Seven Canberra high teas to sip this spring
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Sometimes you simply need to spend a sunny day eating tiny sandwiches and drinking bubbles.
Every year without fail, Canberra transforms as spring blooms and with it comes a lineup of decadent high teas celebrating the season. Often running alongside Floriade – our very own flower festival – the menus bring bright, floral flavours to the table.
Whether you’re planning a long-overdue catch-up or looking for the perfect excuse to treat yourself, here are seven spring high teas to book now. Go on, consider it seasonal maintenance.
Leyla High Tea Soirée
This rooftop high tea is perfect for those who believe every problem can be improved with a tiny cake and a glass of something sparkling.
Running every Saturday in September, the indulgent two-hour experience will feature a buffet of sweet and savoury treats inspired by spring, including Strawberry Fraisier, Matcha Basque Cheesecake, Wagyu Croissant Sandwiches, Burrata Focaccia and Classic Tiramisu.
Coffee and tea are included, with the option to elevate your afternoon with two hours of bottomless mimosas, bellinis and sparkling wine. Take in the stunning views while you sip and savour the afternoon.
Until Saturday 26 August, 11.30 am | 1/1 Burbury Close, Barton | Book here.
Pride and Prejudice x QTea High Tea
They had us at the Mr Darcy roasted hazelnut praline. Just in time for spring, QT Canberra is hosting a Regency high tea that will transport you straight into the world of Elizabeth Bennet.
Created in partnership with the Canberra Theatre Centre and inspired by the musical comedy sensation Pride and Prejudice (*sort of) (which is showing from Wednesday 16 until Sunday 27 September), this high tea promises lavish florals and just enough scandal to keep Mr Darcy interested.
Beginning with luxe sandwiches and delicious savouries like wild mushroom croquettes, don’t skip the freshly baked scones with rosewater cream and jam and make sure to leave room for a Space Kitchen cake of your choice. Feeling extra sweet? The roaming cake trolley will be making its rounds, laden with Space Kitchen’s strawberry lamington slice and a caramel bloom cake.
Until Saturday 26 September, 11.30 am – 1 pm | 6 Marcus Clarke Street, City | Book here.
Feast of Flowers Floriade About Town High Tea
Having high tea at the Hyatt is a time-honoured tradition in Canberra, so why not celebrate spring with this elegant Spring High Tea in the Tea Lounge?
Featuring premium teas – including the exclusive Rose Floriat Tea by The Tea Centre – each guest will also enjoy a glass of sparkling wine. Inspired by the colour, and energy of Floriade, go along for fresh and bright savouries, followed by sweets inspired by the beauty of the springtime blooms.
Saturday 12 until Sunday 11 October, 11 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 4 pm | 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
Underground Spirits Cocktail High Tea in The Gin Garden
With oversized botanicals and disco balls, this Cocktail High Tea is unlike anything else in Canberra.
Running as part of Floriade, the 90-minute experience includes a welcome gin and tonic for every guest on arrival, a cocktail (or mocktail) served in a teapot and a handcrafted high tea curated by L’épi Artisan Bakery. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have the option to add any additional cocktails, edible cocktails and seasonal menu specials.
Who doesn’t love the idea of handcrafted French pastries and savoury delicacies in a maximalist botanical world?
Saturday 12 until Wednesday 30 September, 11 am – 12.30 pm | Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra | Book here.
Spring High Tea at Parliament House
Warrigal and cucumber tzatziki tart, scones with sunrise marmalade and cream and fig and date wattle seed tea cake. This seasonal high tea at Queen’s Terrace Café is worth putting into your diary.
Available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until November, go along to Parliament House to enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats showcasing great Australian produce. With a Kids High Tea also available, you can take the whole family along!
Friday 11 September until Sunday 29 November, 11 am | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | Book here.
Floriade High Tea at natural nine
natural nine’s iconic Floriade High Tea is officially back to celebrate spring with their signature modern Shanghainese twist.
Along with a selection of tea (and the option to add some tea-inspired cocktails), on the menu you’ll find chicken and truffle seamed mini bao, salt and pepper prawn cutlet, Nutella and red bean mini spring rolls and even a jasmine tea cream seared bao with coconut mango gel.
It’s available on weekends only, so make sure to book ahead!
Saturday 12 September until Saturday 17 October | 21 Binara Street, City | Book here.
Frock Up Bookclub! High Tea with Author Sophie Green
Part of the fun of high tea is choosing a fabulous outfit to wear while you indulge, and this event is the best of both worlds. Taking place as part of the Canberra Writers Festival, Frock Up Bookclub! High Tea with Author Sophie Green, will see the best-selling novelist in conversation with Canberra book enthusiast Bookish Bron.
Promising a delightful book-club style conversation over an elegant High Tea in the iconic Tea Lounge, you’ll hear them talk about female friendship, second chances, and the power of a good (pre-loved) outfit!
Saturday 17 October, 11 am – 1 pm | 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla | Book here.
OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS
Looking for a high tea that leans a little more traditional than seasonal? Here are some places in Canberra to enjoy a decadent high tea in heritage-listed venues, lakeside venues and plush surroundings.
The Marion
Coffee, cake, and tea with lakeside views – the Marion ticks all the boxes.
Act Parks Depot, Barrine Drive, Parkes | themarion.com.au
Chifley’s Bar and Grill
Located in Hotel Kurrajong, at this high tea you’ll be treated to classic petit scones, mini quiches, finger sandwiches, coffee, and of course herbal teas.
Hotel Kurrajong, 8 National Circuit, Barton | hotelkurrajong.com.au
White Rabbit Cocktail Room
Did say ‘Tipsy Tea’? At White Rabbit Cocktail Room, you can enjoy a decadent and delicious Tipsy High Tea – available on Saturdays from 11.30 am and 3 pm, as well as Sundays from 2 pm.
65 Northbourne Avenue, Civic | whiterabbitroom.com.au
Adore Tea
Here you’ll discover a rotating menu inspired by the seasons. Featuring a carefully curated three-course menu with 11 delectable items, it’s worth going to try the tea-infused canapés, desserts, and scones
2/2 Dacre Street, Mitchell and Shop 3/2 Furzer Street, Phillip | adoretea.com.au
Space Kitchen
We couldn’t write a list of high tea options in Canberra without mentioning the Willy Wonka-themed afternoon tea at Space Kitchen. Created to celebrate winning the title of Australia’s Best Patisserie, this will hit the spot for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Space Kitchen, 12 Furzer Street, Woden | space-kitchen.com.au
Water’s Edge
Indulge in a refined high tea experience with beautiful lakeside views at Water’s Edge. Their classic high tea includes a delightful array of sweet and savoury pastries, dainty ribbon sandwiches, and freshly baked scones served with jam and cream.
Parkes Place, Parkes | watersedgecanberra.com.au
Feature image: Underground Spirits Cocktail High Tea in The Gin Garden. Credit: Georgie Smith.
