Six Little Hearts: The Gables Melbourne High Tea Review...

Tuesday, 24 February 2015

The Gables Melbourne High Tea Review...

If you're on the look-out for a spectacular high tea experience in Melbourne, you must learn about the high tea on offer at The Gables.

The Gables is an old-world, stately former residence with a colourful history, set amidst the suburban wide and leafy streets of beautiful Malvern in Melbourne. This gracious estate established in 1902 is a perfectly preserved example of Queen Anne architecture prevalent in the Victorian era.

Nestled within well established leafy and manicured gardens which have remained essentially the same since the home was founded, this magnificent function centre provides an elegant backdrop for one of life's most decadent pleasures; the high tea experience.

There is not a hint of the passage of time having worn away any part of this beautiful building. It is grand and breathtaking, with its ornate fretwork detailing and sprawling architectural beauty.

Within, an abundance of natural light filters through the magnificent leadlight windows which adorn the building. Intricate broad cornices thread around the expansive walls and draw the eye to the 16ft high ceilings inside each of the specially themed rooms which are framed by grand archways and polished parquetry floors. The scene set at The Gables provides the perfect backdrop for corporate functions, weddings and their signature high tea experience.

High Tea at The Gables is a timed Sunday affair and offered across two sessions: 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm. (High tea can also be booked on a Wednesday at these same times.)

Guests are warmly welcomed to the venue with an icy cold glass of fine French Champagne, as is customary at all high tea experiences. The Paul Louis Sparkling NV from the Loire Valley in France is beautiful; crisp and dry and perfectly matched to the savouries to come.

Fresh scones, seated at the top of a trio of platters are served with lashings of fresh jam and cream.

Shortly after Champagne is poured, allowing guests just enough time to sit back and take in the splendour of the surrounds, the high tea itself is presented.

The traditional savouries and sandwiches served at The Gables are a generous assortment consisting of salmon and capers, chicken and chives and egg and lettuce; all perfectly uniform, fresh and flavoursome. Mini quiches of sweet potato and red capsicum (delicious), accompany homemade beef burgundy pies, crafted from the tastiest buttery, perfectly flaky pastry.

The buffet style presentation of cakes, pastries and sweets at The Gables makes an incredible display in the large foyer area of the residence. Here, the soft-muted glow from the giant chandelier spills down delicately upon a large table featuring the most breathtaking array of dessert items.

There are miniature slices, custards, cheesecakes and macarons, all labelled to entice. Taste whatever appeals in a quantity to suit. The dessert is without doubt, one of the biggest highlights of any high tea experience and the sweet offerings at The Gables do not disappoint.

The Citris Verine - simply stunning

The choice of special teas on the menu at The Gables is extensive. Pictured is Cleopatra's Champagne - a blend of chamomile flowers, rose petals and lavender buds with wafting hints of apple. An absolutely stunning brew! Serves are bottomless, brought by attentive staff who appear quietly and politely at just the right moment.

High Tea at The Gables is held on Sundays and Wednesdays at 11am and 2pm.

Sundays are priced at $55 per person, Wednesdays are $45 per person and includes a glass of French Champagne and a choice of boutique teas. (Gift vouchers are available on The Gables website.)