There was plenty of spoiling at The TON’s Musical Themed Mother’s Day high tea, at the magnificent Montgomery Hall in Mount Claremont.
The term, the “ton” refers to Regency England’s high society, specifically aristocrats, titled individuals, and influential families who set the standards for fashion, behaviour, and social standing.
The grandiose 1904, heritage listed majestic ballroom boasts nine-metre-high soaring ceilings and three, four-metre crystal chandeliers, so it was the perfect setting and a wonderful opportunity for the public to see this grand dame, not usually open to the public. It also provided the perfect backdrop for the talented 14-year-old violinist, Allie Chan, to add further elegance and sophistication to the afternoon.
The two-hour ticketed event saw generations of families come together to celebrate the women in their lives with complimentary glasses of prosecco, copious cups of tea, and scrumptious sweet and savoury bites.
There were seven tables with eight people per table, and once seated, each guest was offered a glass of prosecco. Pretty pots of tea also accompanied the vintage English china at each table. Once everyone had arrived, the lights dimmed, and all eyes were directed to the stage where the talented musician delivered an impressive classical performance complete with dry ice to add to the whimsy of the occasion.
At the conclusion of Allie’s first performance, the Fields of Green menu, presented on a three-tiered tower, arrived at the tables. It catered for all tastes, and there was even a gluten-free option. I partook in the regular menu, and there was plenty on offer with four savouries and six sweets, including scones with jam and cream.
I opted to start with the sausage roll with a difference, the pork fennel sausage feuilleté. The crumbly pastry was a treat and almost stole the spotlight from the filling. The avocado toast was a two-bite delight, while the quiche tartlet was topped with a spicy chutney. A smoked salmon, cream cheese, and finger lime ribbon sandwich rounded out the savouries well.
It was then time to switch to the sweet treats, and I kicked off with a coconut drop. I must confess I’m not a massive fan of coconut, but others who are enjoyed it. The baked cheesecake looked pretty as a picture, and my only criticism is I wish there was more of it, and the scones with jam and cream could only be improved with thicker, dollop cream. The chocolate trio were all winners; the macaron was full of flavour, the brownie was rich (as it should be), and the chocolate mousse was super “chocolatey,” just the way I like it. The afternoon rounded out with another impressive performance from Allie.
The TON’s Musical Themed Mother’s Day High Tea was a feast for the senses and for just $99 per person, it was a wonderful introduction to the “80 Days Around the World” high tea series. The next one, on 12th of July, 1-3pm, is Spanish-themed. Think red roses, dark lace, and sangria and includes an onstage classical guitarist. Attendees are encouraged to dress with a Spanish theme for an afternoon of fun, flavours and flamencos.
The Ton High Tea Menu:

Savoury
- Petite La Quiche Tartlets
- Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, FingerLime Ribbon Sandwich
- Venetian Avocado Cicchetti
- Pork Fennel Sausage Feuilleté
Sweet
- Scones + Berry Jam
- Rainbow of Macarons
- Velvet Cocoa Bites
- Petite Cheesecake
- Chocolate Mousse
- Coconut Drop
