A modern, interactive take on the traditional high tea, infused with fashion and art, is on the menu at Brisbane’s own W Hotel, right in the centre of the city.
The W Hotel prides itself on being a destination of choice, but it’s also become known as the home of one of the best high tea experiences, offering high-quality service, delectable food, unique drinks, and interactive edible treats!
The W Hotel has become known for its seasonal, themed high tea offerings, and this visit was no exception.
Inspired by Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses, an exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, this high tea offered a culinary experience blending fashion, art and food.
After being seated in the Living Room bar of the W Hotel, we were quickly offered the ‘Couture Cloud’ cocktail, a sweet icy drink topped with a light froth reminiscent of a slightly cloudy sunset.
The lounge itself screams decadence, decked out with luscious materials, pillows, and low tables that invite a more relaxed, intimate conversation, while enjoying views to the Brisbane river, and across the gallery that has inspired this high tea.
After the cocktails came the main event – the sweet and savoury chef-prepared selection, housed in the hotel’s signature W-shaped cake stand. On offer for my companion and I was the original menu, as well as gluten-free and pescatrian options to cater for our requests. Our knowledgeable waiter took the time to explain all the elements to us with a smile.
Like all high teas, the scones are the true test, and these did not disappoint! In line with the theme, the W’s take on this traditional treat was cheese and chive scones topped with creme fraiche.
Complementing the scones was a smoked salmon croute with salmon caviar, and a roasted vegetable and pesto tartlet. And it wouldn’t be a high tea without finger sandwiches – in this case, truffle free-range egg and cress. A clever and delicious surprise was the mini shredded chicken taco with chilli corn salsa.
The sweet selection did not disappoint, and of everything on offer, my companion and I both agreed the cosmic Kalamansi tart with red and white meringue ‘took the cake’! Alongside the sweet treats we were offered a selection of teas from TBar, including Australian Daintree, Hibiscus Flower, and more.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a W Hotel high tea without some kind of interactive element, which is really what sets their offer apart. On this occasion, the stand featured edible bubbles, which we had great fun trying to create at our table!
Overall, the W Hotel consistently offers high-quality service, food and drink selection, but what really sets their offer apart is their continuous reimagining of what the traditional high tea can be, and how food can be both delicious and fun.
Water & Dreams High Tea Menu:
Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Sweets:
- Dreamy red velvet cupcake, dark chocolate silver spiral
- Cosmic Kalamansi tart, red & white Italian meringue
- Teardrop vanilla mousse, lychee, chocolate almond sable biscuit
- Pearl-topped chocolate opera cake, crystallised sugar wave
Savoury:
- Cheese & chive scones, creme fraiche
- Truffle free-range egg & cress finger sandwich
- Smoked salmon croute, salmon caviar, and finger lime citrus pops
- Roasted vegetable & pesto tartlet
- Shredded chicken taco, chilli corn salsa
Add On:
Couture Cloud $26
Almond Vodka, Rhubarb Shrub, Coconut Soda, Honey Lavender, Lime Juice
High Tea Brisbane – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 4 April 2023: High Tea at the W Brisbane
- 2 November 2021: High Tea at the W Brisbane
- 15 April 2019: High Tea at the W Brisbane
