In the middle of Western Australia, Perth is a beautiful place to enjoy the age-old custom of high tea because of its proximity to both natural beauty and exciting city life. This irresistible tradition has won over the hearts and stomachs of both natives and visitors, ensuring its place in history and memory.
From its humble beginnings in early 19th-century England, high tea has blossomed into a lovely social event that blends the art of savouring a perfectly made cup of tea with good friends and delicious pastries. And this endearing custom has blossomed in Perth, where a wealth of exquisite settings invite you to experience the height of sophistication.
In this blog, we explore the phenomenon of high tea in Perth, looking for clues as to why this age-old custom has captured the hearts of so many Australians. We will investigate the numerous settings that contribute to the uniqueness of this adventure, from grand hotels and museums to cosy cafes and tranquil riverbank hideaways.
Experience the delight of sampling unique tea blends while nibbling on delectable finger foods in one of Perth's many posh high tea establishments. To ensure that high tea is an enjoyable experience for everybody, we will also discuss how these venues accommodate various dietary needs and provide unique activities for their youngest customers.
As we explore the world of high tea in Perth, we will highlight the thoughts of individuals who have experienced this fabulous custom personally and share the views of tea experts with you. Celebrate the unique blend of history, sophistication, and the joy of shared moments with loved ones, making high tea so popular in Perth.
Our blog will lead you to fascinating high tea experiences Perth offers, whether you are a seasoned high tea enthusiast or want to embark on this beautiful adventure for the first time. Get ready to be swept away to a land of sophistication and gastronomic splendour as we discuss the compelling allure of high tea in Perth, Australia.
Why Perth Loves Its High Tea
For several reasons, Perth has become more fond of the ritual of high tea, which exemplifies the city's respect for history, refinement, and the savouring of the finest cuisine. There are a few reasons why high tea has become so popular in Perth:
A Classic That Never Gets Old
Perth's high tea continues to thrive because it is a time-honoured custom passed down from generation to generation. It helps people connect to their past and gives them beautiful memories to carry into the future.
Dine on Exciting New Experiences
The eating and food culture of Perth is well-known. Delicious finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries are served alongside great teas for a memorable and sumptuous high tea experience.
Incredible Settings
High tea may be enjoyed in various beautiful settings across Perth, from grand hotels and historic buildings to little boutique cafés and tranquil garden retreats. The appeal of high tea lies in the variety of settings in which it can be enjoyed.
Socialising and other Formal Get-Togethers
Celebrating milestones in life with a traditional high tea party has become common. High tea is famous for special occasions in Perth, such as birthdays, bridal showers, and baby showers.
Combining Cultures
Although high tea originated in Britain, the city of Perth's diverse population has added local twists. Australian and Asian flavours are sometimes added to traditional high tea fare at some establishments.
Perth's Finest Spots for High Tea
Fleur
In the Royal Hotel, Fleur is the first on our list of the finest places to have high tea in Perth. Under the direction of Chef Chase Weber, Fleur is an elegant, sophisticated affair that serves some very delicious food.
With its 'afternoon flower' branding, Fleur frames its product as less high tea and more high treat, and we agree that this is spot on. This upscale event takes place on Saturdays between 12 pm and 2.30 pm and costs $65 per person.
Sip some prosecco as you enter, then dig into some savoury bites and finish with delectable desserts.
Hearth At Ritz Carlton
When it comes to high tea, Perth's finest restaurant, Hearth, doesn't mess around. The smoked turkey sandwich with walnuts, celery, and black garlic is delicious in the fall, as is the Shark Bay prawn roll with chives, classic thousand island dressing, and pickles. A truly West Australian beverage pairing would be locally roasted Offshoot coffee or Seven Seas tea with sparkling wine from Margaret River's Howard Park vineyard. You can get your hands on some Mot & Chandon Grand Vintage if you look far enough. The Ritz-Carlton has a kids' menu so the whole family can enjoy a meal together, and it even comes with milk and juice.
Bistro Guillaume
Crown's high and afternoon tea selections are excellent, but for a more French-inspired Saturday afternoon experience, try Bistro Guillaume's selection of teas and a glass of Mot & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne. We recommend the Marco Polo from the Parisian tea shop Mariage Frères, founded in 1854, for a truly French experience. We also think it's important to have duck pithiviers and classic French desserts like ganache-filled macarons and eclairs.
Treasury Lounge and Bar
High tea in Perth is synonymous with Como Most would agree that the Treasury is at the top of the list.
There is no better hotel in Perth than The Como and for good reason. High tea is served Wednesday through Sunday from noon to five, and the establishment's luxurious furnishings and elegant, unpretentious decor make it a prime spot for people-watching and a relaxing afternoon.
