If you’re searching for a unique tourist experience for your overseas visitors, look no further than the Australian Icons-themed high tea at Lennons Restaurant & Bar in Brisbane.
Lennons Restaurant & Bar at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane has delivered a unique tourist experience with their Aussie Icons-themed high tea in the heart of Brisbane City. It’s also a step back in time for Brisbane locals, with a new take on childhood treats that’s sure to dish up a serving of nostalgia!
After being seated in the light-filled room overlooking the Queen Street Mall, you can start your experience with a refreshing glass of quality sparkling wine or espresso martini, complete with the quintessential Aussie bikkie, a Tim Tam!
Then you’ll indulge in a three-tier high tea selection of sweet and savoury treats, reflecting a grown-up twist on school tuckshop favourites and weekends by the beach. The savoury selection included egg mayo and watercress finger sandwiches, and Lennons’ take on the ham-and-cheese toastie – a pressed pastrami and swiss cheese ciabatta with mustard aioli and rucola. Of course, vegemite makes an appearance, this time in the form of mini vegemite and vintage cheddar scrolls.
But you simply can’t go past the Mooloolaba king prawn and cucumber brioche, which was my absolute favourite. The fresh seafood and cucumber mix served on a perfect light, sweet brioche reminded me of prawn sandwiches by the beach on school holidays past.
The sweets selection naturally included a coconut and passionfruit pavlova, along with mini lemon drizzle cake. The addition of vanilla ice-cream sandwiches on ginger biscuits was a fun surprise! Served icy cold, they were dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with chocolate crumb. The highlight of the sweets selection was their take on the classic Aussie bakery staple, the finger bun. Mini brioche fingers were topped with perfect pink buttercream icing and sprinkle of coconut. An indulgence for the taste buds and the memories.
Finally, it simply wouldn’t be an Aussie Icons high tea without fresh buttermilk scones, cream and jam. The generous scones would make the Country Women’s Association proud, and the freshly whipped cream topped with a sprig of lemon myrtle was a delightful homage to Australia’s native flora. The scones were washed down with tea, chosen from a selection of quality loose leaf options, including a French-style Earl Grey, classic ceylon, and jasmine green.
Being in a hotel restaurant and bar, the setting did lack the ambience you might expect in a traditional tea room, or hotels that are known for their high teas. The addition of white tablecloths and higher-quality china (particularly for the tea) are small touches that could make a big difference. The service, on the other hand, was impeccable – friendly and knowledgeable wait staff were attentive and helpful.
In short, this high tea was a wonderfully nostalgic experience, obviously carefully curated by the chefs, and a creative way to offer a very Aussie ‘fancy arvo tea’!
Aussie Icons High Tea at Lennons Menu:
Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Sweets:
- Coconut and passionfruit pavlova
- Lemon drizzle cake with lemon curd
- Classic finger buns
- Ice-cream sandwich
- Buttermilk scones with strawberry jam and lemon myrtle cream
Savoury:
- Mooloolaba king prawn and cucumber brioche
- Vegemite and vintage cheddar scrolls
- Pressed pastrami and swiss cheese ciabatta with mustard aioli and rucola
- Egg mayo and watercress finger sandwich
High Tea Melbourne – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 17 June 2022: Afternoon Tea at Lennons Restaurant & Bar, Brisbane
