By Keeva Stratton
Hungry for High Tea? Rescu. investigates the origins of this deliciously decadent celebration, and recommends the best places to go to get your fix.
Where did this tradition come from?
While there is some debate as to its origins, High Tea is known in Australia today as a refined social gathering where seemingly endless pots of tea are expertly served alongside an abundance of small finger sandwiches and pastries. Most attribute its beginnings to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who invited friends around to have tea, cakes and sandwiches, a tradition that was further popularised through Queen Victoria, who famously demanded cucumber sandwiches, as well as the finest cakes and pastries from all across Britain to be served with her afternoon tea.
This upper class tradition however, was commonly known in Britain as Low Tea – and High Tea was, in fact, believed to have been created by the working class, whom at the time only ate two meals per day. To supplement this, they began having a late afternoon snack with tea, which was eaten standing up, hence the term ‘high’. The celebratory format of High Tea, as adapted by Australians, would appear to have stemmed from the former, more regal version, therefore imbuing the practice with all the finery and splendor of a royal occasion.
High tea in Australia now
However it began, it would seem that nothing brings out the Lady in most of us more than these petite yet plentiful servings on the finest silverware, usually set in the grand foyers or picturesque gardens of our grandest resorts and hotels. Traditionally loved by the more mature woman, it would seem that in recent times, with more youthful additions such as champagne or even tea cocktails, High Tea has become the haute couture of social dining amongst the under 35s.
There is something quite special about High Tea, which likely explains why it has become popular as a means of celebrating many female occasions, such as Bridal and Baby Showers, Hen’s parties, Mother’s Day, Engagements, Anniversaries and Reunions. High Tea is about company and conversation. Even in our frenetic modern world, women relish the opportunity to catch up with their elegantly attired friends, and appreciate the pace of a High Tea as the perfect forum to accommodate the latest gossip and news.
Where are the best places to go for high tea?
While no trip to Singapore, for example, would be complete without the absolute indulgence of High Tea at the Raffles, for options closer to home, those in the Sydney area can get a tempting taste of traditional High Tea at The Tea Rooms; French High Tea at The Wentworth; the trendiest High Tea (it even includes tea cocktails) at The Loft – or get out of the city for a spectacularly scenic High Tea (that even includes having your tea leaves read) at Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains.
In Melbourne, The Hotel Windsor and The Tea Lounge at The Hyatt are as stylish as the city herself; or for a slightly offbeat garden tea party you may wish to try Madame Brussels, which is as fabulous as the name suggests.
Brisbane ladies can have a regal tea experience at Queenies, Joseph Alexanders, or on Sundays on the verandah at Franklin Villa. In Adelaide, The Artstyle Galleries has an endless collection of Royal Doulton and are the home of High Tea; and in Perth, The Duxton Hotel is a splendid option.
So whether it’s a new baby, marriage or just a catch up with your girlfriends, for a celebration with a twist (of lemon perhaps), you may want to give High Tea a try.
