Top high teas to elevate your conference or incentive program

May 27, 2023

Melbourne’s reputation as a foodie haven goes hand in hand with the expectation of a magnificent High Tea experience.

So if you’re keen to shake up the food and beverage element of your conference or meeting with something a little different and special — why not elevate your program with a unique High Tea by some of Melbourne’s finest venues?

It’s also a delish addition to an employee reward trip when pulling out all the stops for a memorable Melbourne incentive itinerary.

If you’re planning to hold a conference, meeting or incentive reward program in Melbourne and would like advice and introductions to suitable venues, please get in touch with the Melbourne Convention Bureau team for free support.

Meanwhile, here are seven venues to consider weaving into your plans…

Pan Pacific

Pan Pacific Melbourne’s bespoke High Tea experience launched in May 2023 and has been created by the hotel’s award-winning Director of Food & Beverage & Culinary Operations, Deepak Mishra. The menu merges a melodious blend of native Australian cuisine coupled with lively aromas from Singaporean and Southeast Asian ingredients.

Conference and meeting delegates will be impressed with a three-tier tower of sweet, savory and warm delights, including orange blossom, white chocolate and lavender scones, mini lobster rolls, serrano ham croquettes, and coconut passionfruit parfait.

Group tables can be reserved in Pan Pacific’s Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen as part of your day conference or itinerary program, or in alternative locations in the hotel depending on number of delegates.

Alternatively, a group reservation can be made for Pan Pacific’s public High Tea service at Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen, held every Friday to Sunday between 12:00pm - 4:00pm.

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins

The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is renowned for its Mary Poppins High Tea experience. Conjures up all sorts of delicious fun does it not?

Expect a classic three-tiered stand featuring delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of homemade desserts, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine, unlimited tea and espresso and endless views out to Port Phillip Bay.

Group bookings can be made for the Mary Poppins High Tea served each Saturday afternoon. Alternatively, switch up your incentive or conference catering for afternoon tea with a custom High Tea spread.

The Windsor

The Windsor is the first hotel to bring High Tea to Melbourne, serving traditional High Teas since 1883. Tradition is paramount at The Windsor, where delegates can expect classic delicate sandwiches and scones, fine bone china and pristine silverware. That said and done, their masterful pastry chef is also renowned for producing gluten-free high tea savoury and sweet treats to cater for dietary requirements.

High Tea is served from Wednesday to Sunday between 12.00pm - 4.30pm in the elegant One Eleven dining room, with a minimum of 11 guests required for a group booking.

For large afternoon teas at any time, The Grand Ballroom (seats 200) or Bourke Room (seats 230) are also wonderful options.

Conference and incentive delegates can also have their signature High Tea served in the beautiful and historic Winston (seats up to 50) and Canberra Rooms (seats 80).

The Hotel Windsor High Tea is a classic Melbourne experience and the perfect way to elevate your event program and catering.

The Langham

The Langham’s London hotel has been serving High Tea since 1865 and The Langham Melbourne has continued the tradition.

Their signature High Tea revolves around British classics with modern twists, designed by the hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef, Markus Bohm and his brigade of expertly trained pastry chefs.

Tea sommeliers can be on-hand to assist delegates with selecting their preferred blend of tea to go with an exquisite selection of sweet and savoury treats and freshly-baked scones with fresh cream and fruit preserves.

Choose from a number of private function spaces for your afternoon High Tea to be served during your conference or incentive program (minimum 20 delegates). The Alto Room on the rooftop would be stunning for up to 100 delegates, complete with brand new white carpet, Tiffany white chairs and white tablecloths, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Melbourne.

For incentive groups, consider an ultimate day of indulgence with The Langham’s spa and high tea package, including massage or facial plus decadent high tea.

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery

Whether it’s part of your conference catering for afternoon tea. Or woven into a fabulous incentive experience that incorporates a VIP shopping day at the adjacent Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, this is one High Tea you need to factor into your program.

The luxury Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery offers an elevated High Tea experience at their rooftop venue, Altus. Indulge in sweet and savoury delights presented on a custom gold 3-tier stand, while enjoying unparalleled views of Melbourne’s skyline. 

High Tea is available every Saturday & Sunday between 11.30am – 3.00pm or as a custom experience for your conference or incentive group.

Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer

The Movenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer proves that not all high teas have to be about tiered trays with savoury and sweet mini treats and bottomless tea or bubbly.

Their high tea is for chocaholics and offers a deliciously sweet treat to round out a day of exploring Melbourne.

Served complimentary for guests in the Movenpick’s lobby lounge every day from 3.30pm – 4.30pm, delegates can expect chocolate tuilles, chocolate macarons, walnut brownies, chilli chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallows. A popular add-on option is the hotel’s star dessert parfait – a hunk of Swiss chocolate ice-cream crowned with sweets that change daily. All washed down with chocolate-infused cocktails (or mocktails).

For non-hotel guests and group bookings, Movenpick can cater a custom chocolate High Tea experience for groups up to 40 delegates, either in the restaurant or lobby.

Ask the Melbourne Convention Bureau for free assistance

Not sure which venue will best suit your conference or incentive group? Reach out to experts at the Melbourne Convention Bureau to point you in the right direction, as well assisting with everything from tour options, accommodation, team building activities and so much more.