This is a guest post by kiwi expat Catherine Sietkiewicz who now calls Melbourne home. And with afternoon teas like this, she probably will never return.
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Afternoon Tea at the Windsor Hotel is about as old-world Melbourne as it gets.
A top-hatted, tail-coated doorman greets you, and from the moment you step inside the lobby any stress of the flurry of cars and trams outside on Spring Street liquidates, only to be washed away with your first glass of complimentary sparkling wine.
Serving traditional afternoon tea since 1883 in a room which pre-dates some of the world’s grandest hotels (the Waldorf Astoria, the Ritz, and Raffles to name a few) the Windsor is an oasis of elegance with a sweet-treat menu to match.
Delivered to our table, with a smile, on a multi-tiered tower of confection perfection were scones warm from the oven awaiting a fate of lashings of cream and jam, moreish French macarons, and delicious cakes and tortes teetering next to tiny tiramisus, to name a few.
We had the Cleopatra’s Champagne and Flower of Wealth teas which were both not just easy on the palette, but with a Chrysanthemum blossom blooming at the bottom of the pot – rather easy on the eye as well. The experience reminded me of Oruawharo Homestead, but this particular one exudes more elegance.
Bookings for afternoon tea are available seven days, and instead of going to see Gatsby on the silver screen, get yourself to the Windsor Hotel instead to live it out for an afternoon with a silver spoon.