Spring is in- which means sunny skies, blooming flowers and hay fever in the mornings (consider yourself lucky if you don’t meet all three criteria). So really, it’s the perfect season to get you in the mood for a beautiful Tea Party.
Now, if the group chat you have with your friends looks anything like mine, there has been nothing but empty plans, clashing schedules and indecisiveness on where everyone will meet and what you will do.
Well, fret no longer as we have the perfect list for you and your friends to hit this week to have a tea party- the hardest part will be finding the time to visit all of these locations.
So, here are five of the best high-tea and dessert spots in Melbourne to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The Hatter and the Hare
1/21 Scoresby Road, Bayswater. VIC 3153
Its nibble o’clock!
Just a 45 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD you are invited to tea at The Hatter and the Hare, which will completely transport you down the rabbit hole and into the mad world of Alice in Wonderland. With its immersive décor and carefully crafted sweets, you and up to 10 friends can enjoy a seasonally changing menu and embrace the madness of their spring desserts in true Alice fashion.
This sit down experience offers an array of savoury and sweet options such as a Banh Mi Slider or a Black Forest Oprea Sponge to share and enjoy with your group, with more options available. There are extra drinks and food available for an additional cost.
Oriental Teahouse
378 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Going back to its roots, Oriental Teahouse in Melbourne’s CBD combines authentic Shanghai tea culture with Yum Cha to bring people together and give them a reimagined experience from the high-tea you may be used to.
Historically, traditional Shanghai teahouses are a social experience with rules and customs to follow. Tea is poured a special way, equal in each cup to symbolise equality for all parties at your table. Combining this quality tea and dumplings- what more could you ask for on a good day out!
Although we recommend you try out the full teahouse experience, there is also a wide range of cocktails (you must try the sharing cocktails that are served in a teapot!), sake, wine, beer and ciders available to those who want something a little stronger.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
K Rd, Werribee South, VIC 3030
As Simba says, “Laugh in the face of danger” at Werribee Open Range Zoo where you can have the once in a life-time opportunity of dining with the Lions, Giraffes or Hippo’s. A 40 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the Zoo features 200 hectares of open ranges that are home to animals from Africa, Asia, North America and Australia. While you explore for the day and see all the animals, make sure you explore the Savannah on the Safari Bus which will take you into the open fields to see the animals up close.
After your day of exploration and meeting the animals, enjoy some pre-dinner drinks and canapes on your unique catered experience where you will be up close with the famous animals of the Zoo. Although this isn’t classified as a high-tea, this after-hours experience will make for an unforgettable catch-up as you wine and dine alongside your favourite animals and is a must do with your loved ones!
The menu offers a wide range of food such as caramel cheesecake, seared scallops- or for something more filling why not go for the grilled chicken wellness bowl. These options are just a few of the canapes that are on offer.
Polly Bar
401 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
For a high-tea experience with a twist, Polly Bar located in Fitzroy will give you and 7 other friends the ultimate day out as you dine in opulence and become the Sparkling Diamond of the tea party for the evening.
A 20 minute drive or train ride from Melbourne’s CBD, Polly Bar has a drink for everyone, serving an extensive list of craft cocktails and absinthe with mocktails, tea and other beverages available for those who don’t want to drink. While you relax in the decadent space with friends, your high-tea dining experience will offer various sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and fresh fruit to enjoy while you immerse yourself with the themed décor and one-of-a-kind chairs.
Noisette
84 Bay St, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
For more traditional pastries, Noisette will blow you away with their modern French pastries and baked goods, offering Petit Gateau, handcrafted chocolates, freshly baked bread as well as delicious coffee and tea. This spot is the perfect place to visit with friends on the weekend to recharge for the week ahead.
A short 20 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD, this fifth generation family boulangerie will offer Insta worthy desserts that you can enjoy with your friends and take home to share with your family (or eat by yourself, we won’t judge).
