Looking for an opulent afternoon tea that a young foodie will also appreciate? Look no further. In a city brimming with high tea options, The Windsor still reigns supreme, offering a truly elegant and memorable afternoon tea experience, and after 142 years of tradition, it's easy to see why.
Step into the One Eleven dining room, and you’re instantly transported. Victorian-era charm oozes from every corner, with white linen tablecloths, fine Noritake teaware, and silver bowls of sugar cubes, with tongs included. Lounge music hums in the background as the buzz of conversations and the clink of cutlery fills the near-capacity room.
The Winter Afternoon Tea begins with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, followed by your choice of coffee or 11 specialty teas. Meanwhile, children 12 and under are spoilt for choice with juice or Mörk hot chocolate … yum!
Afternoon tea is served on three-tier stands for adults and children alike, with the children’s offering serving up a modern twist on nostalgic Australian childhood favourites, including Golden Gaytime, Wagon Wheels, Milo-inspired delights, Vegemite scrolls and more.
It’s colourful and fun, and our mini high tea reviewer is immediately drawn to a banana pop that promisingly looks like an ice-cream.
The Milo and Tim Tam whip, with layers of delicious biscuit crumb between lashings of chocolate mousse, also proves to be a winner, and the pink-dipped strawberry is a visual (and tasty) highlight.
Predictably, the sweets reign supreme (is any parent surprised?), but a special mention goes to the pork sausage roll, which is demolished in seconds.
Over on the adults’ stand, the offering is no less impressive. The finger sandwiches are flawless – think truffled egg with watercress, and smoked chicken with walnut and celery on the fluffiest of breads. And just when you think you’re done, a silver tray appears offering seconds. Yes, please.
Other savoury highlights include a salmon cannoli filled with whipped cream cheese and topped with pearls of salmon roe, and a hearty chicken, leek and cheddar pie.
The standout dessert is the cappuccino entremet, a beautifully layered slice with chocolate sponge, custard, chocolate ganache, coffee mousse and a gold coffee bean to add to the drama – sure to entice any sweet tooth.
Last but certainly not least is the dessert buffet, which is served on weekends, and weekdays during the school holidays. Be sure to save room for the decadent chocolate fountain with marshmallows, donuts and a selection of fruit to dunk in. There’s also cupcakes, madeleines and other sweet treats for those inclined.
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Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply want to spoil yourself (and your little ones), The Windsor’s Afternoon Tea delivers on every level, from ambience and service to the superbly crafted menu. A true Melbourne icon that continues to live up to its legacy – and then some.
Children’s Afternoon Tea Menu:
Savoury canapés
- Cheese and vegemite scroll
- Pork and fennel sausage roll
Cornflake-crumbled chicken slider
Sweets
- Wagon Wheel
- Golden Gaytime choux
- Chocolate dipped strawberry
- Banana pop
- Milo and Tim Tam whip
- Buttermilk scone
The dessert buffet (weekends)
Juice or Mörk hot chocolate
Winter Afternoon Tea Menu:
- A flute of French sparkling rosé on arrival (or NV
- Monmarthe 1er Cru ‘Secret de Famille’ Champagne)
Savoury canapés
- Porcini mushroom choux, hazelnut and herbs
- Cannoli pastry of smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Chicken, leek and cheddar pie
Sweets
- Cappuccino Entremet – Chocolate sponge, custard, chocolate ganache, coffee mousse
- Pistachio Tart – Pistachio financier, crunch, ganache and praline
- Cassis Macaron – Cassis ganache and cassis whipped ganache
Sandwiches
- Australian prawns, cucumber and green goddess (brioche)
- Truffled egg and watercress
- Smoked chicken mayonnaise, walnut and celery
Scones
- Strawberry jam, double cream
The dessert buffet (weekends)
Your choice of specialty tea, coffee or hot chocolate
High Tea Melbourne – find more experiences
in our High Tea Venue Directory
Reviews for this venue:
- 2 December 2020: Afternoon Tea at The Windsor Melbourne
- 27 April 2020: Scone Box from The Windsor Hotel Melbourne
- 14 October 2018: Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Windsor Melbourne
- 8 January 2018: Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor Melbourne
- 5 November 2015: Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor Melbourne
- 29 August 2014: Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor Melbourne
- 17 May 2010: Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor Melbourne
