It is a lovely time of the year to head to the Adelaide Hills with the spectacular Autumn foliage lining the streets. It is even better sitting in front of a fire with a lovely Classic High Tea in historic surrounds.
The Cedars Kitchen is located on the grounds Heysen House in Verdun. It is bathed in history with the historic home and property of nationally recognised Australian artists Sir Hans Heysen, daughter Nora Heysen and their family.
The property was passed from Hans to his eldest son David in 1968 and onto David’s four children in 1990. It remained a private residence until the Heysen descendants officially opened it to the public six days a week in 1994, recognising its value as a national cultural icon. It is now under the custodianship of the non-for-profit Hans Heysen Foundation, set up by the Heysen Family in 2011, whose mission it is to preserve, protect, and promote the Heysen legacy.
Staff at The Cedars Kitchen were very lovely and attentive. The crockery used was vintage. You really cannot go past vintage flower teacups. The High Tea was displayed with a lovely, classic style.
Due to receiving remarkably high requests for gluten intolerances, approximately 90% of the menu is gluten free. Gluten free is always challenging to perfect the texture and ensuring the food is moist, but the staff at The Cedars Kitchen did an excellent job. All items are made onsite from fresh and local ingredients.
It is exceedingly rare to have caviar on a High Tea Menu, so the Smoked Salmon, Dill and Caviar Rounds were very welcome. We felt fancy and it was extremely fresh and tasty.
The flavours of the savoury scones were different but the onion and black olive combination served with corn and zucchini relish worked well.
The Cedars Kitchen have their teas blended by an award-winning Adelaide Hills tea sommelier. Some of the flavour blends include Sewing Earl Grey Tea (Black Tea, Cornflower Petals), Flinders Ranges Landscape (Black Tea, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamon, Black and White Pepper, Cloves, Nutmeg, Jasmine, Rose, and Lavender Petals), Love Birds (Black Tea and Rose Petals). Your only issue is to decide which blend to have. They are available to buy at The Cedars Shop if you cannot decide on just one.
We sat inside as by the fire it was a chilly day, but you can also sit outside under the vines overlooking the Artist’s Garden.
Make sure you book in at an additional cost for a guided tour of the Heysen home, Artist’s Garden, and studios. The High Tea servings were extremely generous so you will need to walk it off after and take in the surrounding!
I look forward to going back in the warmer months.
The Cedars Kitchen High Tea Menu:
(items may vary)
Savoury
- Zucchini, Parmesan Flower Tarts
- Smoked Salmon, Caviar and Dill Rounds
- Tomato, Basil and Ricotta Sandwich
Sweet
- Orange Cake with Chocolate Ball
- Raspberry and Vanilla Santa Hat
- Carrot and Walnut Cake
- Coconut Passionfruit Rounds
- Lime and Pistachio Cake
Scones
- Mini Gluten Free Scones served with Sewing Earl Grey Tea Infused Strawberry Jam
- Mini Savoury Scones Onion and Black Olive served with Corn and Zucchini Relish
Beverages
- Selection of blended teas
- Coffee
Please advise of any additional dietary requirements.
