The best high teas on the Gold Coast, just in time for Mother’s Day

FINGER sandwiches, mini scones and cute cakes ... here’s your guide to high-tea heaven on the Gold Coast (hint: it’s Mother’s Day soon)

Eshai Teahouse.

FINGER sandwiches, mini scones and cute cakes ... Chantay Logan has your guide to high-tea heaven (hint: it’s Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14)

ESHAI TEAHOUSE

The Kitchens, 50 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina

$19.50 - $35 per person

Owned by a “multicultural pair of tea addicts”, Eshai is all about the brew. Ronia Elmaarraaui grew up in a Lebanese family where cinnamon tea was a central part of all occasions and Gabriel, of German heritage, became hooked while travelling through India. “The difference when you come to us for a high tea is the tea itself,” Ronia says. “Brewing tea is an ancient practice and we take the time to do it the traditional way.” While there’s a huge variety of tea to explore, the food side isn’t neglected. At $19.50, the entry-level high tea boasts mini scones, cakes and petite puddings and everyone’s favourite filo-wrapped parcel. For $35, enjoy a more “glam, gourmet” selection, including chocolate truffles and macarons.

GreenDays high tea. Can you stop at one?

GREENDAYS

6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

$39 per person

This secret garden in Bundall’s concrete jungle is made for gorgeously girlie high teas. Choose a pretty position in the foliage-filled pavilion, or request the private library room. High teas are offered at any time during the week and from 2pm on weekends. Nibble on open sandwiches layered with prawns, watercress, avocado and cocktail sauce, or wagyu and thyme sausage rolls. Ginger and honey madeleines, and lemon meringue tarts are other sweet surprises.

Which snack will you attack at Chapter & Verse?

CHAPTER & VERSE

Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue

$39 per person

If you want the five-star treatment, Chapter & Verse stands out. Available daily from 11am to 4pm, it includes just-baked scones to slather with cream and strawberry jam. Browse silver stands for an array of petite palate pleasers: Mount Tamborine goat’s cheese cones dipped in pistachio, smoked salmon bagels and mango cheesecake. Complete the picture with Org organic coffee and Ronnefeldt leaf teas. The lounge is also throwing an extra extravagant Mother’s Day high tea for $55 per adult, including a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and a takeaway gift.

Get your high tea fix at... Fixx Cafe.

FIXX CAFE

QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

From $39 per person

Stuffy tradition not your cup of tea? Served in QT Gold Coast’s lobby cafe, the quirky QTea is for you. Offered from 10am to 3pm every day, the good-looking spread will trick your tastebuds and impress your Instagram followers. Think kitsch bikini-clad biscuits on a bed of edible sand, thongs with a layer of mango mousse, and tomato macarons with whipped goat’s cheese filling. It’s served with tea and espresso coffee, or you can upgrade to Champagne Perrier-Jouet if it’s a special occasion.

Teavine House in the Tallebudgera Valley.

TEAVINE HOUSE

268 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Tallebudgera

$38 per person

Teavine House delivers on every charming detail of the traditional high tea experience. In a French provincial-style tea house tucked in Tallebudgera Valley, you can practice crooking your pinky finger while you sip from Old English fine china. Savour loose-leaf teas from India, Sri Lanka, Australia and more. Select from ribbon sandwiches (including the obligatory cucumber, chive and cream cheese number), mini quiche, fluffy scones with fresh cream and preserves and other delicate delights. Everything is made in-house.