Situated on the corner of William Street and St Georges Terrace in the Perth CBD, the Sentinel Bar and Grill is like stepping into a funky New York bar. But don’t be fooled this place is the perfect venue for a high tea as you can sit by the window and while away the hours watching the world go by without a care in the world.
Their high tea runs on Saturday and Sunday, 1-3pm, however you can stay till 5pm if you so wish. The price is a very respectable $45-$65pp depending on what package you settle for. For the teetotallers there is the $45 option, $50 will add a glass of Jean Pierre sparkling and for the ultimate treat there is the bottomless glass option for $65. For an extra couple of dollars you can upgrade to sparkling rose.
Now onto the food…
Upon being escorted to the table, the French waiter was quick to offer me either a glass of Jean Pierre white sparkling or rose. I opted for the white. I was then presented with the tea menu to ponder on. It offered a range of teas from T2 Tea. These included, English Breakfast, Early Grey, Peppermint, Gunpowder Green, Lemongrass & Ginger, Chai Tea, Chamomile and Rooibos.
It wasn’t long before the tower of treats arrived which was a delicious mix of sweet and savoury. The first delight I sampled was the creamy tuna parsley mayo finger sandwich that more than satisfied the palette straight up. I quickly moved onto the hot inclusions. The mushroom and bacon quiche had a buttery crust that simply melted in your mouth and the filling was a delicate balance of mushroom meatiness and saltiness from the bacon.
Moving onto the Ricotta and spinach pillow, the puff pastry crumbled in my mouth and the rich creamy filling was a welcome addition before I finished the savouries off with the miniature ham and salad crusty baguette.
I then ordered the beautifully aromatic chai tea which came in a two-cup teapot in readiness for the sweet treats that lay ahead. The first of which was the miniature scones with strawberry jam and fresh cream. The scone was crusty on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside with the bite size portions adding to the experience.
The miniature carrot cake sprinkled with rose petals followed and it not only looked beautiful but tasted amazing, the cream cheese icing was a standout. It was then time to up the ante with the raspberry cheesecake that was served in a curved shot glass and comprised of a delicious creamy cheesecake base topped with a tart raspberry coulis to break through the sweetness.
Being a chocoholic I left the best for last. The white chocolate éclair was a two bite delight, everything from the éclair casing to the decadent white chocolate filling and topping worked, and then some. However the hero of the day was definitely the chocolate mousse pop. The chocolate coating simply melted in your mouth and then the mousse, oh the mousse, simply wow!
The High Tea at Sentinel is located in the heart of the city and is the perfect weekend afternoon treat for those who love good food, tea, coffee, sparkling and a spot of people watching out the window. There is also a function room out the back for larger groups that was at full capacity the day I visited.
High Tea at Sentinel Bar & Grill Menu:
Savoury:
- Ricotta and spinach puff pastry
- Mushroom and bacon quiche
- Tuna parsley mayo
- Ham salad baguette
Sweet:
- Chocolate mousse pop
- White chocolate éclair
- Carrot cake with rose petals sprinkled on top
- Raspberry cheesecake
- Traditional scones with strawberry jam and cream
Beverages:
- Tea and Sparkling Wine is available
Please provide all dietary requirements at least 48 hours prior to your reservation.