyed the Sir Stamford high tea. With many hotels and restaurants gearing their high teas towards a more modern audience, it’s really lovely to be able to enjoy a high tea that harkens back to a time gone by.

Sydney High Tea served from
11 am – 4 pm Monday – Sunday

Sir Stamford Circular Quay Hotel
93 Macquarie Street
Sydney, NSW
Phone: +61-2 9252 4600
Online stamford.com.au/sscq/restaurant–bar/sydney-high-tea

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Boronia House High Tea, Sydney

May 8, 2018 / High Tea, Mosman, North Shore, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

Dine inside a Victorian mansion built in 1885 at Boronia House, situated on Sydney’s North Shore. We experienced the Boronia House High Tea when celebrating a wedding at the venue. The historic Boronia House, surrounded by a beautiful garden, is the perfect location for a special function such as a baby or bridal shower, special birthday party or wedding reception.

The Classic High Tea Experience includes a selection of light breads, sophisticated savoury bites, house-made scones with double cream and jam, desserts and cakes, served with a choice of a T2 tea or coffee.

Kids aged 3-12 can enjoy the Little Ladies High Tea, which includes ham and cheese finger sandwich, scone with cream and jam, fairy bread, Remi’s homemade chocolate chip cookie, chocolate fondue with fresh fruit, homemade sweet treat of the day, mini pancake stack with maple syrup and a choice of T2 tea, hot chocolate, iced chocolate, fruit juice, pink lemonade or soft drink.

A Devonshire Tea is also available and includes six bites per person; two finger sandwiches, two scones with cream & jam, two dessert bites and a choice of T2 tea, coffee, hot chocolate, iced chocolate or soft drink.