High Tea at Collins Kitchen, Grand Hyatt Melbourne

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne has a new high tea menu for Spring, and here at High Tea Society we couldn’t wait to give it a try.

Located in Collins Kitchen (the Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s lobby restaurant), High Tea in Style by Cristina Re is distinguished by the beautiful, mismatched Cristina Re tea ware that adorns the table on arrival, including bowls full of jam, marmalade and cream.

The layout of Collins Kitchen is perfect for high tea gatherings, with a series of booths along floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Russell Street providing cosy, intimate spaces for tête-à-têtes. Booking tip: if you’ve got a party of four or less, ask for one of these particularly inviting spaces.

We are offered a glass of Chandon Blanc de Blancs on arrival, as well as a selection of T2 black, green and herbal teas.

Freshly baked scones with Jam Lady jams and cream

High Tea in Style by Cristina Re

Vanilla cheesecake with blueberry lime confit and lemon myrtle sable

Red berry slice with orange blossom mousse and rosella sponge

French macaron with brown butter chocolate cream and wattleseed caramel

Pandan madeleine with kaya jam and toasted coconut

Dessert counter

There are three acts to this high tea; the first being a three-tier savoury stand with warm scones sitting on the top tier.

The hands-down standout here is a delicious wagyu beef pastrami rye finger sandwich with a briny dill pickle that perfectly balances all the flavours.

Other highlights include a traditional egg finger sandwich elevated by a subtle hint of truffle, and mini toasted brioches layered with plum jam and chicken liver parfait – yum!

But it’s when we are served the warm savoury items that the menu really hits its stride.

Each item here is perfection on a plate – tiny mac & cheese bites accompanied by a roasted tomato relish, plump Spanish chorizo empanada served with spicy chimichurri, and soft bao buns filled with pork belly, pickled vegetables and kewpie mayonnaise.

Finger sandwiches

Savoury selection

After this we sample the scones, which come in both plain and orange and cranberry varieties. These are superb, particularly the orange and cranberry scones, but would have been better served at this stage of the meal rather than at the very beginning. A special mention also for the inclusion of the marmalade, which is sure to tickle the tastebuds of those who like a bit of tartness.

Last but not least is the dessert counter, which features six different petit fours, a gelato counter, crepe station and dark chocolate fountain with churros and marshmallows.

Choose carefully – at this stage you are likely feeling pleasantly full and probably won’t be able to sample everything on offer (regardless of how delectable the colourful selection presents).

Freshly baked scones with Jam Lady jams and cream

My personal recommendations here are the vibrant layered red berry slice, which is packed with an unexpected citrus punch, and a passionfruit profiterole with a mango compote centre and hazelnut crunch on the outer.

Boasting a beautiful venue, attentive service and attractive offering, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s High Tea in Style by Cristina Re menu is one to try.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne High Tea in Style by Cristina Re menu:

Dark chocolate fountain with churros and marshmallows

Savoury stand:

Freshly baked scones with Jam Lady jams and cream
Roast turkey white finger sandwich with apple butter, aged cheddar and wild rocket
Wagyu beef pastrami rye finger sandwich with dill pickle, swiss cheese and horseradish mayonnaise
Truffle egg wholemeal finger sandwich with chives, parsley and butter lettuce
Kingfish ceviche with avocado, coconut and coriander, served in a tostada
Mushroom and black garlic tartlet with egg yolk cream, mustard seeds and hazelnut
Chicken liver parfait with plum jam and macadamia nut crunch, served on toasted brioche