Has anyone had a high tea in Sydney recently? If so where? Would you recommend it? Most reviews on net are dated.

Aren't the bloody Aussies free from HRM's control and Victorian constructs?

Maybe Bokhara will chime in on this, in trips to Australia (and reading up for them) I've not seen a high tea advert or even a mention that it's something the Aussies really care about (contra Rugby, Aussie Rules Football, their tendency to overrate the quality of Aussie beer, and thinking they can beat the US in Olympic swimming [which never happens]).

<<I've not seen a high tea advert or even a mention that it's something the Aussies really care about>

There's quite a lot of them around Sydney, especially cafes with views of the harbour, also most of the 5* hotels serve them.

My wife especially enjoys the Burnt Orange & the Gunners Barracks at Mosman. I would check out groupon, living social etc as I did see Swisshotel advertising recently

A friend asked me about this just yesterday for a visitor.

Leaving aside the discussion about what is served as “High Tea” is actually what we “ Bloody Aussies” of of British origin would simply call “Morning/ Afternoon Tea” & bears no resemblance all to to High Tea - the most popular seem to be The Gunners Barracks & Burnt Orange in Mosman and the Tea Room in the QVB.

I found a list yesterday, which is not showing today - but this may help

https://www.finder.com.au/best-high-teas-sydney

We will be in Sydney over Christmas and I also thought about a high tea. It's something a bit different and a bit special. If anyone has any other thoughts on where to go I'd be keen to hear as well.

To travelbroadcaster - if you choose the high tea at the QVB, I read you can also do a guided tour of the building.

BigRuss - it may be an English idea but to me it's just an excuse to sit in beautiful surroundings and gorge on yummy stuff.

Kay

Kay, fwiw, which may well be nothing at, the best is probably Gunners & Burnt Orange,

However, if you are limited to the CBD, QVB appears to be the go,

We certainly have afternoon teas and lots of places do them . Not sure we've ever skited about our beer !!!
Lots of groups of friends go out for afternoon tea - all ages and not just those of British descent . I go with 2 Italian friends to different places once a term.

There is no shortage of high/morning/afternoon/call-it-what-you- will-teas in Perth either.

We even have them here in podunk Colorado. Just took my niece to a brilliant one in Old Colorado City a few weeks back. British operated (but of course!)

KayF and travelbroadcaster: If the Aussies use the same terminology as the Brits- you ain't looking for 'High' tea. As mentioned above, what you want is afternoon tea. (High Tea - which is a pretty much extinct concept - would be a totally different animal)

janisj, please explain what you perceive to be the difference between afternoon and high tea

I know the difference between high tea now and what it meant years ago in Britain. They are two different things and now, high tea IS afternoon tea, just more expensive and in posh surroundings. It is called high tea in Australia, and in the UK, depending on what you are paying for and where you go. Five star hotel, 3 tiers of tiny cakes, dainty sandwiches, scones and tea, sometimes champagne, $$$, equals high tea now.

Kay

We had a pretty good tea with bubbles at Sir Stamford in Macquarie Street, a short while back.

I found it on one of those deal sites, either Travelzoo or Groupon. It was quite good value in pleasant surroundings. We actually made it at lunch time - just something a bit different to going to a cafe for lunch.

Afternoon tea may be called high tea in Australia, but it is still afternoon tea in the UK. Just do a search on "afternoon tea london" and then try one on "high tea london".

https://afternoontea.co.uk/informati...t-is-high-tea/

https://afternoontea.co.uk/informati...afternoon-tea/

High tea and afternoon tea were traditionally different .
My friends and I would never say we are going to high tea - we say afternoon tea . I see only one place calling it high tea !!!

My fav fun place for afternoon tea in Melbourne is MadamBrussels with artificial grass , outdoor patio, named after a local brothel owner, jugs of Pimms, poached chook,chive and mayo sandwich and more .
madamebrussels.com

Its just semantics these days and perhaps a little snobbery. We all mean the same thing and can tell from the context what is meant. Thanks to all those who made suggestions. I'll report back.

No, we do not all mean the same thing. And semantic sloppiness is not something to boast about.

High tea can still be found, it is not extinct:

http://theroyalgeorgehotel.co.uk/high-tea-menu.html

I don't think that menu is what you had in mind, nor the time at which it is served.

>>Its just semantics these days and perhaps a little snobbery. We all mean the same thing and can tell from the context what is meant. Thanks to all those who made suggestions. I'll report back.<<

Absolutely not 'snobbery'. Afternoon tea is what you meant so you probably should use the correct term.

Especially IF you are a 'travel broadcaster' . . .