Set along the Geelong foreshore, Tempo Kitchen & Bar has introduced a modern, coastal-inspired High Tea that celebrates native Australian flavours.
High Tea Society was invited to preview the experience, and it is one that feels thoughtfully curated for both locals and destination diners.
With sweeping views across the waterfront, Tempo Kitchen & Bar provides a relaxed yet sophisticated backdrop for High Tea. The dining space is contemporary and light-filled, making the most of its bayside location and creating an atmosphere that feels special.
At the helm is Executive Chef Kuldeep Bhattacharjee, whose impressive international career brings a refined hand to the menu. Having previously worked across luxury hotels including Le Royal Meridien, Accor, Sheraton and Marriott in destinations ranging from Dubai to the Maldives, Chef Kuldeep also competed in the prestigious Dilmah High Tea Challenge, earning a silver medal. He joined Tempo two years ago, and his experience is evident in the confident balance of flavour, texture and presentation.
Guests are welcomed with a glass of bubbles, before settling in for a two-hour High Tea experience. Unlimited premium teas are served throughout the sitting, and the tea selection features Australian-inspired blends such as Kakadu Sunset and Red Centre alongside classics including Earl Grey. The arrival of the three-tier stand is theatrical, enhanced by a lemongrass dry ice infusion that drifts across the table.
The savoury selection is particularly strong, offering a mix of familiar favourites and inventive touches. The 2-Tier Sandwich with tomato relish, pulled chicken, basil and olive tapenade is a standout. It is fresh, balanced and beautifully executed. Equally memorable is the beetroot and feta arancini, crisp on the outside and soft within, served with a citrus river mint and green pea dip and finished with sage.
Sweet offerings continue the theme of refinement with native influences. The canelé filled with white chocolate and wattle seed ganache is a highlight, its caramelised exterior giving way to a rich, aromatic centre, lifted by raspberry and mint. The mini cheesecake with seasonal berries and berry coulis is light and indulgent without being heavy, while the macarons are notably fresh and moist. The scones with raspberry jam, lemon curd and cream complete the experience, ensuring traditionalists are well catered for.
High Tea at Tempo Kitchen & Bar is served daily and blends classic favourites with local and seasonal produce. A gluten-free menu is available with notice and a children’s High Tea is also available.
With its waterfront setting, polished service and considered menu, High Tea at Tempo Kitchen & Bar offers a relaxed and contemporary experience.
Tempo Kitchen & Bar High Tea Menu:
Glass of bubbles on arrival
Savoury:
- Open Mini Sandwich – Tea cured trout on white bread, lemon myrtle aioli, asparagus, pickled cucumber, micro herbs
- 2-Tier Sandwich – Tomato relish, pulled chicken, basil & olive tapenade
- Beetroot and feta arancini, citrus river mint & green pea dip, crispy sage
Sweet:
- Tarte Tropézienne
- Canelé, white chocolate-wattle seed ganache, raspberry, mint
- Mini cheesecake, seasonal berries, berry coulis
- Chocolate-mandarin mousse tart, chocolate soil
- Macarons
Scones:
- Raspberry jam
- Lemon curd
- Whipped cream
Tea Menu:
- Kakadu Sunset
- Red Centre
- Lemongrass & Ginger
- Earl Grey
