The Parmelia Hilton Perth has been hit with such a demand for its high teas that it has decided to open its kitchen earlier on Sundays to bake scones, prepare delicate little sandwiches and petit fours for guests to indulge in while sipping on cups of high quality tea.
From this Sunday, the hotel will host high tea between 2pm and 5pm at its Globe Restaurant, joining The Hyatt Regency Perth and the C Restaurant as one of the few places in Perth where foodies can partake in the very well-to-do tradition.
Parmelia Hilton marketing manager Julia Clark says the hotel had received a number of calls from people wanting to know if it offers a high tea.
“It’s come from locals who want to catch up with their friends,” she says.
Ms Clark says that Sundays have become a busier day for the Globe Restaurant’s chefs, with the restaurant enjoying a pick-up in trade for Sunday evening dinners, in part due to growing numbers of residents choosing to live in inner-city apartments.
The Hilton’s high tea is a Sunday-only event and will cost $28 a head.
Afternoon catch-ups over tea and scones has helped the C Restaurant fill the gap between its lunch and dinner service during the week.
It’s a relatively new concept for the revolving restaurant.
who took over the business with two business partners eight months ago, says the concept is working well.
“We get a mix of locals and tourists and I think they like it because the price is quite attractive,” He says.
“Our dinner starts at a minimum $69 charge, whereas they can come in during the afternoon and enjoy our view over high tea and only pay $30,” he says.
C Restaurant’s high tea operates from Sunday to Friday from 2pm and is priced at $30 for the standard high tea. Guests can also choose a champagne high tea for $55.
C Restaurant and the Parmelia Hilton have followed the The Hyatt’s lead with regard to high tea, with the latter offering the service in Perth for more than 15 years.
However, the Hyatt’s high tea is a buffet whereas guests at The Hilton and C Restaurant are served their high tea in the traditional way – on a three tiered platter.
According to The Hyatt Regency marketing manager Francinne O’Rourke, the hotel is also experiencing an increase in demand for late afternoon gourmet nibbles and tea.
“High tea has experienced resurgence in popularity, predominantly for females,” Ms O’Rourke says.
A basic high tea service in the Hyatt’s conservatory cafe is available during weekdays for $18 a person, which includes finger sandwiches, pastries and scones. However, high tea goes up a notch on the weekend when the menu is expanded. Saturday and Sunday high tea at The Hyatt is priced at $29.50.
