Autumn High Tea at Tokyo Bird

Overview

As well as warm colours and a slight chill, autumn brings spectacular flavours to the hospitality scene. This is especially true in Japan, where the culinary practice of 'shun' teaches that food and drinks should be enjoyed only when ingredients are at the peak of their seasonal freshness. For artisanal distillers like Roku Gin – a Japanese craft gin in the House of Suntory family – botanicals are only ever harvested at the peak of their quality. In the case of autumn, sansho peppers are at their best — and they're one of six botanicals enlivening this delicious drop.

Deliciously, Roku is teaming up with Surry Hills bar Tokyo Bird to celebrate that commitment to freshness with a limited-time Autumn High Tea. Saturdays May 6, May 13, May 27 and June 3 will each bring two sittings at which to enjoy a themed menu — think sweet and savoury plates alongside seasonally driven Roku gin cocktails.

On arrival, you'll be greeted with a Roku Gin & Tonic, take in the decorations and fall for the season's vibes (get it?). To share at the table is the Momiji, a cocktail mixing Roku with the sweet notes of pomegranate, rose and apple (and delightfully served in a teapot). You'll snack happy with delights like tuna tartare with nashi pear and nori crackers and karaage chicken bao. In terms of sweet treats, you can expect the likes of Japanese chestnut mont blanc with cream and cocoa sponge or apple pie bites with a umami bite of miso caramel. There are also add-ons: tea or more Roku cocktails, like a Japanese Negroni or Matcha Hard Shake.

Roku Autumn High Tea runs from Saturday, May 6 until Saturday, June 3, with sittings at 2pm and 4pm. Bookings are essential. For more details, visit the website.

Images: Declan Blackall