Esther’s High Tea at QT Auckland

Esther’s High Tea at QT Auckland is not your traditional afternoon affair, and that is precisely its charm.

Drawing inspiration from the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, this is an experience that reimagines convention by replacing dainty finger sandwiches with bold, vibrant flavours that celebrate simplicity, freshness, and generosity.

At the heart of the experience is a deeply personal story. Esther is the name of Sean Connolly’s grandmother, and as Creative Director of QT Auckland, Connolly has shaped a menu that feels less like a formal service and more like stepping into her home. Esther’s High Tea, is imagined as a table you might encounter if you wandered into Esther’s kitchen, abundant, welcoming, and filled with both savoury delights and indulgent sweets.

Esther's QT Auckland - supplied photo — Esther’s QT Auckland – supplied photo

Served every Saturday, the experience unfolds as a thoughtful progression of courses rather than a static tiered stand. This approach ensures each dish is enjoyed at its freshest, a philosophy that sits firmly at the core of Mediterranean dining. It also adds a sense of anticipation as each course arrives with its own moment to shine.

The opening selection is light yet flavourful. A baby cucumber salad is elevated with Mandy’s horseradish and fresh dill, offering a crisp and refreshing start. A playful tomato jaffle made with locally grown produce brings a comforting warmth, its sweetness balanced by a savoury parmesan finish. Green devilled eggs, accented with dill oil and pickle, round out the first course with a nostalgic nod, reimagined with finesse.

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The second course leans further into Mediterranean heartiness. Free-range chicken souvlaki, skewered on an olive branchlet, arrives fragrant with garlic toum and a squeeze of lemon. Pork and fennel stuffed olives deliver a delightful contrast of textures, being crispy on the outside with a warm, savoury centre, paired with spiced yoghurt. Meanwhile, spiced pea pattizi, reminiscent of delicate empanadas, offer a gentle crunch and herbaceous lift from mint.

Just when you think the experience has reached its peak, the dessert trolley arrives tableside, which is arguably the highlight of the entire affair. Laden with handcrafted sweets, it captures the theatre and generosity that define both QT and Mediterranean hospitality.

Sweet selection

High Tea at Esther’s, QT Auckland – supplied photo

Among the offerings, a raspberry pavlova with pomegranate and buffalo Chantilly cream delivers a light yet indulgent finish, while a strawberry tart with vanilla custard, shortbread base, and a delicate strawberry veil showcases both precision and seasonal freshness. The signature black swan, a QT icon, takes on a Black Forest twist with rich chocolate, cherry compote, and a striking visual presence that makes it almost too beautiful to eat.

There is also a playful nod to tradition with loukoumades, which are Greek doughnuts drizzled in honey and scattered with pistachios, served warm and irresistibly moreish. The final flourish comes in the form of Sean Connolly’s orange scented tiramisu, constructed tableside with Kahlúa and freshly grated chocolate, ensuring every spoonful is as fresh as it is indulgent.

Leading the pastry programme is Head Pastry Chef and Junior Sous Chef Eleanor Corfe, whose influence extends beyond the menu. Her handcrafted pottery subtly enhances the presentation, adding an artisanal layer that complements the character filled interiors of QT Auckland.

The hotel itself is a destination in its own right. Once an office block, it has been transformed into a bold, design-led space that balances modern luxury with playful personality. It is the kind of setting that invites you to linger, being equally suited to special occasions or simply an afternoon of indulgence.

Service is warm and distinctly Kiwi, striking that perfect balance between professionalism and relaxed charm. Dietary requirements, including gluten free and vegan options, are handled with care, ensuring the experience remains inclusive without compromising on quality.

For those looking to elevate the occasion, the bottomless option is an easy choice. At $99 per person, or $79 without, it offers exceptional value and adds a celebratory sparkle to an already memorable afternoon.

High Tea at Esther’s, QT Auckland – supplied photo

Esther’s High Tea, is also a reflection of its local surroundings, with collaborations featuring New Zealand producers and artisans, bringing a sense of place to the Mediterranean inspired menu. It is a seamless blend of two worlds, sun-drenched European flavours and the best of Kiwi hospitality.

Easily accessible and appealing year-round, this is an experience not to be missed when visiting Auckland. For those in the know, the sweet spot falls in November and then again in March, when the city’s weather is at its most inviting.

At QT Auckland, Esther’s High Tea, the tradition becomes something more than a meal, it becomes a story, a journey, and above all, a celebration of flavour done simply and done exceptionally well.