Fans of all things Teddy (and Tasty!) are in for a big surprise at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.
If you go down to The Sheraton today… you’re in for a big surprise! We couldn’t help but hum the beloved childhood tune The Teddy Bears’ Picnic as we made our way to our latest high tea experience. We had heard that one of our favourite five-star inner-city hotels had collaborated with the beloved global toy brand Build-A-Bear to create a whimsical high tea Teddy Takeover, and we knew we had to be part of it.
The Sheraton Grand Sydney, situated right next to the green expanse of Sydney’s Hyde Park, welcomed us with its bright, sunlit lobby as we arrived for our 11 am high tea. A glamorous bellhop assisted us with our luggage and pushchair before escorting us a few meters to Gallery on the Park, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The warm welcome was appreciated, but even without guidance, it would have been impossible to miss—the entire restaurant was inhabited by teddy bears of all shapes and sizes, perched high and low!
After settling into a plush banquette seat by the window, we met our host, who took our order for tea. We chose Damson Plum & Rosella and Desert Lime & Lemon Myrtle, both sourced from The Tea Centre, an Australian company known for curating fine local teas. It’s rare to find a high tea venue that places as much emphasis on the quality of the tea as it does on the food, and as true tea enthusiasts, we couldn’t help but appreciate this attention to detail.
Another unique feature of this high tea is the buffet-style—and oh, what a buffet it was. Just beyond the seating area, beneath a glowing crystal chandelier, an enchanting display of treats awaited. The spread featured golden scones as warm and inviting as a teddy bear’s fur, alongside a selection of fresh garden salads, crusty baguettes filled with shredded chicken or honey-roast ham, and a make-your-own salmon blini bar complete with mini pickles and a honey ricotta so rich it would make Winnie the Pooh blush.
The wild cress and egg finger sandwich—a staple of any high tea—was elevated with a delicate smoky flavour, perfectly complemented by the honey-thyme roasted pumpkin and feta slider. For those craving something warm, options included beef sausage rolls, beetroot falafel, and sesame-drizzled fried chicken karaage, which proved to be a favourite among the little ones in our party.
Chef Louis and his team spared no effort in crafting a dessert selection fit for bears big and small. Mini lamingtons nestled next to delicate teddy bear friands and cupcakes, while a honey crème brûlée and pastel-hued macarons added a touch of elegance. A towering chocolate fountain tempted us with fresh fruit, brownie cubes, and two flavours of gelato served in either a cone or cup. But the pièce de résistance? The Triple Chocolate Teddy Bear Cake, adorned with cherries—an irresistible indulgence. Torn between that and the White Chocolate & Berry Gâteau, we ultimately decided, why choose?—and enjoyed a generous slice of both.
If this sounds like a feast—well, it truly was. As we leaned back, patting our now-round and contented bellies after a third trip to the buffet, we marvelled at the sheer variety on offer. Beyond the exceptional food, the experience itself was wonderfully flexible. On fair-weather days, guests can opt to take their high tea outdoors for a real teddy bear picnic in Hyde Park—sure to be a cherished childhood memory. Each ticket to the Teddy Bear High Tea also includes a cuddly teddy bear to take home. Even more special, on the first Saturday of each month, the Sheraton Grand hosts a Build-A-Bear Workshop, where families can create their own custom teddy bear as a keepsake of the day.
The most heartwarming part of the experience, however, was witnessing the joy shared between families. Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, multi-generational groups, and even a few baby showers filled the room with laughter and warmth. We couldn’t help but wonder—perhaps even the little ones still in utero were enjoying the buffet delights!
One thing is certain: The Sheraton Grand’s Teddy Bear High Tea Buffet is a magical experience that we—and our mini-me’s—will cherish for years to come.
High Tea Sydney – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 23 May 2023: Fashion High Tea in The Gallery - Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
- 30 September 2020: Take Away High Tea from The Gallery, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
- 1 September 2019: High Tea at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
- 23 May 2018: High Tea at the Sheraton on the Park Sydney
- 1 February 2014: High Tea at Sheraton on the Park Sydney
