Why the best place for High Tea is in the Mountains
When one thinks of High Tea you think grand rooms, decadent upholstery, silverware and the clinking of china. It’s a past time steeped in tradition, an excuse to dress up, be delicate and sip on tea all the while leaning into a world of unashamed sophistication.
The city has plenty of places for High Tea that have done a remarkable job at bringing that classic 18th century elegance into the 21st century, whether it’s a playful twist on the traditional menu or opting for a theme - but if you are after a truly authentic experience no place has captured the opulence and grace of the bygone era quite like the Blue Mountains.
Whether you wish to travel to the Mountains for a day trip or you’re staying for a weekend, booking yourself a High Tea is an absolute must-do experience.
Below are our top 3 High Teas in The Blue Mountains.
The Hydro Majestic
It would truly be considered a crime to leave this legendary Blue Mountains hotel off this list. The Hydro Majestic and their Wintergarden Restaurant has become synonymous with High Tea. The grand hotel itself embodies timeless elegance: the decor is opulent, the menu is refined and the views of the Megalong Valley are breathtaking.
You have a choice of a traditional Wintergarden High Tea menu serving a selection of petite sandwiches, sweet and savoury pastries, homemade scones with cream and jam and your choice of a tea or coffee. Or, you can choose their Eastern High Tea menu offering steamed eastern dumplings, crab claw, rice paper rolls, pork belly bao bun and an assortment of eastern inspired desserts along with your choice tea or coffee.
Their tea selection is extensive and they also offer a rich array of cocktails, mocktails, champagnes and wines that are not included in the set menu pricing.
The details:
The Hydro Majestic Wintergarden menu is $70 per person on weekdays and $80 per person on weekends and public holidays while their Eastern menu is $75 per person on weekdays and $85 per person on weekends and public holidays. They also offer a kids menu for those aged between 4 and 12, for $40 per person.
High Tea runs from 11.00am - 3.30pm with last orders at 3.00 pm and bookings are essential.
Lilianfels
You may have heard of Darley’s, the multi-hatted fine dining restaurant inside this historic resort in Katoomba, but Lilianfels also hosts a divine High Tea worthy of its legendary culinary status.
Lilianfels has an old world ambience, with gilded trims everywhere you turn, to perfectly pair with their sophisticated and elegant High Tea menu.
The details:
High Tea at Lilianfels includes the chef's choice of sweet and savoury pasties, their signature scones with jam and cream and your choice of tea or coffee for $70 per person. You also have the choice to upgrade your experience with either a glass of Australian sparkling wine or a glass of French Champagne.
There is also a kids menu for $45 per child.
If you have dietary requirements don’t worry, vegetarian and gluten free options can be catered for at no additional cost, you simply need to make it known at time of booking.
High Tea at Lilianfels is only served Friday to Sunday.
Bookings are essential.
Avalon
Avalon, a playful art-deco eatery with its retro decor and mountain views over Leura and the Jamison Valley, is the least traditional venue on this list - however the High Tea is just as good.
Avalon perfectly combines their period quirks with a good old fashioned High Tea, served every weekend from 12 o’clock.
The details:
All High Teas are served with a drink of choice followed by a selection of savoury pastries, fluffy lemonade scones topped with jam and cream and an array of sweet treats. Finally, choose from a refined selection of local teas and coffee.
You have two options for High Tea, a Sparkling High Tea which starts with a glass of bubbles, prosecco, pink moscato or non-alcoholic sparkling cider for $75 per person, or a Gin & Tea where your starting drink is one of their fabulous gin cocktails, for $79 per person.
The Avalon also puts on seasonal High Teas for occasions like Mother’s Day and Christmas so keep an eye out on their website.
Bookings are essential.
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