High Tea at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is moving home. Now residing at Alluvial, it also has expanded dessert options.

The inspiration for this High Tea is Mrs D’Ebro, a society lady who hosted elaborate afternoon teas in her Toorak home. Research was undertaken to look into the types of foods, champagne and literature that the society of that era would have indulged in. The experience begins with Perrier-Jouët Champagne, and tea throughout is from TWG. Earl Grey and Silver Moon, a blend of green teas, berry and vanilla, are highlights, but other options include English Breakfast and Moroccan Mint.

The setting is beautiful. It’s the first time I’ve set foot in the Intecontinental, and the view all the way up to the skylight, multiple stories above is simply breath-taking.

Having lemon curd with scones is a first for me, and it’s a wonder that I haven’t seen it before. I personally still prefer a light smear of jam with my scones, but those who’d rather have their buttermilk scones with tang over sweet, there’s now an option for you.

Savouries include an asparagus and ricotta quiche tartlet and a mini beef Wellington. The smoked cod croquettes with its red capsicum coulis is a highlight. The bottom tier contains the sandwiches. There’s a ham, Jarlsberg cheese and tomato relish sandwich, cucumber and tzatziki on rye, and a salmon and cream cheese bagel.

Not all high teas have them, but dessert buffets tend to excite. Here there’s a marvellious selection of sweet treats from cakes and fruity macarons, to chia pots and a lolly and nut bar. Another highlight is the chocolate brownie with peanut butter and walnuts. It’s very rich and fudge-like. Of course, one cannot forget the chocolate fountain, a new addition to the Intercontinental’s offering after the move to Alluvial. The 54.5% Callebaut chocolate creates a coating around its dipped ingredients as it cools.

High Tea at Alluvial kicks off on January 21st and will run from 2:30-5pm every weekend.

Disclaimer: I was invited to the InterContinental Melbourne High Tea as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
495 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
1800 593 932
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