This winter, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is plating up an artful twist on its signature high tea in celebration of the 2025 Archibald Prize. Running every weekend from Saturday, May 10 to Sunday, August 17, the Archibald High Tea brings elegant savoury and sweet bites to the table with a hearty dose of creative flair — all from the dramatic surrounds of the hotel's recently refurbished Velvet Lounge. This imaginative high tea pays homage to the Royal Botanic Garden, and channels artistry, seasonality and natural beauty. For starters, it eschews the traditional tiered display — instead, bites will be spread across the table. Savoury items are served tableside, with charcuterie, cheeses, smoked salmon and quiche carved to straight on to your plate. The selection also includes a flourless chocolate cake that draws its inspiration from the peaceful stillness of a garden, a pistachio and chocolate opera cake that takes it cue from landscaped moss and stone, and a blueberry choux that evokes falling jacaranda petals. Priced at $69 per person, or $89 with a glass of Pommery Champagne, the high tea also features a refined selection of teas worthy of its setting. Available on Saturdays and Sundays between 1–3pm, this is your chance to swap the gallery for plush velvet banquettes — and experience Australia's most prestigious portrait prize through a luxurious new lens.
