High Tea at Novotel Newcastle Beach is a generous affair with the relaxed charm you’d expect of a beachside hotel.
Weekends at Newcastle Beach are usually a laid-back affair filled with sun, sand and surf but step inside the coastal cool interiors of Novotel Newcastle Beach and be transported to a grand afternoon of indulgent high tea.
Novotel Newcastle Beach is situated in the historic Newcastle East precinct just moments to the spectacular Newcastle Beach, Fort Scratchley and Nobby’s Lighthouse. The modern hotel welcomes travellers attracted to the beachside location and the lobby has a welcoming, contemporary feel with Bistro Dalby located on the lobby level overlooking the terrace.
High Tea at Novotel Newcastle Beach can be taken alfresco on the terrace enjoying the ocean breeze, inside at Dalby Bistro or in a private function room. We’re seated by the window at a beautifully set table, clothed with colourful table runner, fresh flowers and set with care. Our attentive host serves us a glass of De Bortoli Sparkling Wine and guests may choose from the wine list with sparkling wine from $9 per glass and cocktails from $12 each.
High Tea is presented on traditional three-tier high tea stand laden with goodies and decorated with fresh flowers. After our initial excitement of the special delivery, I realise something is missing…. where are the scones?!? Is this a modern version of high tea? Curious about the lack of scones, but still ravenous we set about devouring the first layer.
We dive into the lower level hot selection first which includes Spinach & Ricotta Rolls and Chicken & leek Pie, the only items not made on site. The Pulled Pork sandwich was a meat lovers dream, with delicious pulled pork, ham, salami, cheese and mustard on toasted Turkish bread. It was absolutely delicious but an unusual choice for high tea, which usually features more dainty portions.
The sandwich selection continued on the middle layer with a trio of freshly made sandwiches boasting generous fillings of egg & cucumber, marinated vegetables and little prawn bites. They were all freshly made and filling.
Once we’d eaten these morsels, our waiter removed the empty plate and replaced it with a plate of freshly made scones! They weren’t missing at all, just a bonus fourth tier and they were worth the wait. Warm scones with just the right amount of outer crunch and served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Delicious!
The top layer of sweet treats included chocolate brownies, vegan caramel slice, coffee and chocolate macarons, lemon meringue tart and chocolate éclairs. The chocolate covered choux pastry éclairs were a highlight and a melt in the mouth treat. While the vegan caramel slice was individually very tasty, it was at odds with the sweetness of the other items.
Executive Chef Nathan Pemberton has recently made the sea change to Newcastle from Ibis Sydney Airport with his young family and is looking forward to the beach culture and laid back lifestyle of Newcastle. Pemberton is currently transforming the restaurant menus, which will see a revamp of the High Tea menu. Expect to see some further seafood influence, dainty portions and more cohesive and thoughtful high tea selection in the future.
With prior notice, Chef Pemberton and team can handle dietary requirements with ease including gluten free and vegan options.
High Tea is offered with a selection of Dilmah teas including Italian Almond Tea, Rose with French Vanilla, Pure Chamomile, English Breakfast, Earl Grey and more all served in pretty floral Royal Albert bone china.
Dalby Bistro at Novotel Newcastle Beach is a relaxed dining experience and is an ideal spot to indulge in high tea or beachside bites. On our visit, a group of ladies were enjoying high tea for a baby shower on Level 1 in a private room.
High Tea at Novotel Newcastle Beach exceeded my expectation and is a generous affair, with high tea available on the weekends for $38.00 per person. The hotel also thoughtfully offers complimentary high tea for the organiser when booking a group (conditions apply) making it ideal for baby showers, special occasions and bridal showers.
Novotel Newcastle Beach High Tea Menu:
Sweets:
- Citrus meringue tart
- Chocolate Éclair
- Salted raw caramel slice
- Chocolate brownie
- House made Scones with jam & cream
Savoury:
- Pressed Cuban sandwich
- Chicken & leek pie
- Prawn brioche slider
- Egg & cucumber finger sandwich
- Hummus, char-grilled vegetables, rocket & pesto sandwich
Coffee & Tea Selection:
- Nespresso Coffee
- Dilmah Tea including Brilliant Breakfast
- The Original Earl Grey
- Rose with French Vanilla
- Pure Peppermint
- Ceylon Young Hyson
- Green tea
- Pure Chamomile Flowers
High Tea Newcastle – find more experiences in
our High Tea Venue Directory
