Delightful Afternoon Tea at the Windsor

The Hotel Windsor Melbourne has been a cherished grand hotel serving guests from around Australia and the world since it opened in 1883. Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor has been a Melbourne ritual time-honoured tradition ever since.

Recently when I stayed at The Hotel Windsor for two nights the highlight was having Traditional Afternoon Tea in the rather grand 111 Spring Street Restaurant located on the Hotel's ground floor.

I was looking forward to my first Traditional Afternoon Tea experience in Australia. My only High Afternoon Tea experience up till now has been on a recent visit to Malaysia.

It was a warm Thursday when I met the delightful Tim to share the experience with, so I enjoyed the Traditional Afternoon Tea week-day menu. (There is a different menu on weekends.)

On arrival we were greeted by a welcome glass of Louis Perdrier Brut from France.

The Afternoon Tea was served on a lovely three-tiered polished silver stand. On the top level were freshly baked traditional and sultana scones (still warm from the oven) served with Windsor jams and double cream.

On the the middle level was a delectable selection of exquisite pastries. This year The Hotel Windsor is celebrating its 130th birthday, so the pastry selection reflected those pastries popular back in 1883. I have a rather sweet tooth, so I enjoyed eating the Lemon Meringue Pie, MIlle Feuille, Sacher Torte, Lamington Eclair and Caramel Eclair. 

The lower level delicate finger sandwiches were delicious Smoked salmon, creamy avocado & dill; Egg, mayonnaise & snow pea sprouts; Virginia ham & Dijon mustard;  and Cucumber, sour cream & chives.

Of course, an afternoon tea would not be complete with cups of delicious tea (or coffee). The Hotel Windsor serves not just one type of tea, but offers a choice of fifteen. I chose The Windsor Afternoon Blend to fit in with the occasion. This was a delicious full bodied black tea with a hint of floral sweetness and a smooth finish. It was served hot in a glistening silver teapot to pour into the fine china teacup. Other varieties I could have chosen were The Windsor Morning Blend, Irish Breakfast, Supreme Earl Grey, Orange Pekoe, Darjeeling, Lapsang Souchong, Malabar Chai, Golden SenchaGreen Tea, Oriental Jasmine Green, Oolong Rose, Cleopatra’s Champagne, Peppermint, Seven Fairies (Glorious Blooming Tea) or the Flower of Wealth (Glorious Blooming Tea). I will have to keep these for the next time I enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at The Hotel Windsor.

On weekends the Afternoon Tea is an extra-special themed affair. From April to October the theme is Chocolate Indulgence. The middle level of the three-tier stand is now savoury items, and is supplemented by an indulgent dessert buffet of gateaux and pastries and a decadent chocolate fountain. From November to March the theme lends itself more to an Ice Cream Indulgence, with a range of enticing ice creams and cakes.

My delightful Afternoon Tea at The Hotel Windsor made me appreciate that it is indeed the most famous and awarded afternoon tea venue in Australia. The exceptional quality of the food matched the service provided by the attentive staff. When I fly to Melbourne on a future occasion I will definitely head to The Hotel Windsor and enjoy the delightful Traditional Afternoon Tea. I would recommend the Afternoon Tea for any person looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, or just to uplift an otherwise ordinary afternoon.    

Afternoon Tea Sitting Times & Prices

Monday-Friday: various sitting times - $69 per person
Saturday-Sunday: various sitting times - $89 per person

Reservations

Please contact reservations for more details regarding session times.
Reservations are essential.
To make a reservation, please telephone (+61 3) 9633 6004 or email reservations@thw.com.au  

Further Information

Website: http://www.thehotelwindsor.com.au/ 
Email: info@thw.com.au
Address: The Hotel Windsor, 111 Spring Street,
Victoria 3000 Australia

Telephone: (+ 61 3) 9633 6000
Facsimile (+ 61 3) 9633 6001