The Classic High Tea is $65 per person, the Western Australian High Tea is $75 (with a glass of WA sparkling), and the Signature High Tea is $85 (with a glass of Taittinger Champagne).
The bar is located just above "Point Zero," the origin from which all distances to Perth are measured, and the menu prominently displays the distances each product travelled from the different Western Australian suppliers used. You won't be let down by the sumptuous atmosphere and delectable dishes.
Bites by D
Another excellent spot for a Perth high tea can be found in the sunny suburb of Mount Hawthorn. From Tuesday through Sunday, Bites by D serves daily high tea.
High tea is $55 on weekends and $45 throughout the week (with an additional $59 twilight session available on Saturdays for groups of 15 or more). You can choose between a 5 Senses coffee or a T2 pot of tea to accompany the savoury, and miniature desserts served at each session.
Those who wish may also bring their bottle of champagne in exchange for a $5 corkage fee. Sample all the delectable bite-sized offerings, paying particular attention to the desserts because this bakery has excellent baked goods.
Santini At QT
High tea at QT, served on Saturday afternoons, infuses the quirky spirit that has become synonymous with the brand. Pancetta and mushroom tartlets, prosciutto bruschetta and cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon charcoal brioche buns are the eclectic European fare served in the hotel's signature restaurant Santini. QT opts for Prosecco pairings when many Perth businesses opt for Champagne. If there weren't also a promise of a sweet treat, it wouldn't be the "sweet life." Cannoli filled with whipped ricotta and pistachios, tiramisu, and lemon meringue tarts are just a few examples.
The Westin
Heaven must be like lying in the sun and sipping The Westin's speciality tea. The perfect way to take in the beauty of this hotel is that afternoon tea is served every day from 12 to 4 in the Haven Lounge, which looks out over Hibernian Place.
The high tea here features ample servings of savoury and sweet treats that change with the seasons and the theme, as well as swoon-worthy fluffy scones. Their high tea is so unique that you may order it to go if you'd instead enjoy it in the privacy of your own home.
The George Perth
The George Perth is conveniently located near the heart of New York City, only steps away from Central Park. One of the best high teas in Perth, this spread guarantees no one will go hungry. French macaroons, Homemade scones, and a wide variety of other delectable sweets to satisfy your sweet craving. You can break from the sugar rush with finger sandwiches and tartlets. Crack open a bottle of champagne, and you've got a sumptuous afternoon.
What You Should Know About High Tea Etiquette
Be Appropriately Attired
Even though a fancy outfit is not required, most afternoon tea establishments and gatherings require guests to dress formally. Wear anything like a simple sundress and flats. You might also wear a tailored pair of pants and a classy top.
Call It by Its Correct Title
When shall we have tea? It helps to give your lavish afternoon of tea and finger foods a name. While the term "high tea" may conjure images of extravagance, afternoon tea is distinguished only by its exquisite tea sets and bite-sized items. A hearty early supper of meat and potatoes served with a hot cup of tea was once known as "high tea," and it was once a common working-class meal. However, between the hours of two and five in the afternoon, a spread of finger sandwiches, scones, and bite-size treats known as "afternoon tea" is served elegantly on low tables with delicate china cups and freshly made loose tea.
You Shouldn’t Put Your Belongings on the Table Where the Food Is
The table and the food are the stars of an afternoon tea. At afternoon tea establishments, the table settings are works of art. Don't ruin it by setting your bag or phone on the table.
Instead, prop them up on a nearby chair so they're not in the way of the event's refined atmosphere. If you put it away, there will be less distraction from your phone and more opportunity for conversation and connection with your tea companion.
Let the Tea Cool Down First
Though it may seem like a good idea at the time, blowing on your hot tea is considered rude at an afternoon tea. Wait for your tea to cool down naturally before you try to sip it, rather than aggressively trying. This way, you won't have to risk scalding your mouth by blowing into your teacup. After the tea has cooled, remember to sip it slowly and carefully; slurping or gargling it is rude.
Napkins Should Be Used at the Table
A cloth napkin will be neatly placed on the plate as you sit for afternoon tea. Quickly arrange it on your lap with the crease pointing towards you. Use the napkin to clean the crumbs off your fingers when you bite.
Wipe your lips with the napkin as well. Don't wipe your lips; dab them with the napkin and return them to your lap. The napkin goes on the left side of the dish once the tea is completed.
Pouring a Cup of Tea
No tea bag can contain real tea. Loose tea leaves are traditionally used to make afternoon tea, so a tea strainer is always present. After steeping the tea for four minutes, strain it using the strainer placed over the cup. After that, you can make your tea taste exactly how you want it to by adding sugar and milk. But keep in mind that milk is only appropriate for black tea, and not for green, oolong, white, or herbal teas.
