Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, has a wealth of beautiful High Tea venues. Over time I have enjoyed High Tea at many of Sydney’s best and they have been magnificent and memorable afternoons. Today my recommendations include The Gunners Barracks, Lilianfels Resort and Spa and The Langham Hotel. As time goes by, I will add more special places to share Afternoon Tea in style.

“The Baroness found it amusing to go to tea; she dressed as if for dinner. The tea-table offered an anomalous and picturesque repast; and on leaving it they all sat and talked in the large piazza, or wandered about the garden in the starlight.” Henry James

Colossal panoramic views across the harbour towards the City nestled in bushland and a gorgeous setting of Middle Head Mosman greet one on arrival at The Gunners Barracks. From one’s first moment as you hop out of the car the experience is wonderful. A million miles from care, you wander down the path through the bushland to be welcomed by wait staff who were accommodating and smiling.

The High Tea stand included fresh scones, jam and cream and beautiful petit cakes and delicate sandwiches. We started with a glass of champagne followed by a choice of 41 styles of Tea. The china was Royal Albert and for an hour or two, you can enjoy the view from the verandah as you sip tea and champagne and feel like you’re in a more elegant, refined world. Lovely and highly recommended. Last visited January 2020.

Lilianfels High Tea

Old world charm in a classic cozy lounge room Lilianfels High Tea is traditional, comfortable and highly recommended. I’ve enjoyed High Tea at Lilianfels several times and have always found it to be a wonderful experience. It was some time back so I’m hoping the staff, service and food would still be the same. It is a gorgeous setting a few minutes’ walk to Echo Point lookout. The hotel sits in beautiful gardens just waiting for you to take a walk after Tea.

At times there is a pianist playing and the overall ambience is understated, elegant, relaxed and slow. The Victorian armchairs and lounges welcome you to a charming fireside conversation for an afternoon with no pressure to leave quickly. High Tea is a mix of savoury and sweet treats with sandwiches and classic scones, jam and cream with a selection of teas. Champagne is also an option and highly recommended as a lovely way to enjoy the Blue Mountains even in bad weather. The last time I visited was in 2022.

The Langham High Tea

In the quiet end of Kent Street Sydney is the prestigious Langham Hotel. The Langham promote their High Tea as dating back to 1865. The atmosphere is hushed, elegant, regal and just lovely. A beautiful setting to spend a few hours over Tea and scones.
The famous Hotel also promotes its partnership with Wedgwood. So, understandably, the fine china called Langham Rose is a bespoke range made for The Langham, it’s gorgeous and really makes for a special occasion. The ambience is friendly, bright and colourful and plenty of space for everyone to sit comfortably on chairs or small couches.

The menu is created by the hotel’s pastry chefs and can include;

Saffron panna cotta with spiced figs and apricots,
Victorian summer berries tart
Lemon meringue tart
Blackcurrant cremoux chocolate tulip
Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or whisky chocolate torte with wild morello cherries

The Teas are in the main, special blends made for the Langham and the Champagne of choice is Laurent-Perrier.  There are exquisite savoury and sweet treats to enjoy, champagne and piping hot tea. The last time I visited was in 2019.

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Content Di Baker 2020

Images Gunner Barracks Di Baker

Lilianfels courtesy of Lilianfels and Red Balloon

Langham Hotel High Tea courtesy of Langhamhotels.com