The best places to have high tea in Brisbane City

Experience the beloved British tradition of high tea right here in The City. Indulge your taste buds in an afternoon of sweets and savouries with tea and champagne. The City's thriving high tea scene will have you spoilt for choice. Take your pick of traditional or modern – either way you’ll leave feeling like the newest member of the Royal Family.

Traditional

Built in 1886, Customs House provides a spectacular backdrop for high tea on the banks of the Brisbane River. With views of the Story Bridge, take the time to sit back, relax and enjoy petite desserts off art deco high tea stands, while sipping champagne on the terrace.

In the heart of The City on the upper balcony of the historic Brisbane Arcade, Room with Roses is a quaint tea cafe beloved by generations. Regulars travel a long way for the ribbon sandwiches and raspberry scones.

Keri Craig Emporium Fashion Cafe is also in Brisbane Arcade and acts as a regular gathering spot for those who love high tea. Presented with a glass of French bubbles (or orange juice), it’s a very posh way to enjoy your scones.

Housed within one of Brisbane's most recognised buildings, Shingle Inn City Hall is one of the Queensland capital's oldest and most treasured cafes. A selection of loose-leaf teas and Shingle Inn’s unique coffee blend ensure there is an afternoon tea accompaniment to suit everyone’s tastes. If you have little ones in your life, make sure to check out Shingle Inn’s Teddy Bear High Tea.

Modern

Dello Mano may be well known for their brownies, but they also serve delicious high teas. Treat yourself and enjoy the decadent treats, select either the Arcadian or Chocolate Queen High Tea (hint: you can’t go wrong). This high tea might be out of the ordinary, but the historic Tattersall’s Arcade makes for a grand old backdrop.

Hotels

For a different kind of high tea head to W Brisbane's Living Room Bar on the ground floor of the hotel. Forget your traditional high tea and instead think Australian flavours with a twist, like meat pies, lamingtons and Milo. Plus you can indulge with Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Mezzo Mezzo Martinis, Strawberry Sours and endless Blooming Tea.

At the prestigious Stamford Plaza, choose from dainty delights in a traditional riverside morning tea, spirit of Queensland lobby high tea or chocolate high tea buffet. Whatever you fancy, elegance and sophistication are the hallmarks of the experience as you enjoy meticulously crafted treats, with stunning Brisbane River views a bonus.

On the weekends you can revel in an elegant high tea experience and mouth-watering macaroons in the ambient surrounds of the Treasury Heritage Hotel. Your afternoon high tea will be served in the sunlit surrounds of The Lab Restaurant and Bar with your choice of bottomless La Maison Du Thé French handcrafted teas.

Head to Lennons Restaurant and Bar on the weekend for a high tea experience right in the heart of The City. The menu caters for those who like savoury or prefer sweet and tea and coffee will be flowing.