If you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy food with friends, why not try a high tea? Hailing from Britain all the way back to the 1700’s, ‘high tea’ was a meal of sweet and savoury items served standing or on tall stools. The traditional high tea can be found in many forms these days, from the traditional scones, finger sandwiches and cakes, to cocktails and burgers! We’ve done the work so you can find the kind of high tea that satisfies your style and tastebuds.
Howling Moon on Northbourne Avenue
It seems fitting to enjoy high tea at Canberra’s highest rooftop bar! Not only is the Howling Moon one of Canberra’s trendiest and ‘Instagram-able’ bars, but it now serves high tea with a spectacular view. Executive chef George Giannoulis has created mini masterpieces such as green tea tiramisu, mini lamb burgers, fluffy scones and crispy sausage rolls, which are piled high along with bright cocktails or a side of champagne.
Bookings are for 1.5 hours and can be made via email at howl@thehowlingmoon.com.au. You can visit their website to find available weekends. Adults are $40pp with maximum bookings of 10.
Burbury Hotel in Barton
The Buvette High Tea is a favourite amongst Canberrans, and replicates the traditional high tea that we all know and love. Served in the light-filled room of the Burbury Hotel, delicate pastries, soft sandwiches and mouthwatering macaroons are some of the goodies you can enjoy. Pair it with TWG fine teas and fresh coffee, sparkling wine or champagne. Gluten-free options are available, but unfortunately vegan and dairy-free options are not offered.
Ranging from $50 – $150 per person. Book online and view the detailed menu while on their website. Book on Saturdays from 11.30am and Sundays at 12pm and 2.30pm.
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
One of Canberra’s most established locations, the beautiful Hyatt Hotel continues to produce popular afternoon tea sessions in the heritage listed Tea Lounge. Their signature stands are full of sweet and savoury options like fluffy meringues, pork sliders, and bright custard tarts.
Offered weekdays 10.30am – 5pm $72pp, and two-hour sessions on weekends 10am – 4.30pm $75pp. Children between 5 – 12yrs are $50. Bookings are essential online.
Billy T’s at Dirty Jane’s in Fyshwick
Exciting things are happening at Dirty Jane’s in Fyshwick. In addition to their already established pantry and larder, Billy T’s, they’ve opened the doors to their adorable new building ‘The Barn’. The sun streams in and spills over tables covered in classic English porcelain and pink linen napkins. No sun? They have a cosy fireplace too! Choose between popular Tea Garden blends and freshly brewed coffee to pair with the impressive stack of freshly made treats such as carrot cake, quiche, salmon croquettes, and scones.
Available every Sunday $60pp, bookings essential and can be made via their website.
Queen’s Terrace at Parliament House
You can enjoy high tea in one of Australia’s most iconic buildings. This is the perfect opportunity to take visiting friends and family who want to view the magnificent building that is Parliament House. The newly refurbished Queen’s Terrace Cafe offers a beautiful high tea experience featuring sweet and savoury treats crafted by their in-house pastry team. The treats have an Australian twist and feature some beautiful native ingredients like the lemon myrtle crumble choux. The high tea includes your choice of tea and coffee for $40pp and if you’re feeling fancy, you can also enjoy a glass of local Gallagher sparkling duet for $50pp.
Offered weekends 11.30am – 12.30pm. Bookings essential, and can be made via the APH website.
Sunflowers High Tea at the National Gallery of Australia
Are you an art lover? For a short time only you can enjoy Sunflowers High Tea which is being offered for the duration of the Botticelli to Van Gogh exhibition at the NGA. Fresh finger sandwiches, savoury tartlets and delectable sweets are available as you overlook the Sculpture Garden.
Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 14 June. Adults $60pp, children $25, member discounts also apply. Book online.
Beef & Barley at Kingston Foreshore
What better way to enjoy burgers than in high tea form! Choose between Burger, Brunch or Vegetarian packages. Enjoy schooner, bubbles or tea and coffee with your preferred choice of burger stand. Their beef and chicken is also certified Halal.
Open Tuesday – Thursday 11.30am – 2.30pm and 5.00pm – 8.30pm, Friday: 11.30am – 9.30pm and weekends 10am til late. Each option is $45pp with add ons available. Book online and check out the full menu.
Tipsy Tea at White Rabbit Cocktail Bar
A high tea with a twist! You can enjoy sweet and savoury goodies like brownies, pannacotta, arancini balls and Italian doughnuts alongside your choice of amazing signature cocktails or French sparkling!
Every Saturday and Sunday 2pm – 5pm, $70pp. Email info@whiterabbitroom.com.au to book your table, and take a look at their detailed menu and cocktail list on their website.
Sky High Tea at QT Canberra
Enjoy a high tea with a stunning view at the exclusive QT Lounge as you indulge in mouth-watering treats oozing with elegance. Executive Chef Josh Smith-Thirkell and his team have created savoury treats such as King Salmon Roe and crème fraiche blinis, Parmesan panna cotta and mini Pollies pies. Save room for sweet delicacies such as Gateau Opera with hazelnuts, Forbidden Forest Apple, tiramisu cannoli, QT macaroons and more.
Children (5-12 years) can join for $35 + BF and Adults will receive a glass of G.H. Mumm on arrival for $55 + BF. The Sky High Tea is available first Saturday of the month between June and October 2021. Visit the website to find out more and to book.
Kings Junction in Bungendore
While it’s not technically in Canberra, we had to include high tea at Kings Junction. This gorgeous little cafe has a shop with home decor, indoor plants and more so you can have a little retail therapy before or after your high tea. The outdoor area is dog friendly and the high tea features beautiful homemade sweet and savoury treats like the lemon curd tart and the mini carrot cakes with cream cheese icing. Kings Junction is located in Bungendore so it’s only a short drive from Canberra.
High Tea can be booked for all occasions and on any day at Kings Junction. You just have to book in advance and contact the team to find out more. The price depends what you want included in your high tea. Visit their website for contact details.
All information was correct at the time this article was published. Please check with each business for updated information.
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson is a freelance writer with a mission to prove that Canberra is a fabulous place to live. As an avid coffee drinker, breakfast connoisseur and self-confessed 'eater-outerer' she will help you decide where to go for the best experience. She loves a grungy music gig, local beer, fancy french toast, and has a soft spot for the Southside.