Looking for a relaxing and enjoyable high tea experience away from hustle and bustle of inner-city Melbourne? Joseph's at the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park may be just the ticket.
Situated with a view of the lush Werribee Park gardens and the historic Werribee Mansion, the ambiance is relaxed and chatty, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.
The space itself is bright and airy, thanks to large arched windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer those beautiful views of the park.
The décor is simple, with green carpeting and black leather-backed chairs that are functional, if not particularly eye-catching. However, the elegance of the table setting – complete with crisp white linen tablecloths and napkins, beautiful Tea Moon tea ware, and thoughtful touches like a milk jug, sugar cube bowl and silver tongs – elevates the overall atmosphere and makes it feel special. And at $99 per adult, including free-flowing prosecco, this high tea represents good value for an indulgent afternoon out.
Over to the food, and Executive Chef Talal Fawal has crafted a menu that combines Australian staples with Middle Eastern influences, using local produce sourced from the nearby Werribee South market gardens and the on-site greenhouse to add a fresh and seasonal dimension to the meal.
Set on a traditional three-tier stand, the beautifully presented finger sandwiches set the tone, with the chicken with celery and capsicum a clear highlight, followed closely by the egg sandwich with chives.
The hot savoury items were also a treat, featuring a wagyu sausage roll that stood out for its buttery pastry and melt-in-your-mouth filling, and a vibrant pumpkin quiche with rich flavours.
While the savoury items were delicious, they would have benefited from a sauce or relish to dip into.
The desserts proved just as enticing, with the red velvet cake moist and rich, and the macaron and saffron panna cotta – served with a topping of green pistachio fairy floss – also very satisfying.
The rosewater and orange blossom infused scones, served separately, offered a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft, pillowy interior. Served with saffron cream, vanilla chantilly cream and triple berry jam, these were a fantastic way to end the meal.
Overall, Joseph’s offers a thoughtful and satisfying high tea experience, with fresh, flavourful food, a welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings.
If you’ve spent the morning exploring the Werribee Mansion, wandering through the State Rose Garden, or visiting the nearby Werribee Open Range Zoo, the high tea at Joseph’s makes for a delightful way to cap off your visit.
The ever-evolving High Tea menu at Joseph’s ensures that there’s always something new to try, while the classic offerings make it a consistently enjoyable experience.
Joseph’s High Tea menu*
Sweets:
- Macaron
- Red velvet cake
- Saffron panna cotta with pistachio fairy floss
- Pecan tart
- Freshly baked signature scones served with Yarra Valley three berry jam, vanilla chantilly cream and saffron cream
Hot savouries:
- Chicken empanada
- Wagyu beef sausage roll
- Roast vegetable quiche
- Pumpkin arancini
Finger sandwiches:
- Hazeldenes chicken breast with capsicum, celery, lemon mayonnaise on light rye
- Confit Tasmanian salmon with cucumber, dill, crème fraiche on country white
- Local free range poached eggs with chives, iceberg lettuce on multigrain
*No two Joseph’s offerings are the same; this is what was served when High Tea Society visited.
