Finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and petit fours – nibble your way through our list of the best places to have high tea in Canberra!
We can all agree, nothing is as delightful as an afternoon filled with a towering selection of sweets, a warm cup of tea, and only the best company to experience this fancy venture with. It’s high tea.
Introduced in England by a duchess who would become hungry at four o’clock in the afternoon, today this delectable experience has commonly been enjoyed throughout the day regardless of the occasion. Whether you’re royalty or not, we formally invite you to read through our list of the best spots for high tea in Canberra. Just remember, not to raise your pinky as it’s considered poor etiquette!
Photographed by Sebastian Coman. Image via Unsplash.
First Edition Canberra
Saturdays are good to do many things. But our favourite thing is First Edition Canberra’s high teas. Located inside Novotel Canberra and hosted every Saturday, guests are invited to unwind over a traditional three-tier high tea stand with unlimited coffee and tea. Carefully curated by their in-house executive chef, the menu includes sweet and savoury delights such as Green Tea Tiramisu, Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and macaroons. Plus, ishake things up with their Giggly High Tea where you’ll be able to sip through two hours of free-flowing teapot cocktails. What a sweet treat!
With views as stunning as the scones themselves, it’s no wonder how The Howling Moon has become one of the best and most chic high tea spots in Canberra. Serving fresh high tea at the rooftop bar at The Howling Moon provides panoramic views unlike anything else in Canberra, letting you sip tea while gazing at the cityscape or catching the sunset from this incredible vantage point. The cherry on top, of course, is the delightful array of both sweet and savoury treats: from delicate pastries to finger sandwiches, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Photographed by Jelleke Vanooteghem. Image via Unsplash.Howling Moon High Tea
Photographed by Rachel Cheng. Image via Unsplash.
The Marion
Overlooking Molonglo River, The Marion is all about encapsulating Canberra’s history with a fuse of celebrating modern techniques and flavours. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, extensive bar, pristine location and traditional white napery all make this venue one of the best spots for high tea in Canberra. As for the menu, guests will be able to snack on traditional high tea delights with an accompaniment of wine, cocktails, coffee, and their pick of tea from a two-page menu. And for those with the appetite, The Marion also offers one of the best bottomless high tea spots in Canberra, serving traditional high tea served with bottomless sparkling wine and mimosas for only $110 per person.
Photographed by Pew Pew Studios. Image supplied.
Queen’s Terrace Cafe
If you’re ready to feast like royalty, we’ve found one of the top places for high tea in Canberra. Meet the Queen’s Terrace Cafe. Housed inside Parliament House, Queen’s Terrace Cafe is the ample spot for relaxation. Allowing you to appreciate their sweet and savoury selections, this seasonal menu makes for the perfect opportunity for feasting with friends. Accompanied by your selection of tea, coffee or sparkling wine, guests will also have an opportunity to tour their gardens or take in some of the fine architecture and exhibitions. Available only on weekends.
Photographed by Jess Bailey. Image via Unsplash.
The Tea Lounge
If you’re looking for a spot of high tea that exudes luxury and finesse, The Tea Lounge inside the Hyatt Hotel Canberra should be your first point of call. On top of the delectable array of savouries including sandwiches and freshly baked scones, The Tea Lounge will also serve up a tempting selection of cakes and slices to its guests. Of course, the room itself is just as gorgeous as the menu: heritage-listed, The Tea Lounge is embellished with solid wood furnishings and elegant traditional cornices.
Image supplied via @whiterabbitcocktailroom Instagram.
White Rabbit
When we think of the best high teas in Canberra, the last place that would usually come to mind is a cocktail bar. But, interestingly, White Rabbit, just a touch away from City Hill, lives up to being just that. Hosted only on Saturdays and Sundays, White Rabbit’s Tipsy Tea is curious amalgamation of cocktails and cake. With delectable savoury bites and moreish desserts, guests will also be able to pick two of White Rabbit’s signature cocktails to accompany their high tea. Perfect for bridal showers, birthday parties and everything in between, this is high tea done with a twist!
Looking at creating your own high tea at home? Check out these Delivered Gourmet Graving Boxes in Australia. Or, lay out your blanket and basket at one of the Best Picnic Spots in Canberra.
