
Where can you find the best high tea experience in Canberra? Photo: Michelle Taylor.
From a humble mid-afternoon working class pick me up; high tea evolved to become an elegant afternoon soiree infamous amongst the British aristocracy. High tea today is a tradition for all, and widely regarded as an indulgent affair.
Canberran’s do seem to have taken quite a liking to high tea. And with cream encrusted scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and precious petit fours, this love affair comes as no surprise.
Add the clink of elegant china and a crisp glass of champagne to the mix and what results is the perfect afternoon. Whether you are celebrating an occasion, reconnecting with friends, or gathering with family there is always an excuse to indulge!
Fortunately, Canberra is home to some of the country’s finest high tea establishments. With heritage and character in spades, our nations capital provides fertile ground for a littering of options. From classical backdrops that span the test of time, to whimsical abodes, and contemporary settings the choice is yours.
But when we say high tea, only the best high tea must do. No second-rate, slap-dash pseudo high teas here please! We want only the best multi-tiered gastronomic delights fit for a queen. So where does one find the best high tea in Canberra? Read on to find out.
What makes a great high tea?
A great high tea occasion should make you feel like you have entered the realm of aristocracy. With an air of abundance and the finest china all presenting a considered selection of bite sized goodness. Here are our tips to help you select the next venue for your high tea experience:
- Sophisticated surrounds. When one thinks of high tea images of floral laden tables, pink linen napkins, and the scent of spring air often comes to mind. And, when considering a venue for your next high tea event you should expect nothing less than sophisticated surrounds that the upper English classes are beholden to. The best high tea occasions are served in memorable locations, those that are breathtakingly beautiful both inside and out. Look for character, refined décor, and no-expense spared china. After all, your high tea should be a feast for the senses so do not settle for anything less.
- Delectable delights. When it comes to high tea the old-adage most certainly rings true; first we feast with our eyes. And with this in mind, take note – the best high teas are a visual assault and even more divine on the palette. The best high teas are a carefully curated selection of savoury and sweet delights designed to tantalise the taste buds. They offer a blend of cold, warm, and fresh offerings coupled with the best scones and pastries this side of France. After all, a high tea is one of those rare food occasions where we allow ourselves to indulge in dessert first. So, ensure this treat is worth your while.
- Beautiful beverages. It goes without saying that an assortment of the finest teas should be expected at any good high tea venue. These days however, most patrons desire a little bit more. The best high tea venues will have a beautiful selection of beverages, from freshly juiced citrus to lightly doused cocktails, and a glass or two of champagne. For many, high tea is often a celebratory affair – and one that is worthy of a little sparkle.
- Superior service. Having all the bells and whistles is one thing; but delivering them through warm and gracious hosting is another. To feel truly regal, consider those venues that are known for their superior service. This should begin from the minute you are greeted at the door, during service, and when you depart. The best high tea venues are well staffed with consummate hospitality professionals, leaving no tea unturned.
- Astute ambiance. Without experiencing it, ambiance is a little harder to predict. It is a blend of patronage, surrounds, and service, and culminates in the overall atmosphere. When it comes to high tea, consider the style of event you wish to attend and review options accordingly. Are you looking for an outdoor soiree? A plush place of luxury indulgence? A swanky cosmopolitan tipple? Either way, the venue’s ambiance should be astute, refined, and sprinkled with a dash of fun.
The best high teas in Canberra
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Tea Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Nestled in the heritage-listed Tea Lounge, is a timeless high tea tradition at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Famous for it’s luxurious spread, this high tea experience features an array of savouries, sandwiches, and scones, all complimented by a selection of tempting cakes and slices.
The finest leaf teas are served, along with an extensive selection of espresso coffees, juice, and lengthy wine list. For a touch of elegance and old-world charm look to the Tea Lounge at the Hyatt Hotel.
As Andy shared on Google, “Beautiful afternoon spent at the Hyatt Canberra. High tea was well catered and a great option for something special and a little out of the ordinary. Staff were friendly and attentive, and the setting is hard to beat on a warm afternoon.”
Adore Tea
Locally based Adore Tea, are one of the largest speciality brewing companies in Australia. First founded in 2006, this award-winning tea house now stocks over 200 unique teas sourced from Sri Lanka, China, and locally here in Australia.
Adore Tea is also home to one of the region’s most regarded high tea experiences. Serving both morning and afternoon high teas, they offer a rotating menu carefully considered to suit each season. For an unforgettable high tea experience look to Adore Tea.
Janette Jarrott shared this glowing review of Adore Tea on Google, “Lovely experience. Food delicious and teas a pleasure to taste. Service excellent. Great place to indulge.”
