High Tea @ Langham Hotel, Melbourne 14.05.10

Nothing quite describes the feeling when you walk into the Langham Hotel, except maybe elegance and class... and then ensuing excitement for what is bound to be a delectable experience. With a double staircase and drop chandeliers leading up to the ARIA Bar & Lounge we decided we would go with the Tiffin Langham Classic which comes with espresso coffees included in the price! (bonus - because generally High Tea only comes with percolated).

It really was a great way to to enjoy some company on a Friday afternoon in such a beautiful setting. We sit down and are promptly served by a very lovely and polite waitress. In an age where customer service lacks like my desire for Bushells tea, I am very much prepared to pay for it if it's going to be this good. The table is set and the tiers are brought out along with the tea (loose leaf English Breakfast, of course) and water is brought out too, without having to be requested. Starting at the bottom tier we have a traditional sandwich selection of cucumber, egg mayonnaise and cream cheese ribbon sandwiches and rolled smoked salmon on wholemeal.


On the second tier we have two kinds of scones: plain and raisin. This is served with clotted cream and cherry jam. I must say, I haven't had cherry jam before but I am definitely a fan. It starts off a little bit tart and then the sweetness takes over and makes you melt a little. Scones were warmed and perfect in texture with that tiny bit of crumbliness that I like.


The desserts on top were the first things I savoured and after that it was pretty hard to stop. Four different treats: Strawberries dipped in white and dark chocolate, candied fruit tea cake, strawberry fruit tarts and chocolate eclairs. Couldn't have asked for more. Presentation was key here with the chocolate eclairs donning a light spray of gold for class.

And now for the scores:

Food: 9 - only missed 1 mark because some were not fans of cherry jam :P
Service: 10 - Perfect. Nuff said.
Ambiance: 9 - very classy setting, though wondering whether our table was crowded or cosy?
Value: 8 - $35 for High Tea. That's on the higher end in Perth talk but on the lower end in Melbourne talk.
Overall score: 9

So after visiting Langham Hotel, I will be using this as the benchmark for High Teas from now on. This pretty much means I am going to go back and give my other review a different rating now. Dammit, it really is that good.

x. Miss Ling-Ling