How delightful, how delectable, how decadent - the art of high tea is alive and well in Brisbane. Enjoy the strong flavour of real loose-leaf tea served in a tea pot, accompanied by a fine selection of ribbon sandwiches, delicate pastries, delectable tarts.
We’ve brought together some of Brisbane’s best known tea destinations, perfect at any time, for any reason.
Joseph Alexanders
Look out over the river in the sophisticated, heritage-listed rooms of Joseph Alexanders at Milton. High tea served daily, with savoury and champagne options.
High Societea
Be surrounded by fragrant roses and beautifully patterned fine bone china at High Societea in Clayfield. The rooms are lusciously decorated and you can arrange special events, catering and parties. There’s even items on the menu for the little girls in your life. Bookings are essential for the daily sitting times.
Tisane tea room
Less floral than other tea rooms, Tisane tea room at New Farm caters for all tastes. The menu extends into breakfast and lunch as well as afternoon tea.
The Brasserie
For deep comfy chairs and a view of the riverfront from the terrace, go to The Brasserie on the River at Stamford Plaza. There’s not the largest selection of teas but the atmosphere is wonderful. On weekends, they serve chocolate buffets (for extra calories!).
Queenie’s
If you are serious about your tea, then Queenie’s Tea Rooms will have the selection you are looking for. Queenie's at Nundah is cosy and small with all inside seating and you can buy tea and adorable accessories to take home too.
Room with Roses
For many years, Room with Roses cafe on the upper level of Brisbane Arcade has been the spot for shopping-weary women to enjoy a break. It’s refined and elegant with fresh flowers and lovely tea cups. Take some time away from the hectic CBD to enjoy one of the finer things in life – high tea.
Tell us about your favourite high tea experience. Add your comments below.
I have been to many High Teas in Brisbane and have found it a fantastic way to treat myself.
One Saturday I was at Garden City and went to The Shingle Inn for a cup of tea and my sister (who shares my love of High Teas) suggested that as we were at The Shingle Inn we should indulge and have a High Tea there.
What an utter disappointment.
No special cup or saucer (like Pig and Whistle at Indooroopilly), no delicate sandwich (like Graceville), a "Monte Carlo" biscuit on the cake stand that was the size of a small tennis ball, orange juice which was NOT freshly squeezed and a bit bitter and generally a HUGE disappointment.
There was nothing :special" about it. Anyone can put a few sandwiches on a cake stand with a small cake, a mini savory pastry and a few other things. Serve it in an ordinary white teapot with an ordinary teacup and that is NOT a high tea, it as a sandwich, a pot of tea and a sausage roll a couple of little cakes.
If you want a fantastic High Tea - go to the Pig and Whistle at Indooroopilly. Their High Tea is a delight . Even a cup of tea and a fresh scone is served to you like you are at the Ritz in London. The jam is so good that you pile it on the scone and if you could get away with it, would lick the plate if you could get any more on the scone.
The High Tea at the Stamford Plaza is THE place to take someone for tea.