Sunshine State High Tea

Overview

If you've had one high tea, then you know what you're in for — right? That's not the case at W Brisbane's new Sunshine State High Tea. It comes with a distinctively local flavour, which the venue's Living Room Bar has done before; however, this one is all about Queensland.

As great as scones and sandwiches are (and then more scones and more sandwiches), this thrice-weekly feast uses native ingredients to dish up bites inspired by the state it's being served in. That means strawberry gum, macadamia, rosella, wattleseed and more, all heroed in a spread that tells a Sunshine State story.

Sweet options include the beach-themed salted caramel mousse with chocolate and macadamia sand jewel; the exotic sunset marshmallow tart, which nods to Brisbane's golden sunsets; and a native spice-infused earl grey mousse, a dessert that takes its cues from Queensland thunderstorms.

On the savoury list: lobster brioche buns featuring seafood from Townsville, Yeppoon spanner crab on rye and Toowoomba free-range egg sandwiches.

There's also a speciality cocktail called The Ray to My Heart that's made with Milton silver rum, Malibu, clarified coconut and pineapple — and meant to evoke tropical North Queensland's climate.

Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am–3pm, the high tea costs $70, or $90 with a cocktail and $99 with champagne upon arrival.