High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney

Review by on
Photographer: Joshua Pike
Afternoon Tea at the Parliament of NSW
Afternoon Tea at the Parliament of NSW

Served in the Stranger’s Dining Room every Friday, ‘High tea in the House’ is an opportunity to visit areas of Parliament usually reserved only for members.

High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney

Hosted on site at Australia’s first and oldest Parliament, this is a high tea venue quite unlike the rest. Served in the Stranger’s Dining Room every Friday, ‘High tea in the House’ is an opportunity to visit areas of Parliament usually reserved only for members.

The team of chefs, led by award winning Executive Chef David Learmonth (ex Biota, Bowral and Eshalot, Berrima to name a few), have taken the traditional high tea and added some flourishes that even the most staunch traditionalist of the Country Women’s Association would approve of. Everything is made on site, using NSW produce, which considering the history of the location is a nice touch.

With panoramic views across Sydney’s Domain the soft green interior feels like an extension of the lush green lawns outdoors. The fresh cut flowers on each table, thick white tablecloths and Wedgwood table service (all with the NSW parliament crest embossed) complete the setting.

High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney

The traditionalist in me loves a good cucumber sandwich, and this one didn’t disappoint. The cucumber was lightly pickled to lift the sandwich from the usual to refreshing. The salmon roulade was spectacular. A superbly thin crepe wrapped with a generous serving of lightly smoked salmon and a chive cream.

The scones were a good size (not too big like some can be), and dense without being overly heavy.

The lemon curd in the meringue cups could give the grand champion of the aforementioned CWA a run for her money. Perfectly smooth and buttery with a smack of citrusy lemon, it was housed in an unfaultable mini tart crust with a pillow of torched meringue atop. It was our favourite sweet of the day.

High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney
High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament Sydney

 

Overall, High Tea in the House is a great example of a quality high tea. A strong menu done exceptionally well. It gives a nod to tradition without being stale of stuffy.

 

High Tea in the House High Tea Menu:

  • Dill pickled cucumber finger sandwich
  • Salsa verde pumpkin and bocconcini tart
  • Smoked salmon and chive cream roulade
  • Lemonade scones with house-made jam
  • Chocolate opera with mousse
  • Mixed mini macaroon brochettes
  • Flamed lemon meringue tart
  • Petite cupcakes
  • Served with tea and coffee.

 

Learn more about the High Tea in the House, NSW Parliament menu.

Parliament of NSW:

Email View Directory Listing

6 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
When:

Every Friday

Cost:

Traditional High Tea $55.00 per person
Sparkling High Tea $60.00 per person with a glass of Sparkling Wine
Sparkling Rosé High Tea $65.00 per person with a glass of Rosé Sparkling

For bookings, click to call: 02 9230 3570 Website Email

Prices are correct at the time of publishing, but subject to change. Please contact the venue for further details.

Melanie Pike
Melanie Pike

Melanie Pike is one of our Sydney contributors. In her life outside of champagne, tiered cake stands and fine bone china, she’s the Editor of the Fernwood Magazine. After a long week of writing about sugar-free diets and the latest gym sessions to get her readers in shape, she sneaks away to sample the delights of some of the best high tea venues in Sydney. She’s covered from Katoomba to Kiama and almost everywhere in between.

Articles by Melanie