Whether we’re two or turning 52, we instinctively know that the taking of tea is a solemn ceremony – deserving of our best china and finest manners.
So, why not take that very civilized experience to an even loftier level at historical Brisbane Arcade in the CBD?
The heritage shopping gallery, book-ended by the Queen Street Mall and Adelaide Street, is home to not one – but several – very different High Tea experiences.
Keri Craig Emporium occupies the arcade’s entire lower level – and is arguably one of the first destinations in Brisbane to embrace the traditional High Tea.
Twenty years ago, the store’s eponymous owner and her mother brought the concept back to Queensland – inspired by their travels to Europe and Asia where they took High Tea at the Ritz in London and Raffles in Singapore, to name a few exotic destinations.
These days, the Emporium’s café offers three different High Tea experiences – a Traditional High Tea with champagne; a Seafood High Tea, featuring local seafood sandwiches; and a Children’s High Tea, including a small gift to take home.
Keri Craig Emporium is also home to high-end fashion, homewares and gifts.
Upstairs, on the Brisbane Arcade’s gallery level, you’ll find a flowery den devoted to sipping tea and savouring treats.
Room with Roses is owned by Vicki Pitts who grew up in a Queensland country town where her mother was President of the CWA.
Not surprisingly, the High Tea experience at Room with Roses honours the lovingly home-made.
“We make everything from scratch,” Vicki is proud to declare. “The jams are my mother’s recipes, the cream we beat – there are no cream guns – and we poach the chicken (in the sandwiches).”
Scented, old-fashioned roses adorn every table – plucked, when in season, from Vicki’s own garden.
Should you be inspired to create a DIY High Tea experience at home, then a visit to The Tea Centre in Brisbane Arcade is highly recommended.
The charming, art deco-style store is abundant with premium loose leaf teas, nestled in gold tea caddies.
Carrying over 150 teas from across the globe, The Tea Centre delights in stocking organic, ethically sourced and single-origin leaves found nowhere else in Australia.
Plus, there’s a selection of pretty teapots, colourful cosies and tea-making essentials on sale.
Established in 1923, Brisbane Arcade remains the city’s enduring favourite when it comes to a classic and stylish shopping experience. It’s open daily.
