Dorsett Melbourne has brought back its festive high tea after a sold-out season last year and it is clear from the moment you arrive that the hotel intends to celebrate the holidays with generosity, sparkle and a clear attention to detail.
The Miracle on Little Lonsdale High Tea returns on Sunday 7th and 14th of December, offering guests a refined yet playful Christmas themed afternoon that blends traditional favourites with clever contemporary touches. This year, one feature stands out immediately: the warm savouries and scones are bottomless, making this a particularly appealing choice for those who enjoy a more substantial high tea experience.
Guests are welcomed with a complimentary drink on arrival before being seated for a shared stand of sandwiches and pastries, accompanied by unlimited fresh scones and access to a buffet of savoury treats. The setting at Dorsett Melbourne’s Little Lonsdale Street location is modern, polished and perfectly suited to an inner-city festive escape.
The savoury selection begins with a beautifully soft milk bun filled with roasted turkey, sage and cranberry relish. The bun itself is emblazoned with Dorsett Melbourne, a charming touch, and the sage flavour lifts the filling wonderfully. The second milk bun features poached Australian king prawns with sudachi, celery, pickled ginger, cocktail sauce and tobiko. The prawns are notably fresh, and the pickled ginger adds a bright and unexpected contrast.
The spiced egg with saffron aioli on brioche is creamy, indulgent and instantly satisfying. For something lighter, the compressed cucumber, yuzu and mint on rye with whipped mascarpone is refreshing and surprisingly thoughtful. The mint adds interest to what is usually the simplest sandwich on the stand, and the result is a lovely palate cleanser.
The Tropical Parfait features pineapple, ginger pistachio crumble and mango jam. It is vibrant and summery, although the whipped cream on top leans slightly more generous than necessary.
The standout of the entire high tea is the Cherry Santa Hat. This is an intricate combination of butter tart shell, dark chocolate brownie, lemon coconut marshmallow, cherry rum and rose mousse. The brownie has a beautifully chewy texture, the marshmallow adds a nostalgic softness, and the mousse ties the flavours together with surprising elegance. Its presentation is playful and expertly executed.
The Earl Grey mousse is another highlight with its gentle tea flavour and jelly centred almond. The accompanying popping candy chocolate offers a touch of whimsy, as does the small gingerbread man which is more decorative than culinary.
The Raw Matcha Deer is a lovely combination of Matcha Namelaka mousse, orange filling and dark chocolate sable. Visually, it is one of the most striking items presented, complete with chocolate antlers and a glossy red bauble reminiscent of a certain reindeer.
Bottomless Warm Savouries
Perhaps the most unexpected delight of this high tea is the bottomless warm savouries available from the buffet. The jamón croquettes are large, crisp and filled with a rich and creamy centre, topped with a generous jamón crisp. The homemade turkey and cranberry sausage roll is exceptionally good, with fresh meat, well-seasoned filling and crisp pastry. The confit tomato tart is elegant, combining tomato, dehydrated olive crumble, lemon myrtle and a well-balanced glaze.
The scones are served warm and replenished throughout the sitting. There are two varieties: traditional buttermilk and date, ginger and pistachio. Both are excellent and, importantly, appropriately sized to allow guests to enjoy more than one. They are accompanied by strawberry jam, marmalade and whipped cream. The marmalade is particularly memorable with its bright and well-balanced flavour.
Dorsett Melbourne’s Miracle on Little Lonsdale High Tea is a festive experience crafted with care and executed with a clear sense of occasion. The menu offers a thoughtful blend of tradition and creativity, the sweets are beautifully presented, and the bottomless savouries and scones make this an excellent value high tea for families, friends or anyone seeking a seasonal treat in the heart of the city.
The event runs for two dates only and given last year’s response, early booking is strongly recommended.
Miracle on Little Lonsdale High Tea Menu
Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival
Sandwiches:
- Roasted turkey, sage, cranberry relish, milk bun
- Poached Australian king prawns, sudachi, celery, pickled ginger, cocktail sauce, tobiko, milk bun
- Free range spiced egg, saffron aioli, brioche Bun
- Compressed cucumber, yuzu, mint, whipped mascarpone, rye bread (V)Gluten Free Sandwiches can be made if requested upon booking*
Sweet Selection:
- Tropical Parfait pineapple souses. ginger pistachio crumble, mango jam
- Cherry Santa hat, butter tart shell, dark chocolate brownie, lemon coconut marshmallow, cherry rum, rose mousse
- (V)Earl grey mousse. jelly coated almond, dark chocolate, popping candy milk chocolate (GF. V)
- Raw Matcha deer. Matcha Namelaka mousse, orange filling, dark chocolate sable (V)
Warm Savouries:
- Jamón croquettes, maple mustard aioli, jamoo crisp
- Homemade turkey, cranberry sausage roll, bush tomato, cranberry gel
- Confit tomato tart, dehydrated olive crumble, Lemon Myrtle, aged balsamic glaze (GF. V)
Scones:
- Freshly baked traditional buttermilk scones (V)
- Date, ginger. pistachio scones (V)
- Served with strawberry, marmalade. whipped cream (V)(GF) Gluten Free, (VG) Vegan. (V) Vegetarian, (DF) Dairy Free
All dishes may contain traces of nuts. shellfish, dairy, eggs, sesame. gluten and soy.
Please advise us of any dietary requirements upon booking.
High Tea Melbourne – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 10 December 2024: Christmas High Tea at the Dorsett Melbourne
