A few minutes out of the the historic seaside town of Port Fairy, you’ll find Time & Tide High Tea in an unassuming contemporary style pavilion perched right on over the water with views of the Southern Ocean. You could be forgiven for mistaking the property for a high end spa, but I guarantee the sensory delights that await you are just as good as any facial or massage.
On a recent weekend escape to Port fairy we were invited to sample High Tea by the Sea and it was one of the highlights of our stay.
You can find my Port Fairy Travel Guide here.
Time & Tide tea rooms offer a spectacular champagne High Tea experience with a towering assortment of cakes and savouries all with a magnificent view.
The traditional tea room concept has been given a modern twist with the cheerful decor that still manages to feel very elegant. Touches of whimsy like 3D butterfly wallpaper and deconstructed lampshades, ensure there is no hint of stuffiness. I’d describe the style as ‘Alice in Wonderland grows up’.
We were seated next to one of the many picture window which perfectly framed the ocean view, I loved watching the waves crash over the shore as I sipped my tea, it was very meditative.
After being seated we were presented with a glass of pink bubbles (Emma was offered a sparkling apple juice) and the tea menu. I love anywhere that has a large offering of teas, and I selected a delicate Darjeeling, while the Mr chose a robustly flavoured Russian Caravan. Espresso coffee is also on offer if tea isn’t your thing.
And then the tower of treats arrived, four tiers overflowing with a spectacular selection of hot and cold savouries, cakes, scones, tarts, brownies, mousses and the most amazingly pretty cream filled meringues I’ve ever laid eyes on!
Everything is homemade on premises, and I can assure you it all tasted as good as it looks. The serving sizes were very generous and we actually had a few leftovers which the host was happy to wrap up for us to enjoy on the drive home back to Melbourne.
Although I do enjoy sweets, my afternoon tea preferences always skew savoury, which was extremely well catered for. I especially enjoyed the delicate finger sandwiches and home made sausage rolls.
On the other hand, my dining companions only had eyes for the sweets, and poor Emma had an almost unbearable wait while I took all the photos required – Lol!
Did I mention the meringues? So good! Emma still talks about them and we all can’t wait to go back.
If you are planning a trip along the Great Ocean Road, make sure you treat yourself to this special High Tea by the Sea experience at Time & Tide in Port Fairy.
Only open on Saturday and Sunday from 12-4pm, Bookings essential for a guaranteed table. Price $59 per person.
TIME & TIDE HIGH TEA
21 Thistle Place. Port Fairy
(03) 5568 2134
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My Poppet visited Port Fairy as guest of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and we were hosted by Time & Tide. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.
