A Fun and Scrumptious Guide to Hi Tea in Melbourne for Parents
Forget lunch; elevate your afternoon noshing experience to delectable norms with hi tea in Melbourne. As a busy parent, the age-old tradition of Hi Tea is a wonderful opportunity to put the world on pause, gather your little ones, and indulge in a delightful ensemble of bite-sized pastries, sandwiches, and desserts. Whether you fancy aromatic teas, frothy cappuccinos, or hot chocolates, Melbourne’s abundance of cozy tea rooms and posh hotels serve up the best Hi Tea experiences.
What is Hi Tea?
The term ‘Hi Tea’, traditionally referred to as “High Tea,” hails from Victorian-era Britain. This afternoon to early evening meal was usually enjoyed by the working class after a long industrious day and featured hearty fare like meats, pies, and cheese, complemented by a warm pot of brewed tea. On the other hand, the elite relished in what was known as ‘Afternoon Tea’ paired with dainty sandwiches and delightful cakes amidst leisurely chatter. However, today, these terms are intertwined, and Hi Tea has become synonymous with a lavish spread of delectable afternoon treats.
Navigating Melbourne’s Hi Tea Scene
Whether you are a local, a traveller exploring the vibrant city, or planning to celebrate a special occasion, Melbourne offers an exquisite Hi Tea scene. From high-end establishments steeped in tradition to quirky, modern tea cafes, you and your little ones are spoilt for choices. Here’s what you should know to choose a perfect Hi Tea spot in Melbourne:
Formal Hi Tea
If royalty-like experience is what you seek, Melbourne’s collection of prestigious hotels and classical tea rooms serve Hi Tea with a touch of finesse. Now, let’s not forget about the pivotal characters in this elegant narrative – our children. Will they be intrigued by this cultured tradition or would it be a daunting experience for them? Fear not, these establishments, despite their posh appearance, have a warm welcome for our little guests, often putting together an exciting spread tailored exclusively for children.
Casual Hi Tea
For parents seeking a casual and kid-friendly atmosphere without losing the essence of hi tea, you’re in luck! Melbourne boasts various tea cafes that offer an inviting, relaxed setting. These places are not only kid-friendly but even encourage their tiny patrons’ curiosity with colourful confections, whimsical decor, and cheerful ambience.
Themed Hi Tea
The modern twist to the traditional Hi Tea is the advent of themed events. Melbourne is home to a handful of venues that host themed ceilidhs, ranging from popular children’s characters to fanciful unicorns and rainbows. A perfect plan for birthdays, or simply to jazz up your weekends!
Top Picks for Hi Tea in Melbourne
Among the many offerings in the city, here are a few hand-picked options that balance elegance, comfort, and child-friendly features:
The Langham, Melbourne
Known for its exquisite service and magnificent river views, The Langham serves a traditional British Hi Tea that includes scones, finger sandwiches, mini pastries, and a selection of teas or Champagne for the adults. They further delight their junior patrons with a special children’s menu and organize “Children’s Tiffin Tea” during school holidays.
Mary Eats Cake, Brunswick
This charming venue presents a relaxed afternoon tea experience with scrumptious food, excellent tea, and artisanal scones that are baked to perfection. They also host “Children’s High Tea Parties” with an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, fairy bread, and babycinos.
The Westin Melbourne
The Westin takes the cake with its themed High Tea events. They’ve previously hosted a “Mary Poppins Returns High Tea,” where treats were shaped in magical themes from the movie, a sure crowd-pleaser for the little ones!
Wrapping up with a Warm Cup of Tea
Hi Tea is a shared ritual of relaxation and indulgence. It’s a window in our hectic schedules where we gather for heartening conversations over delightful finger foods and invigorating teas. This family-friendly outing rejuvenates the mind and soul, creating cherishable memories. As parents, the tranquillity of hi tea is experienced in its truest sense when our children gleefully partake in this time-honoured tradition. Melbourne, with its delightful offerings, ensures that every hi tea moment is filled with sweet memories. So, why wait? Put on your finest, gather your little ones, and head out for a Hi Tea. Happy munching!
Preparing for a delectable Hi Tea experience in Melbourne can be exciting but there are certain things that parents should keep in mind to ensure a wholesome family experience. Here are the top five tips to help you plan.
#1 Choose a Family-friendly Venue
Not all Hi Tea places in Melbourne are kid-friendly. Make sure to pick a venue that has a welcoming atmosphere for children and can cater to their dietary preferences or restrictions.
#2 Book in Advance
Most popular Hi Tea places in Melbourne tend to be busy, especially on weekends. To avoid disappointment, it’s advisable to book in advance. Many venues also offer online booking, making it easy and convenient for parents.
#3 Be Aware of The Dress Code
Some venues might have a specific dress code. Parents should ensure that these are suitable and comfortable for kids while adhering to the venue’s requirements.
#4 Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
Before the Hi Tea, inform the venue if your child has any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Most venues in Melbourne are flexible and offer alternatives but notifying them ahead can save time and trouble.
#5 Education and Etiquette
A Hi-Tea provides a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about different cultures and etiquettes. Give them a heads-up about the tradition of Hi Tea, the way to conduct themselves and the idea behind the art of slow, relaxed enjoyment of tea and nibbles.
So, armed with these tips, parents can ensure a smooth and enjoyable Melbourne Hi Tea experience for the entire family.
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