Ms Margots, Surfers Paradise – Inside Gold Coast

Without a doubt one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting down in front of a multi-teared tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.

In all honest-tea, here are 14 of the best high tea haunts here on the Coast. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!

The Langham
Okay so technically this one is called an Afternoon Tea but same same. In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practicing your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $79 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Pearls Bar
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days invites us all to celebrate Spring with a decadent high tea! Infused with flavours inspired by the new season, we’re drooling in anticipation. From House-Baked Lavender Friands with lemon cream cheese to Pineapple Curd Tarts, you certainly won’t leave underwhelmed…or hungry. Complemented by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and tropical palms, it looks as decadent as it tastes. $64 per person.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin
Palazzo Versace’s Couture High Tea brings a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic. Paired with your choice of freshly brewed coffee and tea, it’s served on timeless Versace China, alongside a glass of the sparkliest bubbles. There are two options to choose from (fancy and fancier) – depending on how bougee you’re feeling – starting from $99.90 per person. Or for a slightly less opulent experience, there are four Devonshire tea options for around $30 per person.
Where: Palazzo Versace, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

The Fireplace
Located at the suave InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, the elegant High Tea Immersion menu at The Fireplace features the likes of Spanner Crab with saffron mayonnaise and tobiko, and Salted Caramel Choux with orchid vanilla tea cream and caramel sauce. The first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, your host will greet you with a Tea Forté infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo. Upgrade to bottomless rosé or the signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail. Yes please! Prices start at $57 per person.
Where: The Fireplace, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Videre
Local fave Videre does a high tea with panache. Including freshly baked scones, gourmet sandwiches and quiche plus an array of specialty sweets crafted by their in-house Chef de Patisserie, the quality here is unparalleled. Don’t forget the unlimited French press coffee and ‘Tea Drop’ tea and breathtaking panoramic views from the 21st floor. Prices start at $49 per person, with sparkling or champagne upgrades available.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

QT Gold Coast
This is no ordinary high tea! The QT Gold Coast brings its signature quirkiness to its “very GC” High Tea. Traditional afternoon tea fare like cucumber sandwiches are replaced with Bacon Mozzarella Donuts and and Vodka & Beetroot Cured Salmon Blini’s. And don’t get us started on the sweets like Gold Leaf Almond Rochers and Raspberry Towers. Prices start at $55 per person with options to add Champagne or even jugs of Aperol Spritz to your experience. For something entirely different QT also offers the only Man Tea in Australia (no ‘tea’ involved). Think beer and bug rolls.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Teavine House
Set amidst lush rural surrounds with a motto “life is short, eat cake”, you can see why this is a local fave. Pretty as a picture, they serve European-inspired traditional high tea on an eclectic array of fine china lovingly sourced from around the globe. Indulge in a tantalising selection of exquisite sweet treats, petite savoury delights, and dainty ribbon sandwiches, all presented on beautiful vintage tiered trays. The perfect spot for your next girly catch up. $47 per person.
Where: 268 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera

Bon Appetea Teahouse
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Palette
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Prawn Toast with fermented chilli mayo and sesame and for the sweet tooths, Davidson Plum and Marshmallow Pinwheel. Prices start at $65 per adult.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Mecca Bah
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Think Kataifi Kanafeh served with cream cheese and pistachios, and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista made coffee and tea, and a sparking wine or mocktail on arrival. $69 per person and bookings are for a minimum of four people.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach & 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Village B&B
If you’re a sucker for a 112-year-old heritage-listed Queenslander (same), you cannot go past high tea at Village B&B. A Mudgeeraba institution, it oozes history and character and side note; is the perfect spot for a charming stay-cay. Enjoy their traditional high tea in the Heritage dining room or on the balcony with views to the hinterland, with mixed sandwiches and wraps, homemade quiche, and a delectable mini cake selection to name a few. Paired with unlimited premium teas and a barista made coffee or iced chocolate/coffee, and #lifemade. $44 per adult.
Where: 65 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Chapter and Verse
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the peaceful and tranquil environment surroundings. There are three adult versions to choose from: Traditional, High Seas, and High Cheese, plus a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea. Prices start from $39 per person.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Tea and Niceties
The name of this gorgeous space reminiscent of a bygone era speaks volumes. Boasting a vintage inspired tearoom surrounded by enchanting gardens and peaceful rainforest, it’s pure grace, elegance and romance. Located on leafy Tamborine Mountain, pamper yourself with delicate petite fours like lemon meringue, mini butter cakes, brandy snap cones, freshly baked scones, sandwiches and warm savouries. Accompanied with your choice of tea from the extensive loose leaf signature collection, or barista coffee, juice, milkshake or soft drink, pop it on your ’must do’ list. Prices start from $59 per person.
Where: 32 Eagle Heights Road, Eagle Heights

Greendays
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. To set the scene, you’ll be treated to the likes of mouth-watering Pork and Fennel Sausage Rolls, Porcini Mushroom Arancini, and Citrus Vanilla Pannacotta with raspberry coulis. Throw in a glass of French bubbles for an extra $12 because, just because. There’s also a separate vegan high tea and junior high tea so no-one misses out. $55 per adult.
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

Words by Bianca Trathen.