Tipsy Tea, White Rabbit
The White Rabbit is a local hidden gem, known for its whimsical charm and earthy atmosphere. Each Saturday and Sunday afternoon the White Rabbit hosts Tipsy Tea; a bountiful array of delectable savoury bites and moreish dessert treats.
Accompanying the high tea is a choice of the venues signature cocktails and the finest French bubbles. To be lost like Alice in Wonderland look to Tipsy Tea at the White Rabbit.
As Narelle Burton shared on Google, “Tipsy Tea – love it!”
Burbury Hotel
Perched above the award-winning Burbury Hotel as a gleaming rooftop terrace home to one of Canberra’s most exclusive high tea experiences.
Hosted weekly at noon on Sunday, the Burbury Hotel high tea offers a selection of fine French pastries, traditional scones, and savoury morsels.
Paired with the finest of teas, tea cocktails, coffee or champagne, the Burbury Hotel makes for an excellent choice. For a decadent high tea affair look to the Burbury Hotel.
As Amy McFarlane wrote on RiotACT, “The burbury hotel is my favourite – and a great gluten free option as well!”
The Scented Rose Garden and Teahouse
Set within a beautifully crafted English inspired garden, the Teahouse has been welcoming guests for high tea since opening it’s doors in 2003. The stunning location is the perfect backdrop for a high tea affair, with David Austin roses and flowers aplenty.
Their set high tea menu features an assortment of delectable cheeses, savoury treats, sandwiches, and sumptuous sweet treats. All this with a glass of sparkling and complimented by tea or coffee. For that lavish countryside feel and the scent of beautiful blooms look to The Scented Rose Garden and Teahouse.
As Sue Orchison shared on Google, “Super delicious gluten free sponge cake. Amazing High Tea, beautiful staff. Great baby shower venue. Spectacular scented garden.”
If you’re looking for more information on dining options in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best cocktail bars, the best wine bars, the best coffee shops, the best bakeries and the best fine dining Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with high teas in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the high tea listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Jennifer Macdonald Kate Bartlett
Amy Smith want to frock up and hit the Hyatt?
Any venue that can correctly say why they're calling it high tea, and not afternoon tea. That should reduce the field substantially.
Matt Heffernan no mention
June, we should do this. 😀
Ooohhh looks so good!
My birthday is coming up and I want to go to High Tea! Thanks for this article ❤❤❤❤
Antonia Bluck haha where was this a week ago when I was trying to book my thing 😆
Floria Tsang hehehehe..😁 Interested?
Pauline Tsang haha of cos! But need to check what’s on the menu...
It's fabulous ‼️
Archana Sanu Pauline Tsang need to try high tea some time :)
Was thinking about high tea just the other day, sounds like a plan 👌🏽
Archana Sanu I’m in. Let’s go!!!!
Archana Sanu yes. I am definitely in..☺
There is no one that does a well executed high tea in canberra.
Some have good food but it is limited to on cake etc per person. Then others are super attentive as you walk in but then dont come near you any other time.
Some only give you one small pot in an plain tea pot.
All Canberra ones are very expensive as well.
Ive had several high teas at The Ritz London and no one has even come close. Before the keyboard warriors come out, the price at The Ritz was £55 which is about $100.
Errin Cleghorn I haven't been to the Ritz London, but every time I have been to the Hyatt, I "sorta" felt disappointed. I was also not impressed with Pialligo or Old Parliament House. One of the reasons is, I think it lacks variety of food... I prefer savoury rather than all that sweet stuff.
Barbara Belmonte yea agree. They talk it up abd you pay 80 or 90 per person you want to be saying oh my gosh wow.. but often you get oh it was nice
No buffet currently at the Hyatt though. Served on three tiered cake stands.
Not much good if u r diabetic!!
Burbury doesnt do High tea any more. I tried to book recently. They referred me to the Realm. Looking forward to trying it out. Hoi Poloy do a great one in old Pxarliament house and Pialiago Estate is fantastic
Alyssa Owen we should try some of these in the holidays. ❤️
Zainab Wajih for all the celebrations post exams
Louise Williams want to go!?
Renee Buckley yes please
Have been to three in Canberra and nearby
1st - Hyatt
2nd - Bywong Scented Rose Garden
3rd - Burbury
Hope this helps
Jessica Mccarthy let’s go soon please
Jessica Mccarthy Next week? 🤷🏽♀️
Evelyn Novitasari Putra Yang Myrna Anggani ngebuble n high tea syantik yukkksss
Nyoris Putri kyk kmaren dwoongggg😄😄