The practise of adding the milk last was developed as a show of sophistication due to the fragility of porcelain cups when hot water is poured into them directly. If you add the milk last, your tea will pour like an aristocrat's and the flavour will really shine through your fine china.
Quietly Stir
During the afternoon tea hour, silence is more valuable than gold. Although stirring the tea in a circular motion accomplishes the task at hand, it often causes unnecessary noise and splashing. Therefore, for better-stirring outcomes and less noise, stir in a forwards and backwards motion from the 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock position.
If sugar is added to the cup, stirring will help it dissolve more quickly than if it was left to sink to the bottom. After you've stirred your tea with understated elegance, you can unwind with a cup by flicking the teaspoon above the cup, but never smashing the spoon against the teacup.
Carry Your Cup of Tea with Grace
In the world of afternoon tea, it is considered rude to hold the cup with both hands, stick your pinky finger up, or hook your fingers through the handle. A teacup should be held with both the index and thumb pinching the top of the handle (which should point at 3 o'clock) and the middle finger following the curvature of the handle down to the bottom of the handle to keep the cup steady, as etiquette experts recommend. You rest your tea-drinking index and middle fingers in your palm.
Conclusion
Perth, Western Australia, is a beautiful place to enjoy the age-old custom of high tea, which has captured the hearts of both natives and visitors. The tradition has evolved from its humble beginnings in early 19th-century England to a social event that blends the art of savouring a perfectly made cup of tea with good friends and delicious pastries. Perth's numerous settings contribute to the uniqueness of this adventure, from grand hotels and museums to cosy cafes and tranquil riverbank hideaways.
High tea in Perth is a time-honoured custom that connects people to their past and gives them beautiful memories to carry into the future. The eating and food culture of Perth is well-known, with delicious finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries served alongside great teas. The appeal of high tea lies in the variety of settings in which it can be enjoyed, from grand hotels and historic buildings to little boutique cafés and tranquil garden retreats.
Celebrating milestones in life with a traditional high tea party has become common, and Perth's diverse population has added local twists, such as Australian and Asian flavors to traditional high tea fare at some establishments.
Some of Perth's finest spots for high tea include Fleur, Heart At Ritz Carlton, Bistro Guillaume, The Treasury Lounge and Bar, and Bites by D. Fleur offers an elegant, sophisticated affair with an 'afternoon flower' branding, while Heart At Ritz Carlton offers a kids' menu and milk and juice.
Bistro Guillaume offers a French-inspired Saturday afternoon experience with Mot & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne, duck pithiviers, and classic French desserts. The Treasury Lounge and Bar is synonymous with high tea in Perth, serving Wednesday through Sunday from noon to five. The bar's luxurious furnishings and elegant decor make it a prime spot for people-watching and a relaxing afternoon.
In conclusion, Perth's high tea scene is a blend of history, sophistication, and shared moments with loved ones. Perth's high tea establishments offer a unique and memorable experience for all, from seasoned enthusiasts to those just starting out. In summary, afternoon tea is a popular event in Perth, where guests can enjoy a variety of delectable bite-sized offerings, including coffee, tea, and desserts. Some popular establishments include Santani At QT, The Westin, and The George Perth. High tea is served on Saturday afternoons, with a variety of savoury and sweet treats, including cannoli filled with whipped ricotta and pistachios, tiramisu, and lemon meringue tarts.
Etiquette for high tea includes being appropriately attired, calling the tea by its correct title, and not placing belongings on the table. The table and food are the stars of the event, so it's important to prop them up on a nearby chair to avoid distractions and more conversation.
To prepare the tea, wait for the tea to cool down naturally before trying to sip it. Use a cloth napkin to clean your fingers and wipe your lips, and use a tea strainer to strain the tea. Add sugar and milk to the tea, but only for black tea. Stir the tea in a forwards and backwards motion from the 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock position for better-stirring outcomes and less noise.
Carrying your cup of tea with grace is also important, as it is considered rude to hold the cup with both hands, stick your pinky finger up, or hook your fingers through the handle. Instead, hold the teacup with both hands, with the index and thumb pinching the top of the handle and the middle finger following the curvature of the handle down to the bottom.
In summary, afternoon tea in Perth is a unique and enjoyable experience that requires proper attire, proper etiquette, and a thoughtful approach to the tea experience.
Content Summary
- Perth, Australia, offers the best places for high tea due to its natural beauty and vibrant city life.
- High tea is an age-old custom cherished by both locals and tourists in Perth.
- The art of savoring tea and pastries with friends has made high tea a beloved social event in Perth.
- A wide range of exquisite settings in Perth elevates the high tea experience to new heights of sophistication.
- High tea venues in Perth cater to various dietary needs and offer unique activities for children.
- The allure of high tea in Perth lies in its blend of history, sophistication, and cherished moments with loved ones.
