A sumptuous high tea with a harpist, fine china, and in a truly special historic setting? Look no further than the Strangers’ Dining Room at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane.
The High Tea experience at the Strangers’ Restaurant in Queensland’s historic old Parliament House is truly one of a kind. Sip tea and dine on treats arranged on fine china as you take in the beautiful surrounds and warm atmosphere of this unique location.
In a place where some of Queensland’s most powerful and colourful political figures have wined, dined, argued, and dealed, it comes as somewhat of a surprise to find that these days, Queensland Parliament House now plays host to a delightful high tea experience.
After making your way through the Parliamentary Annexe, you’ll walk the halls of the old building, built in the 1860s, making your way to the Strangers’ Restaurant.
There you’ll be greeted by a room that is reminiscent of the Victorian era, with high ceilings and carved wooden features, while the relaxing tones of the live harp performance float over the sounds of soft chatter and silver teaspoons on fine china.
After being seated, your Queensland Parliament-branded fine china tea cup will be quickly filled from a selection of teas, while you’ll also have the option of juice, water, or a sparkling beverage.
When we visited, it was an Easter-themed experience, and it truly was a creative reimagining of a traditional three-tier high tea, commencing with house-made hot cross buns in lieu of the traditional scones, served with Queensland-made house preserves and vanilla cream.
Our savoury selection catered to dietary needs and, in a nod to the role of Parliament, included a range of produce selected from across the State. Our selection included a Mooloolaba prawn roll on gluten-free brioche, smoked salmon blini with cream cheese and roe, and an incredible mozzarella, basil, and sundried tomato focaccia. Those without dietary needs can also expect a serving of lamb and rosemary pie.
But the crowning glory of this feast was the ‘Easter garden’ top tier, featuring a gorgeously arrayed selection of treats, including an ‘egg’ yuzu cream cheese mousse; strawberries dipped in orange-coloured couverture chocolate to create the illusion of baby carrots; and bunny-shaped caramel, white chocolate and coconut tarts, nestled amongst a ‘garden’ of flowers and fluffy green sponge cake.
Amongst this grandeur and sensory feast, it’s easy to forget that just down the hall, elected representatives from all over Queensland are busily debating legislation, meeting with stakeholders, and responding to questions and concerns from their constituents.
In fact, you’ll have the opportunity to add on a guided tour of the House to your high tea, and really immerse yourself in the experience.
With friendly, responsive team members, live music, high-quality china, creative and delicious treats, and a unique setting like no other, it’s hard to go past a high tea experience at the Strangers’ Restaurant.
High Tea is held on select dates throughout the year, so get in quick to secure a limited spot. And make sure to arrive 15 minutes early to navigate the expected security checks.
Easter Menu:
Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Sweets
- Hot cross bun, vanilla cream, house preserves
- Couverture chocolate, carrot strawberry
- Egg candy, Yuzu cream cheese mousse
- Caramel and white chocolate, coconut tart
- Chocolate hazelnut truffle, gold leaf
Savoury
- Prosciutto, mozzarella, basil, sundried tomato, focaccia
- Mooloolaba prawn roll, Marie Rose, butter leaf, brioche bun
- Smoked salmon, chive, cream cheese, blini, soaked roe
- Lamb and rosemary pie
Traditional High Tea Menu:
Sweets
- Buttermilk scones, vanilla cream, house preserves
- Rosemary ganache, Diamant Sablé, fig gel
- Milk chocolate gianduja, hazelnut, gold leaf
- Waffle tart, vanilla cream, pistachio, raspberry compote
- Sesame cone, yuzu gel, matcha cream
Savoury
- Prosciutto, mozzarella, basil, sundried tomato, focaccia
- Chicken, gherkin, egg, salad, brioche bun
- Smoked salmon, chive, cream cheese, blini, smoked roe
- Lamb rosemary pie
High Tea Brisbane – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
