A Fresh Take on Spring Afternoon Tea at The Langham, Melbourne

Afternoon Tea at The Langham, Melbourne is synonymous with elegance, and the new Spring Afternoon Tea at Aria Bar & Lounge delivers a seasonal twist on this classic experience.

Located on the podium level, Aria Bar & Lounge overlooks the hotel’s grand marble staircase and glittering crystal chandeliers. There is a live piano player tucked discreetly at the end of the lounge, filling the room with soft melodies. On our visit, the pianist shifted into Happy Birthday as cakes with glowing candles were brought out to those celebrating, and surrounding tables joined in, creating a warm, convivial atmosphere, the perfect setting for a Saturday or weekend indulgence.

This season’s menu, designed by Executive Pastry Chef Markus Bohm, blends tradition with refreshing spring flavours.

The savoury tier begins with three sandwich selections. The chicken, celery, chives and lemon thyme on spinach bread offers a light herbaceous profile, the lemon thyme lifting the chicken filling nicely. The Asian coriander, lime and tuna on white bread was bright and zesty, the citrus notes balancing the richness of the tuna. The grapefruit and cucumber on tomato bread was perhaps the most refreshing of the trio, delivering a clean, palate-cleansing bite. While the bread leaned a little on the dry side, the fillings themselves were flavourful and well thought out.

Warm savouries added a touch of comfort. The arancini with Cumberland sausage, rosemary, onions and mustard mayo was hearty and satisfying, with the rosemary adding depth. The grilled haloumi, truffle mushroom and onion jam roulade was moreish and earthy, the truffle marrying beautifully with the sweetness of the onion jam.

No Langham afternoon tea would be complete without scones. Served warm, the vanilla scone offered a delicate fragrance and light sweetness, while the raisin scone, though not usually my preference, won me over with its wonderfully soft texture and subtle, fruity flavour. Both were presented with house-made strawberry preserve and indulgent clotted cream on the side, allowing you to add as much of each as you desire for a perfectly classic pairing.

The dessert tier was the true highlight of the afternoon. The strawberry and lime turret featured a soft lime cloud top over a vibrant strawberry base, offering a refreshing citrus lift. The apricot and peach délice tart, adorned with a touch of gold leaf, felt particularly luxurious. The combination of apricot and peach was light yet layered, while the gold detailing elevated the presentation.

The standout of the afternoon was the rose and lychee dome, exquisitely fragrant, silky smooth, and infused with an elegant rose flavour that lingered on the palate without overpowering. Delicate yet indulgent, this dessert was as much a visual delight as it was a culinary one.

Equally striking was the Amarascata cherry. Glossy and red, glazed to a mirror shine, it was designed to look just like a real cherry, complete with a tempered green chocolate stem. Cutting through the glossy shell revealed a rich chocolate mousse centre, indulgent and velvety, a showstopper in both presentation and taste.

Guests can enjoy a glass of Taittinger Cuvée Prestige or an alcohol-free alternative, Kylie Minogue Sparkling Rosé, alongside bottomless barista coffee and the Ronnefeldt tea selection. I opted for the Masala Chai, a robust black Assam tea infused with warming spices, the perfect complement to the sweetness of the desserts.

The Spring Afternoon Tea at The Langham, Melbourne is a refined yet inviting experience, one that balances luxurious surroundings with a sense of occasion. From the live piano music to the thoughtful seasonal menu, it’s an ideal way to celebrate, indulge, or simply escape for a couple of hours in the heart of Melbourne.

Spring Afternoon Tea Menu:

Sandwiches

• Chicken, celery, chive & lemon thyme with spinach bread
• Tuna, lime & Asian coriander with white bread
• Grapefruit, rocket and cucumber with tomato bread (V)

Warm Savouries

• Arancini with Cumberland sausage, rosemary, onion and mustard mayo
• Grilled halloumi, truffle, mushroom & onion jam roulade (V)

Sweet

• Strawberry & lime turret
• Apricot & peach delice tart
• Rose & Lychee dome
• Amarascata cherry

Scones

• Vanilla scone and raisin scone with double cream and Strawberry Preserve

 

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