Afternoon Delights: six must-visit spots to have High Tea

As a modern-day throwback to 19th century Britain, High Tea has been charming hearts and appetites around the world since Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, hosted the first one nearly 200 years ago. 

Today, High Tea is still a beloved occasion to get together with friends and family for an afternoon of delightful food and conversation. Where you and your best crew can sip and sample a crafted curation of tea and champagne, colourful pastries and savoury sandwiches, petit fours and delectable desserts. There’s probably no more relaxing way to spend an afternoon eating and drinking in style.

And just because High Tea began in Britain, doesn’t mean that it’s still stuck in the Victorian ages. Today, modern interpretations of High Tea have revitalised both the menu and the experience, giving chefs a place to showcase their culinary creativity. Add the vibrant atmosphere of Crown Perth, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable afternoon.

1. High Tea at Lobby Lounge

Just inside Crown’s foyer, you’ll find the inviting and elegant Lobby Lounge. And it’s in this lively atmosphere where you can sample the Lobby Lounge’s delightful and ever-changing themed High Tea menu.

From Winter to Festive and everything in between, each time you visit the Lobby Lounge you’ll experience a different exploration of High Tea flavours, ingredients, and presentations. The chefs take pride in inventing seasonal menus that make the most of fresh ingredients and themes.

So the next time you find yourself at Crown Perth, be sure to drop in and discover the latest theme and afternoon tea menu on offer at Lobby Lounge. 

2. High Tea at Epicurean

Every Sunday afternoon from 3:15pm - 5pm, Epicurean hosts a decadent High Tea. With a menu that’s full of charming colour and eye-catching touches, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to High Tea at Versailles. 

From delicate finger sandwiches to world-class pastries and tarts, the Epicurean menu includes all the traditional afternoon tea favourites. There’s also a dedicated cheese section and an array of individual cakes and sweet treats. Plus, you’ll receive a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, and freshly brewed percolated coffee and tea is always ready to fill your cup.

Find the full menu here.

3. High Tea at Silks

At Silks, High Tea traditions are given a vibrant and bold Cantonese makeover. From 2.30pm - 5pm on Sundays, step into the stunning surrounds of Silks and enjoy an afternoon of Chinese-influenced deliciousness. 

Start off by sampling delicious savoury morsels straight off the wok, each featuring a unique twist and bursting with flavour. Once you’ve had your fill of savoury options, it’s time to make your way around the basket to an assortment of brightly-hued sweets. 

Pair these delicious bites with a butterfly honey tea that changes colour right before your eyes, as you drop in the lemon. Or if you’re feeling like something a little more grown-up, try a Pink Flamingo Cocktail for just $10. 

View the full menu here.

4. Birdcage High Coffee at TWR

Looking for a reinvigorated twist on tradition? Then TWR's Birdcage High Coffee is the High Tea experience for you. From Thursday to Sunday, between 12pm - 3pm, TWR welcomes you to experience an extraordinary afternoon. But this is one that you’ll have to book in advance to secure your place. 

Begin your High Tea by sampling chef-made creations that showcase the finest of ingredients. Think assorted finger sandwiches and sliders, a range of hand-crafted patisserie treats and more.

To amplify your experience, TWR offers you the chance to pair your food with expertly crafted cocktails. Choose from Caramel Espresso Martinis to Pain Au Chocolat cocktails. Or, if you prefer, you can also enjoy two hours of selected flowing beverages, elevating your experience even further.

Choose your favourite option from the full menu here.

5. HIGH TEA AT BISTRO GUILLAUME

If you look up “the perfect spot to while away your afternoon”, Bistro Guillaume Perth could well be the official Google answer. The elegant dining space is perfectly matched with an equally elegant menu. All you need to do is make room for the delicious sweet and savoury treats. 

Start with the selection of canapés, before moving onto the famed Chicken Waldorf Champagne Baguette or Spanner Crab Sandwich. For those who like a bit of oomph in their afternoon, the Rare Roast Beef and Horseradish sandwich will be a standout, with shaved beef fillet, pear chutney, the fresh bite of watercress and sourdough. There’s also the Smoked Salmon Tartlet to try, as well as Duck Pithiviers - a creation of confit duck meshed with flaky puff pastry and duck jus.

Top it all off with a selection of fine teas and a glass of champagne. Bon appétit! 

Sittings are set for either 2pm or 2.30pm, and bookings must be made online. View Bistro Guillaume Perth’s High Tea menu here.

6. HIGH CHEESE AT LA VIE

That’s right, this isn’t your typical High Tea - this is La Vie’s indulgent High Cheese. It’s an ode to everyone’s favourite food, and here’s where you can see it interpreted into more creative presentations and varieties than you ever imagined.

Your High Cheese experience begins with a Garlic and Rosemary Camembert baked inside a crunchy Cob Loaf. Then, there’s a range of decadent cheeses presented on a four-tier stand. Think goat cheese, blue cheese, hard cheese and soft cheese. Each of which is perfectly complemented with a range of accompaniments including quince jelly, muscatels, honey and fresh pear. Next up, it’s the standout of La Vie’s afternoon tea - the Melted Raclette Cheese, which you can ooze over thinly shaved Prosciutto, Coppa, and Roasted Potatoes. 

Finally, it’s time for the dessert portion of this cheese-fest, think Crème Brûlée, Goat Cheese Panna Cotta and more. 

Add the perfect pairing of a flute of Moët & Chandon Impérial Champagne or take your experience to the next level with a tasting flight featuring four types of Champagne. C’est la vie, indeed!

High Tea isn’t just about tiny morsels of fancy food; it’s a chance to gather with friends, enjoy quality conversation, and revel in a creative assortment of deliciousness. And at Crown Perth, you can find a High Tea experience that’s more interesting than anywhere else, ensuring you’ll enjoy an afternoon you won’t soon forget.