Impala + Peacock – A High Tea Experience in Brunswick

Fellow tea lovers rejoice! No longer do we have to suffer being treated as second class citizens in Melbourne’s coffee obsessed cafe culture thanks to Impala + Peacock in Sydney rd Brunswick.  featured impala and peacock

It’s been a while since I’ve spent any time in Brunswick, my old stomping ground in Melbourne’s inner north, so I was delighted to head across town to enjoy Impala + Peacock’s signature High Tea Experience. If there’s anything I love more than a good cup of tea, it’s a good cup of tea and cake! I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

Impala and Peacock high tea

I normally associate ‘High Tea’ with fancy hotels or stuffy chintz filled tea houses, but Impala + Peacock has created a refreshingly laid back atmosphere with it’s simple decor that tips it’s hat to High Tea’s historical origins with just a few vintage decor touches.

The most noticeable fixture as you walk in is a giant vintage chandelier enveloped by a metal orb which gives it an industrial edge, vintage crockery feels less formal contrasted with recycled paper napkins and the cake stands seems to be made of glitter. It’s nanna chic but not as you know it.

impala and peacock

If you’ve only ever tried the sort of tea that comes in a bag, you are in for a real treat. All the teas are blended in house and just like fine wine is paired with a meal, here a tea sommelier has matched five teas to compliment the food on the High Tea menu. The serving staff were very knowledgeable and brewed the teas perfectly.

Impala and Peacock high tea

I love that the tea is served in a glass pot so you can see the colour. As a tea drinker, seeing the colour of the tea along with the flavour and aroma adds to the enjoyment. The tea pots sit on warmers, because no body likes a tepid cuppa.

Impala and Peacock high tea

To be enjoyed with savoury offerings Left: Brunswick Breakfast and Right: Golden Bud

Impala and Peacock high tea

Impala and Peacock high tea

‘But what about the food?’ I hear you ask. Well it was delicious, and changes seasonally, so it may be slightly different when you visit.

Generally I find the savouries at most High Tea offerings to be an afterthought, but here they were really the highlight. Every morsel was colourful, so pretty and packed with flavour (and I’ve only just realised, vegetarian). There was just the right amount to leave you satisfied and ready to move onto the next course.

Impala and Peacock high tea

Savoury offerings: Beetroot open sandwiches with roasted pumpkin, kale and fetta, Cup Mushrooms with caramelised onion and eggplant (so good!), Traditional cucumber sandwiches, Polenta cake with avocado salsa, Mediterranean rolls with olive dip, sundried tomato and sprouts.

I’m going to have a go at making the mushroom cups at home, they were just so tasty. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t ask for the recipe.

Next came the herbal and fruit Tisanes that were designed to pair with the sweet treats, a selection of house made cakes and pastries which included, Chocolate ganache cake, Raspberry baked cheesecake, Coconut and passionfruit mousse cake, and the lightest scones you’ll ever taste.

Impala and Peacock high tea

Impala and Peacock high tea

The cakes tasted just as delicious as they looked, and although I tasted them all, my companions had to help me polish them of because I was just full up.

The High Tea experience ended with a very special blossoming tea which was a marigold flower wrapped in white tea leaves resting in a bed of jasmine. When dry, the tea looks like a compact ball that comes to life as it brews. We were all mesmerised watching the tea literally blossom before our eyes over 4-5 minutes. It reminded me of a sea anemone moving in the sea currents. Watch a video of the tea as it blossoms.

Impala and Peacock high tea blossom tea

Impala and Peacock high tea

A range house blended organic of tea take home packs can be purchased and tea blending classes are also available it you want to take your tea appreciation skills to the next level.

Impala and Peacock high teaIf you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a special (and affordable) High Tea experience with a group of friends, or just fancy a perfectly brewed pot of tea, I’d definitely recommend Impala + Peacock. It’s worth crossing town for and I’ll certainly be back.

Impala + Peacock
558 Sydney Road
Brunswick VIC 3056
impalaandpeacock.com.au
03 8394 5661

Sunday + Monday 10am-6pm
Tuesday – Friday 1pm – 6pm
Saturday – Private events only

High Teas run 11am and 2:30pm on Sunday and 2:30pm Mon-Fri
Price $38 per head

Impala and Peacock high tea

IP tea chandalier 2

My Poppet was invited to High Tea as a guest of Impala + Peacock with no obligation to review. All opinions are my own.

Impala & Peacock Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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