Vintage High Tea Hire and Cafe bringing touch of elegance to events across Townsville

Inspired by her English grandparents a Townsville local is celebrating her new business, bringing a touch of elegance with the timeless tradition of high tea.

Alice Williams owner Vintage High Tea Hire Cafe has just opened her doors on Charters Towers Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Inspired by her English grandparents, a Townsville local is celebrating her new business, bringing a touch of elegance with the timeless tradition of high tea.

Owner of Vintage High Tea Hire and Cafe Alice Williams only began her business four weeks ago and said she is hoping to show the next generation the joys of enjoying a cuppa with vintage teaware and antique silverware.

The business, based on Charters Towers Road, hires out and sets up high teas for all kinds of events including birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers.

Also serving as a cafe for pots of tea, coffee and a sweet treat, Ms Williams said she always had to idea to bring the joys of high tea with others ever since she was a child.

Alice Williams owner of Vintage High Tea Hire Cafe has just opened her doors on Charters Towers Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“I have English grandparents and we all like tea, so I’ve always wanted to do it and I love having tea in fine pots and with the cups and saucers and everything,” she said.

“The elegance of high tea is something I have always wanted to share.

She said though the business is only a few weeks old, she has been collecting teaware for years.

“I wanted to share the experience with younger people and rekindle the nostalgia of yesterday for older people,” she said.

Vintage High Tea Hire Cafe, owned by Alice Williams, has just opened their doors on Charters Towers Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“I’ve scoured many antique sales and deceased estate sales to collect times.”
“I wanted to bring people together, one tea at a time”.

Through the business people can come and hire the teaware, with Ms Williams also able to deliver and set up for high tea.

“I’ve just done a baby shower, we just also did two Bridgerton-themed high teas in Queens Garden,” she said.

Vintage High Tea Hire CafŽ, owned by Alice Williams, has just opened their doors on Charters Towers Road. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“We are doing an Easter high tea soon and even a graveyard-themed high tea.”

The business also features a small cafe at the front selling the perfect treats to go with tea including scones and jelly slice.

“People come in here and they tell me all about things their grandmother had and how lovely it is to enjoy rustic cooking and tea.”

Vintage High Tea Hire and Cafe is located on Unit 4/169 Charters Towers Road in Hyde Park.

The shop is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday from 7am until 4:30pm, and Sundays from 7am to 4pm.

It’s closed on Thursdays as the space is used for crafting classes, including card making.

Originally published as Vintage High Tea Hire and Cafe bringing touch of elegance to events across Townsville