With the weather finally starting to warm up, it’s time to don your best spring dress and head out for a high tea. After all, brunch is so 2011.
Just kidding! The combination of breakfast and lunch foods into one meal will always be one of the most brilliant ideas anyone has ever had. But I digress! Here are five places I will be visiting to enjoy high tea in the sun:
The Elk & Pea Eating House
Lonsdale Street, Braddon
The Elk and Pea is another much-loved member of the Parlour family. Located in Braddon, the friendly staff and ‘hip’ vibe makes it worth a visit. You know how some places only serve breakfast I would highly recommend giving the Bircher Muesli a go – it is absolutely delicious. Just remember that The Elk & Pea is very popular (for good reason) and so bookings are essential.
Red Brick Espresso
Curtin Shops, Curtin
www.redbrickespresso.com.au
Red Brick Espresso is one of my favourite cafes in Canberra. Even though it is tucked away in the leafy suburbs of Curtin, it would have no problems fitting in to one of the trendy back alleyways of Melbourne! The food is simple but delicious and the coffee always receives rave reviews. There aren’t many tables outside, but lots of people bring picnic blankets and settle down on the lawn in the front of the café. The staff are friendly and the vibe is super relaxed, making it a very pleasant place to spend a Sunday morning.
Hyatt Hotel
Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes
www.facebook.com/localpresscafe
Every Canberran needs to experience a high tea at The Hyatt Hotel at least once in their lives. The hotel is marvellously swanky with rich décor and big chandeliers. It’s enough to make anyone feel like royalty, if only for a few hours! Tables laden with all sorts of delicious-looking (and tasting!) pastries, desserts and sandwiches line the middle of the room and you can revisit as many times as you like.
I would definitely recommend getting a table on the deck – the outdoor area is quite stunning, looking out onto a small courtyard garden that makes you feel almost as though you’ve been transported to the English countryside.
Local Press Café
Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore
localpresscafe.com.au
Earlier this year, the Local Press Café opened in Kingston Foreshore and it felt like everyone on social media was talking raving about it. I finally had a chance to go a few weeks ago and it certainly lived up to the hype. Local Press prides itself on its ‘wholefood’ menu, ie: foods that are free from additives and preservatives, and foods that have been processed and refined as little as possible. Basically it’s food that’s not only healthy, but tastes delicious as well.
I love how open and spacious the café is, and the gorgeous view of Lake Burley Griffin. It makes the perfect pit stop after a morning walk/ bike ride with friends.
Adore Tea
Federation Square
Nicholls
www.adoretea.com.au
Anyone who calls themselves a tea-lover needs to visit Adore Tea, which is no ordinary tea-shop. From rooibos to English breakfast, there’s something for everyone’s tastes, and the knowledgeable staff are more than happy to help to find what you’re looking for. High Tea costs $48.00 per person and is served every Saturday at 11.30am and 2.00pm, and also on the 2nd Sunday of every month.
