High Tea at The Observatory Hotel

As suggested by one of the bridesmaid, we spent our gift from the groom to treat ourselves with something nice. So we decided to spend it on High Tea. We would love to try the Gunner's Barracks, unfortunately they require at least 3 months in advance booking for a weekend. The second choice is The Observatory Hotel which only needs 3 weeks in advance. :)

On the day, I was late for about half an hour and embarrassingly I didn't have coins for the meter parking!!! Thank you Miss J. :) We were seated at the Galileo Restaurant area. We were told that they have limited supply of tea pots which we have to share our tea among the 2 of us!!! Hence, we can only try 3 different type of teas. They are Ceylon, Sencha and Jasmine. The tea selection is also limited.

3 Tier Stand

Our 3 tier stand arrived and as always we start taking photos. One of the waitress has told us, "These food are to be eaten as well!" :) The bottom level is three different kind of sandwiches. The middle level is all the sweets and the top level is 2 different kind of scones.

Sandwiches: Ham & Cheese; Egg and others

Pastry

I have started off with the sandwiches. These are pretty average sandwiches. There is one particular kind which I dont really like.

Scones: Plain; the other with raisin

Strawberry jam with real fruit

The scones are not as fluffy as I like. However, I really love the real fruit strawberry jam! It's so tasty.

Various desserts

Saving the gooddies to the last! The sweets are so colourful and I dont know where to start!! The sweets are not as tasty as they look. I was hoping the panna cotta will taste good. However, almond flavour panna cotta is not my cup of tea.

Although the food might not be as good as I expected, but having a good time with my friends count!!

Note: High tea is served daily from 2:30pm to 5pm weekdays and from 2pm to 4:30pm weekends. Booking is essential.

The Observatory Hotel
89 - 113 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone 02 9256 2215

Frock it! - High Tea at Sir Stamford, Circular Quay

Today the birthday girl has organised a girl day out to high tea at Sir Stamford at Circular Quay. This part of the town is normally quiet during the weekend which is totally different during the office hours. It is more relax! :) Although it is quiet, but finding a meter parking is not as easy as I first thought. Finally, found a parking spot... but it costs $6 per hour and limited to 1 hour parking!!! Instead of finding another parking, put the money for 1 hour and change to another one later. The high tea is served at The Dining Room. We have ordered the Traditional High Tea which also comes with a glass of sparkling wine. The tea selection is limited, but then I can easily made my choice! :p Now it's almost time to go back to my car to change to another spot. :( As talked with other girls, I changed my strategy and look for a meter parking on Bridge Street instead. It is also cheaper hourly rate!!! The high tea is served on a three-tiered stand with a plate of curry puffs at the side. The top tier has the scones. The second tier has the sweet petit four and cakes. The bottom tier has the savoury finger sandwiches. I started with the scones. It is so fluffy. Then onto my curry puff. It is quite an ordinary curry puff, nothing special about it. The assorted finger sandwiches which I cant remember them all... but there is roasted vegetables. Finally the desserts, everyone gives a thumb up to the creme burlee. The food is the right balance of sweet and savory. With this ambience and a date out with the girls, make up the rest of the credit. :)