We spill the tea on Adelaide’s best high tea

Posted 12 November, 2023 Jeremy Rochow

Scones are a crucial part of a high tea, but how do you layer your spreads on this buttery baked good? Cream first or jam first?

The UK’s leading etiquette expert William Hanson says unless you’re from the English towns of Devon or Cornwall, then “you can do as you please, but never sandwich the two sides together.”

Now that we’ve settled the scone debate, we’ve listed some of our favourite places in Adelaide for high tea. So, grab a cuppa, smother some scones in jam and cream, and devour finger sandwiches and sweet treats.

1. A grand affair at the Mayfair

Mayflower Restaurant

Every Saturday and Sunday, The Mayfair serves up a Grand High Tea that won’t disappoint. There’s an extensive selection of sandwiches on offer including the likes of a smoked salmon and spinach pinwheel topped with Yarra Valley caviar.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are several petit fours , including macarons, spiced tiramisu and classic English orange cake.

Depending on your taste – and budget – the Grand High Tea can be paired with sparkling wine or champagne. For traditionalists, there’s a selection of teas available.

2. Swiss elegance

Lenzerheide Restaurant

This assortment of delicious morsels is simple yet sophisticated – the way a traditional high tea is supposed to be.

At the Lenzerheide, you can indulge in egg salad and cress sandwiches, and chicken and capsicum salad sandwiches. You’ll also find mushroom arancini, leek and potato frittatas and smoked salmon and cream cheese croissants.

Enjoy plain or strawberry and pineapple scones, before finishing with quince and rhubarb tart and passionfruit cream meringue.

3. Tea on the Torrens

Popeye High Tea

Board the Popeye at Elder Park for an hour-and-a-half cruise along the Torrens, enjoying afternoon tea with a view of Adelaide.

There’s a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and petit fours on the menu. Guests also receive a complimentary South Australian sparkling wine, beer, cider or soft drink when they board.

4. A French connection at the Sofitel

Garcon Bleu

Enjoy afternoon tea with a Parisian twist at Garcon Bleu on the 9th floor of the Sofitel. A selection of sweet and savoury treats are assembled on the towering plates.

French and Australian flavours have been blended to create an array of delectable morsels. Think lamingtons, scones with clotted cream, salmon blini with crème fraiche and finger, and of course, Croque Monsieur. Sip tea or coffee or indulge a little with a glass of Champagne.

5. Afternoon tea with a twist

Madame Hanoi

Forget the usual  fare. Instead, indulge in an array of Vietnamese and French treats. The menu at Madame Hanoi features the likes chicken bao with mango, chilli yuzu mayo, as well as kumquat and chocolate macaron. Feeling thirsty? The high tea is served with Hendricks gin iced tea.