Tea is not just for the Brits! More than just a drink, we associate this age-old beverage with taking some time out of a busy day to relax in the moment. More than just a hot comfort, tea traditions can also add sophistication to help celebrate a specific event. Even though the Brits may have perfected it, it certainly didn’t stop us here at Devon Pixies from putting our spin on high tea in South Brisbane. In keeping with tradition, the majority of our tea selections are loose leaf. We keep most of the standard varieties such as English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chamomile, Green, and Peppermint, plus we have our own special blend made on a Ceylon tea base. Ask for the Devon Pixies tea when you next visit.
Enjoying a high tea is a delightful and sophisticated experience that involves savoring a selection of teas, along with an assortment of finger foods and treats. Here are some tips to help you fully enjoy a high tea:
Make a Reservation: Most places offering high tea require reservations. Ensure you secure a spot, especially during peak hours or on weekends.
Select a Tea: High tea typically involves a variety of teas to choose from. Consider trying different blends or ask the staff for recommendations based on your preferences.
Savor the Tea: Take your time to appreciate the aroma and flavor of the tea. High tea is as much about the tea as it is about the accompanying treats.
Understand the Menu: Familiarise yourself with the menu and understand the different courses. High tea usually includes a selection of sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
Start with Savories: Begin with the savory items such as finger sandwiches and small bites. These are usually served on the bottom tier of the stand.
Move to Scones: Scones are often served with clotted cream and jam. Enjoy them while they are warm, typically in the middle tier of the serving stand.
Indulge in Sweets: Finish your high tea experience with the sweet treats, which are usually placed on the top tier of the stand. These may include cakes, pastries, and desserts.
Converse and Relax: High tea is a social occasion. Engage in conversation with your companions, enjoy the surroundings, and take in the experience.
Take Your Time: High tea is meant to be a leisurely affair. Don't rush through the courses; savor each bite and sip.
Capture the Moment: If you're in a picturesque setting or celebrating a special occasion, take photos to capture the memories.
Remember, the key to enjoying high tea is to relax, savor the flavors, and appreciate the company in a refined and pleasant atmosphere.
If you thought tea was a simple affair, think again. There are many ways to enjoy tea. Cream tea, high tea, afternoon tea – how many permutations of teatime can here be? These fast facts will clear up any uncertainty about meals taken with tea and the traditions associated with them:
Afternoon Delight: High tea is traditionally served in the late afternoon, usually between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. It is a delightful way to break the day and enjoy a selection of treats, creating a sense of relaxation and indulgence.
Tea Selection: High tea revolves around the art of tea, offering a wide variety of fine teas to choose from. You can explore different flavors, fragrances, and strengths, often served in exquisite teapots and delicate china cups.
Tiered Presentation: A hallmark of high tea is the elegant presentation. The food is usually served on a tiered stand or platter, showcasing a variety of bite-sized sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cakes. The tiers add an aesthetic appeal, making it visually pleasing and enhancing the overall experience.
Savory and Sweet: High tea offers a balanced combination of savory and sweet treats. On the savory side, you'll find items like finger sandwiches with various fillings, quiches, and sometimes even warm dishes like mini pies or sausage rolls. The sweet options include freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, tarts, cakes, and other dainty desserts.
Etiquette and Tradition: High tea has a long-standing tradition that brings a touch of refinement to the experience. There are certain etiquette guidelines to follow, such as holding the teacup with your fingers delicately, stirring your tea gently, and taking small bites of food. These practices add to the charm and elegance of the occasion.
Social Interaction: High tea is often enjoyed with friends, family, or colleagues, making it a social gathering. It provides an opportunity to engage in conversation, catch up with loved ones, or even hold business meetings in a relaxed and pleasant setting.
Atmosphere: High tea is typically held in a refined setting, such as a tea room, hotel lounge, or upscale restaurant. The ambiance is carefully curated to create a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere, often with soft music, elegant décor, and comfortable seating arrangements.
Special Occasions: High tea is often associated with special occasions and celebrations like birthdays, bridal showers, or anniversaries. It adds a touch of sophistication and becomes a memorable experience that people cherish.
Overall, the combination of delightful teas, delectable treats, refined presentation, etiquette, and social atmosphere contribute to making a high tea experience special and unique.
From baking scones and delicious cupcakes to setting the table with vintage tea sets, the ideal teatime experience has to be planned carefully and executed delicately. Whether you want to celebrate, connect or catch up, Devon Pixies has just the thing for you:
A place to rest and relax in Kingston, we have been operating since 2012. You can take some time out of your busy schedule for everyday treats to memorable celebrations. Contact us today for everything from a quick treat to a bridal shower or for birthday ideas in South Brisbane.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the land and the traditional families of the Yugambeh region of South East Queensland and their Elders past, present, and emerging. The Yugambeh region includes families that identify as Gugingin, Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra, and others.
The Kingston Butter Factory Cottage
270 Jacaranda Avenue, Kingston, 4114, Qld