Passiontree Velvet - CLOSED

Overview

The team at Passiontree Velvet offer elegant high teas with all the traditional three-tiered trimmings guaranteed to please your inner aristocrat. Their newly opened Carindale store brings more to the bustling shopping centre than just a mid-shop hunger buster; it's an English tea house, Parisian patisserie and a Belgian chocolatier rolled into one, making it a perfect place for a decadent high tea.

The Duchess Full High Tea ($34.95 per person) comprises an assortment of ribbon sandwiches, including classics such as cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad and ham. Although tempting to fill up on these delicious and hearty sandwiches, pace yourself, as this high tea is somewhat of a luxurious endurance test.

Passiontree Velvet hasn't forgotten the hallmark high tea feature (besides the tea itself), scones. The home-baked scones were light and cake-like, served warm and accompanied with jam and cream. On the top tier lie delicately decorated cakes that look almost too good to eat. Strawberry and white chocolate mouse cake, chocolate and macadamia slice and macarons are just a few of the delicious sugary treats available.

The tea served is from Harney & Sons, and the selection is quite extensive. Our picks include Florence, a chocolate and hazelnut blend that tastes and smells delicious. Paris is another lovely black tea choice and includes vanilla, caramel and currant notes. Tea is brought out in individual plungers, and happy staff are quick to provide refills as well as answer any questions regarding your selection. Although Passiontree Velvet is an open-air cafe within the shopping centre, it feels private and the space is nicely decorated.

If you're a hardcore sweet tooth, just cut to the chase and order the Chocolatiers High Tea ($32.95). It is filled with chocolate truffles, macarons and bonbons. Littlies can also indulge with the ridiculously cute Teddy Bears Picnic ($9.95), complete with sandwiches, sweet treats and either a juice or babycino.

High tea is indeed a delicious marathon, so if you're not up to the challenge, there are plenty of other choices available. For a little slice of luxury, select one of the many macarons and a cup of tea. Tried and tested macaron flavours include coconut, raspberry and salted caramel.