By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Cancel your plans, cupcake! The eclectic QT Sydney has just rolled out a new High Tea experience and it is anything but vanilla. Instead, the revamped QTea delivers a decadent, dessert-drenched affair dreamt up by Australia’s own Willy Wonka, Adriano Zumbo and it’s a truly scrumdiddlyumptious spread.
Launching this weekend, August 2-3, the QTea isn’t your grandma’s cucumber-sandwich-and-English-breakfast situation. It’s a 90-minute sensory spectacle of playful patisserie, glamorous surrounds, magical meringue-and-macaron bites begging to be turned into an Insta reel.
If you like your High Tea with a side of celebrity sparkle, Zumbo himself will be hosting two exclusive sittings on August 9-10. Mark your calendars and loosen your belts.
Held in Gowings on Level 1 of the QT Sydney hotel - a space that feels like Marie Antoinette met a Mad Hatter and they both decided to throw a party in a Baroque jewellery box - QTea is part sugar rush, part art installation. Think free-flowing tea (or a cheeky flute of Perrier-Jouet, if you're feeling bubbly), plush velvet banquettes and a rotating menu that looks as good as it tastes.
Obviously, however, the real star is the sweets - stacked high and ready to steal the show. Given Zumbo’s status as a regular MasterChef guest judge and co-host of the Netflix series ‘Just Desserts’, that didn’t really shock you, did it?
Start with a tart, or more specifically, the Mr Mojito Tart - a zesty, minty marvel with a Mojito jelly centre, rum creme diplomat and a crispy fried mint leaf on top. It's like a cocktail, but cuter.
Next, indulge in the Earl & Mandy Chocolate Adventure, a grown-up choc-orange fantasy featuring layers of hazelnut crunch, mandarin jelly and a whisper of Earl Grey. It’s giving posh picnic in a Parisian garden vibes.
The real showstopper is the A Rare Pear, a macadamia almond sponge cake with pear and vanilla cream, dollops of strawberry rhubarb jam and soft clouds of whipped creme fraiche ganache. It’s a fruity, flirty, flavour-packed upgrade sure to top almost any other itty-bitty bite you may have previously tried on a High Tea menu.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a Zumbo affair without Zumbarons - Adriano’s signature macarons in a rotating line-up of playful, unexpected flavours. For those who prefer the classics, the sconez are no second-tier citizens. Warm, golden and laced with lemon zest and vanilla, they arrive with thick cream and housemade preserves that spread smoother than Wonka’s chocolate waterfall.
For High Tea types who swing savoury, there’s also plenty to sink their teeth into. The harissa prawn roll is a briny, buttery bite bursting with spice, lemon mayo, bacon crumbs and big holiday-by-the-sea energy.
The mac & cheese croquette is what happens when childhood comfort food grows up, gets crispy and learns French. While, for something a little lighter, the Thai chicken sambo and tuna nicoise bring global flair and garden-fresh zing to the table.
Adriano says: "We’ve geeked out on flavours like macadamia, rhubarb and pear. Of course, there’s a selection of Zumbarons…it’s a more gourmet, unexpected High Tea. Full of flavour and a little mystery.” Honestly, he’s not sugar-coating it.
At $79 per person, QTea delivers a whole lot of sweet bang for your buck - they’ve got a plant-based and gluten-free version, too! So, whether you're catching up with your stylish crew, celebrating something (or someone) special, or just in the mood to treat yourself like the snack you are, this is the kind of tea party that is sure to transport you to a world of pure imagination.
Don’t wait for a golden ticket. Secure your seat at the sweetest table in Sydney, here.
