Note: I was invited to dine at The Marion, however all opinions are my own.
I’ve dined at Walter Café at the new establishment at Regatta Point, but had not been to or seen The Marion (next door) until this invitation arose. There’s a reception desk outside the main dining room, where a gentleman in a white shirt and vest greets me. He shows me into the dining room and it is just so elegant. Chandeliers, plush soft carpet, a lovely bar area, white tablecloths, complemented with floor to ceiling windows looking out with views of Lake Burley Griffin.
My friend is bringing along her one year old, so our table is the one with the high chair (also it’s great that this venue has high chairs!). We’re provided with the tea menu and I can’t help ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over all the fancy teas with mini descriptions of all the notes. I decide on the Pai Mu Tan and Melon white tea. When my tea arrives, it really has the delicate aromas of melon and actually tastes like it too.
A plate of savoury items arrives at the table consisting of a hot spinach and cheese roll, prosciutto, soft cheese, crackers and a hot mushroom consommé served from a teapot.
I enjoy the hot consommé which is something a little different from other high teas around Canberra.
After the savoury plate is cleared away, our high tea stand arrives consisting of three tiers. The top tier has hazelnut and vanilla choux, and raspberry and lemon cakes. That raspberry glaze is so shiny and luscious.
The middle tier of chicken avocado, egg sandwich, tomato relish and cheese are to be shared between two. These are all soft, fresh and delicious, though a little awkward having to cut all the sandwiches in half.
The bottom tier’s pecan pie and apple crumble cake are tasty little morsels. I could easily eat more of them.
Of course there are scones with jam and cream too! Served on a separate plate, the scones are big and filling. They look like they’ll be hard, but are actually soft in the middle. The bowl of cream is tiny, and I gave some feedback for extra cream (we did ask for more cream which is happily supplied).
High tea at The Marion is definitely high up there as one of the better ones in Canberra in terms of both ambiance, the beautiful setting and views, tea selection and food. Prices for a traditional high tea are $70 where you can add on champagne, sparkling and cocktails for an additional cost.
High tea is served seven days a week from 10am. There’s also a children’s high tea ($45) for 5-12 year olds so your little one doesn’t miss out. Bookings recommended.
Here’s a reel of the experience below.
If you want more random photos, stories and updates about my food adventures, follow me on Facebook and Instagram:
Facebook: /foodpornjournal
Instagram: /foodpornjournal