- Perth's love for high tea stems from its respect for tradition, refinement, and culinary excellence.
- High tea in Perth is a classic tradition that fosters a strong connection to the past and creates cherished memories for the future.
- The food culture of Perth enhances the high tea experience with delectable finger foods and teas.
- High tea can be enjoyed in various stunning settings in Perth, including grand hotels, historic buildings, and charming cafes.
- Celebrating milestones with high tea has become a popular trend in Perth, including birthdays and bridal showers.
- Perth's high tea incorporates local twists, blending Australian and Asian flavors with the traditional British tradition.
- Fleur at the Royal Hotel offers an elegant and sophisticated high tea experience in Perth.
- Hearth at Ritz Carlton impresses with its delicious and diverse high tea menu.
- Bistro Guillaume presents a French-inspired high tea experience at Crown in Perth.
- Treasury Lounge and Bar at Como is one of Perth's top high tea destinations, known for its luxurious ambiance.
- Bites by D in Mount Hawthorn offers a delightful and affordable high tea experience.
- Santini at QT infuses the quirky spirit of the brand into its high tea menu, served on Saturday afternoons.
- The Westin's afternoon tea is a heavenly experience, served with beautiful views of Hibernian Place in Perth.
- The George Perth is a top-notch high tea spot, offering an indulgent spread of French macaroons and other sweet treats.
- Proper attire is encouraged for high tea in Perth, adding to the elegant atmosphere.
- Afternoon tea is the appropriate term for the refined tea and finger foods experience.
- Placing belongings on the table during high tea is considered impolite; it's best to keep them on a nearby chair.
- Blowing on hot tea is considered rude during high tea; it's better to let it cool naturally.
- Using the provided napkin to clean fingers and lips is part of high tea etiquette.
- Loose tea leaves are traditionally used for afternoon tea, and a tea strainer is provided for that purpose.
- Stirring tea quietly in a back-and-forth motion is preferred over circular stirring to avoid unnecessary noise.
- Holding the teacup with grace, using the correct finger positioning, is an essential part of high tea etiquette.
- The George Perth is located conveniently near Central Park, making it an attractive high tea spot.
- Bistro Guillaume's high tea menu includes classic French desserts like macarons and eclairs.
- Treasury Lounge and Bar offers different high tea options, including the Signature High Tea with Taittinger Champagne.
- Perth's diverse population adds unique flavors and twists to the traditional high tea fare.
- High tea in Perth is an enjoyable experience for all, including kids, with family-friendly menus available.
- Fleur's "afternoon flower" branding sets the tone for a luxurious high tea experience.
- The Westin's afternoon tea is served with a stunning view of Hibernian Place.
- Proper etiquette dictates that teacups should be held with the index and thumb pinching the top of the handle.
- High tea in Perth is not just about the food; it's a chance to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories.
- The Ritz-Carlton offers a kids' menu for families to enjoy high tea together.
- Bites by D serves daily high tea with a variety of savories and miniature desserts.
- Perth's high tea scene celebrates the blending of cultures, incorporating both British and local flavors.
- Santini at QT embraces its quirky spirit with unique and eclectic European fare for high tea.
- Perth's high tea venues cater to different dietary requirements, making it an inclusive experience for all.
- High tea in Perth has evolved into a beloved social event, perfect for celebrating special occasions.
- The combination of sophistication and gastronomic splendor makes high tea popular in Perth.
- The George Perth's spread ensures that no one will go hungry during their high tea experience.
- High tea venues in Perth often offer beautiful views and elegant settings for an unforgettable experience.
- Perth's high tea venues offer unique and exciting experiences for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers.
- High tea in Perth embraces a sense of history and refinement, making it a cherished tradition.
- Bistro Guillaume's selection of teas and champagne offers a French-inspired high tea experience in Perth.
- High tea in Perth is an enchanting adventure, celebrating the love for tea, delicious treats, and shared moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Tea in Perth
Afternoon tea and high tea are two distinct traditions. Afternoon tea is a lighter, more elegant affair, typically served between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of sweet pastries and cakes. High tea, on the other hand, is a heartier meal, served around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and includes more.
A typical high tea menu in Perth includes a selection of finger sandwiches with various fillings, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of sweet pastries and cakes. The menu is complemented by a choice of fine teas or coffee.
Yes, high tea is a popular choice for celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, bridal showers, baby showers, and anniversaries. Many venues offer group packages and private event options for such occasions.
While there is no strict dress code, many high tea venues in Perth have an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. Dressing in smart casual or semi-formal attire is common, adding to the overall experience of indulging in high tea.
Some venues in Perth offer themed high tea experiences, especially during holidays or festive seasons. Themes may include seasonal inspirations, floral themes, or pop culture references, adding an extra touch of charm to the occasion.