Tea Time

High tea is having something of a moment and the Swan Valley has hopped on this particularly delicious bandwagon in style.

By MONIQUE CECCATO

Stewart’s Restaurant

Located on the lush grounds of Brookleigh Estate, Stewart’s Restaurant is a tranquil spot for an afternoon high tea. A selection of scones, choux pastries, arancini, and mini sliders are delivered to the table atop a vintage floral stand that’s perfectly matched to the floral tea set. For a little something extra, order a glass of local sparkling, white, or rosé on the side. Price: $45.

Cottage Tea Rooms

Cottage Tea Rooms serves up a quintessential high tea experience. This quaint little home is set among the roses and doubles as a quaint gift store. Browse the artful quilts, handmade children’s clothing, and preserves from local creators, before settling down to a three-tiered brunch featuring some of the Cottage’s famed scones, traditional cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, and decadent fudge brownies. Kids can join in the fun too with their own special ‘fairy’ high tea. Price: $35 on weekdays or $45 on weekends. Kids high tea is $35

The Swans Restaurant and Function House

At The Swans Restaurant and Function House, chef Emad takes a more modern approach to his high tea offering. Think caramel-filled doughnuts, arancini, and creme brulee tarts, served to you by his wife and head waitress, Sue. Dietary requirements are well catered for with gluten-free and vegetarian options available on request. High tea is served in the restaurant on weekends, or you can call ahead to get your treats takeaway. Price: $25 with a minimum of two people per booking.

Swan Valley Gourmet Farm Cafe

Dietary requirements are front of mind for the team at Swan Valley Gourmet. The owners are non-coeliac gluten-intolerant so everything included in their high teas is 100 per cent gluten-free (accredited by Coeliac Australia). All the standard high tea favourites are there - scones, cucumber and cheese sandwiches, and mouthwatering slices - but this time, they’re coeliac friendly. Price: $38 or $48 with a glass of sparkling.

Vines Resort

You’ve got to be quick to catch a high tea at The Vines’ Muscats restaurant. Served between 1 to 3pm on Sundays only, seats are extremely limited and bookings are essential. Enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats, a pot of tea (or some sparkling if you’re that way inclined), and the views out over the gardens and golf course. You may even spot the resident kangaroos lazing about in the sun. Price: $45. Upgrade with a glass of sparkling for $50 or $58 for a glass of champagne.

Lavender Bistro

Claude Dupont and Pascal Gouionnet bring a little bit of France to the Swan Valley with their lavender-focused cafe and gift store, Lavender Bistro. Sit down to one of their high teas and savour the many lavender-flavoured treats on their menu (the scones are a standout), as well as a selection of French sweets and savouries. Before leaving, don’t forget to pick up a bag of lavender tea or some lavender soaps as a memento. Price: $28 with tea or coffee, $33 with a glass of sparkling rosé, $37 with tea/ coffee and a glass of sparkling. SV

Fast Facts

stewartsrestaurant.com.au cottagetearooms.com.au theswansresaturant.com swanvalleygourmet.com.au vines.com.au lavenderbistro.com.au

TEA FOR TWO (OR

MORE) High tea reaches new heights at top, Swan Valley Gourmet Farm Cafe, The Vines Resort and The Swans Restaurant and Function House.