If you're heading to Melbourne's Regent Theatre to catch the riotous, ghoulish spectacle that is Beetlejuice the Musical, then you absolutely must begin your day or night-out with an equally cheeky and theatrical experience, The Beetlejuice High Tea at The Westin Melbourne.
Right next door to the theatre, this high tea is a perfect prelude to the on-stage chaos. Playful, creative, and packed with treats that toe the line between quirky and sophisticated, the experience will tickle your tastebuds and delight your inner theatre kid.
The high tea kicks off with a signature cocktail that sets the tone for the whimsical experience ahead. The “Punch for the Possessed” a naturally vibrant green blend of orange juice, Prosecco, and blue Curaçao topped with delicate edible flowers, is refreshing and lightly sweet, like a mimosa with a mischievous twist. It’s the perfect way to ease into the theatrics of the themed menu, which then continues with a selection of savoury bites to balance the sugar rush to come.
An added experience is that when the high tea is brought out on its elegant 3-tiered stand, dry ice is poured to create a spooky, misty effect, perfectly on theme and making it a great photo or video moment for guests capturing the experience.
The prawn cocktail, served with a flavoursome crumb and crowned with glistening salmon roe, is perfectly cooked and fresh. The chicken pesto pillow bun is vibrant and tender, bursting with basil and boasting a brilliant green hue. A crispy cauliflower croquette delivers a warm, creamy bite elevated by a delicate hint of dill. Meanwhile, the jalapeño, sun-dried tomato and cheese finger sandwich packs a gentle, satisfying heat, though the bread leans a little dry, the flavours make up for it.
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Where this high tea truly comes alive is in the themed desserts, an absolute highlight both in taste and theatrical presentation. The “Apple of Sandworm’s Eye” is a quirky verrine of Granny Smith apple and mascarpone layered over a coffee-sea salt crumb, crowned with a twisted sweet snake, coiled in a classic black and white spiral, it looks like something straight out of a Tim Burton dream. The bright green concoction is like an apple pie in a jar – tart, creamy, and delightfully crunchy at the base. Then there’s the “Shrunken Head” a lemon and bergamot tart that’s as amusing to look at as it is delightful to eat. Topped with a comically spooky shrunken head, the dessert hides a smooth, silky curd of bergamot and lemon that delivers a citrusy brightness without overwhelming the palate. A playful burst of passionfruit gel at its centre adds an unexpected zing, while the crisp shortcrust base provides just the right amount of buttery crunch.
Perhaps the most visually exciting dessert is the “Say My Name” cake a steamed chocolate petit cake dressed up like Beetlejuice himself. With his bug-eyed stare and icing hair of green, it’s both hilarious and delicious. The dark chocolate and chilli ganache provides a subtle warmth, wrapped in a velvety 70% Callebaut couverture. Rich, deeply chocolatey, and moreish, it’s a standout on the menu, indulgent without being heavy, and so good you’ll be tempted to summon another. Right alongside it is the Beetlejuice Blueberry Opera Cake, vivid, layered and rich with blueberry and blackcurrant cream and vanilla lime genoise, resting beneath a jewel-like layer of blue jelly and green sugar “Beetlejuice” stamp.
The scones, always a high tea staple, also play along. The vanilla scones are pillowy soft, and paired with a fruit conserve that doesn’t overpower. But it’s the “Devilish” scone that steals the show: dark chocolate, pepper and lemon come together in an unexpected harmony, and the accompanying whipped “scream” is a cheeky nod to Halloween mischief.
No Beetlejuice-themed experience would be complete without a few potions of its own, and the cocktails do not disappoint. “Lydia’s Lament” balances fruity cassis with a spicy tajin rim, offering a bold kick to contrast the sugar rush. And for those looking for something smoky and strong, the “Netherworld Old Fashioned” is infused with a savoury note of pork and even accompanied with a crispy pork garnish creating a strangely delicious and texturally interesting, umami twist on a classic.
At $89 per person (including one themed cocktail, tea and coffee), The Beetlejuice High Tea is more than a meal, it’s a spirited immersion into the world of the musical. With imaginative presentation and flavours to match, this ghoulish afternoon delight is a must for fans of fun, flavour, and a little bit of mischief.
The Westin Melbourne hotel is the official accommodation partner of Beetlejuice the Musical, now playing at the iconic Regent Theatre right next door. To celebrate, they are offering this special themed high tea available throughout the show season. Served daily between 11am and 5:30pm, the experience is perfect for a pre-show treat or a stylish afternoon indulgence.
Highlights from The Beetlejuice High Tea include:
- Day-O Cajun Spiced Crumbed Prawn Cocktail
- Fright of Their Lives Cauliflower Croquette
- Beetlejuice’s Blueberry Opera Cake with vanilla lime genoise and blueberry blackcurrant cream
- The Apple of Sandworm’s Eye granny smith and mascarpone verrine with coffee sea salt crumb
Cocktails:
- Lydia’s Lament
- Handbook for the Recently Absinthe’d
- Netherworld Old Fashioned
“Designing the Beetlejuice High Tea was a real treat that allowed us to explore a unique creative direction while maintaining a strong focus on flavour and technique,” said Pastry Chef, Jaypalsinh Rathod.
“Each element and its flavours have been carefully crafted to reflect the musical’s distinctive characters and aesthetic, with a balance of refined presentation and a playful nod to the theme,” adds Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte.
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