The Langham, Gold Coast continues to spread the luxe.
The Langham, Gold Coast continues to spread the luxe.
There’s only one thing we love more than tea and that’s afternoon tea, because we can pair our calming cuppa with a delicious treat. But let’s level up another notch and talk about a REAL afternoon tea, served the way it was originally intended at the concept’s ‘birthplace’, The Langham, London. Yes friends, it’s time to practice your proper tea drinking etiquette and embrace this quintessential British experience with a GC twist at the brand new, splendidly luxe hotel, The Langham, Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise.
Served daily in the stunning Palm Court, you’re invited to indulge in delectable savouries and pastries created by the hotel’s world-class pastry chefs. While you devour the signature delicate finger sandwiches and an array of sweet and savoury delights, you’ll feel all the feels at this fancy five-star newcomer. In addition to the Champagne (because no afternoon tea ritual is complete without bubbles), soak up the refined beauty and grand coastal style of your surroundings with sparkling lagoon pool and ocean views.
Let’s set the scene and unpack why The Langham’s flagship hotel, The Langham, London, is touted as THE home of the traditional Afternoon Tea. Famous for hosting royal-tea, artists and celebri-teas alike, this swish establishment was the very first of the Grand Hotels to offer an afternoon tea to the public in 1865. A distinctive experience with The Langham tea blends and expert tea sommeliers, it pioneered a new level of culinary fancy, and is yet another reason why The Langham brand is so iconic.
Bringing it back to our beautiful city though, we have Executive Pastry Chef extraordinaire Ryan Stevenson in the driver’s seat and sir, we salute you! Twice awarded Belgium Chocolate Master, maker of the 2009 Best Praline in the World and he’s the only Aussie to have been the Director of a Chocolate Academy. He’s also an ex-pastry chef for Belgian chocolate brand Callebaut and enjoyed a stint as Head Pastry Chef at a 3-Michelin star restaurant in Belgium. But we’re not done, because this legend is the team captain for the Australian Pastry Team as they prep for the World Pastry Cup in 2023 and seriously, if you look up overachiever in the dictionary, it says Ryan’s name.
Highlights of afternoon tea at The Langham include Fraser Coast Spanner Crab Salad with Bowen mango, shrimp caviar and gougeres, and the Free Range Duck Egg Brioche Roll with whole grain mustard, cress and Australian black truffle. Sweet tooths will revel in the deliciousness of Vanilla Moelleux topped with mandarin compote and of course, an obligatory serving of Scones, served with white “velvet” cream, lemon curd and strawberry rhubarb preserves. Wash it all down with your choice of fine coffees and Teas by Jing and is this not the perfect way to spend an afternoon?!
Our final tip? Don’t sashay into The Langham requesting a “high tea” because darling, just no. Afternoon tea is entirely different as it encompasses ‘lighter’ ingredients and is served earlier than a high tea. Which is traditionally served from 6pm (unlike how we serve it here on the GC), and we think this intel will surely come in handy at Trivia one day.
So for a bespoke experience paying homage to the grand nature of the OG afternoon tea…. but with an injection of modern coastal charm…. join the glitterati, jump in your (most likely imaginary) Aston Martin, and head to The Langham, Gold Coast.
For bookings, click here. From $79 per adult Monday to Friday, and from $89 per adult Saturday and Sunday.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
When: 2pm – 5pm Monday – Sunday (last seating at 4pm)
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST
Get ready to don those designer shades, your fanciest parfum (eau de toilette just won’t cut it) and Sunday best outfit because folks; because a swanky and uber-sophisticated 5-star hotel is opening on Thursday 23rd June. Overlooking the breathtaking beaches of the GC, the hotly anticipated unveiling of The Langham will redefine luxury as we know it. Bringing a wave of unprecedented posh to our ‘hood, we’re more pumped than a Kardashian at a Met Gala.
Brought to us by visionary luxe-perts, The Langham Hospitality Group, their newest Australian offering boasts sophisticated grandeur for days. The 339-room lavish hotel is the tallest of the three eye-catching Jewel Residences towers (also managed by Langham and sharing the launch day limelight on 23rd June), standing loud and proud between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. And stop the press, because there’s a fun fact incoming… It’s the first development with direct beachfront access to be built on the GC in more than three decades. We reckon that deserves a nod and if we weren’t sold on a staycation here before (we were), we sure as heck are now!
With 17 different types of rooms and suites, ALL with striking designs, breathtaking ocean and celebrated Hinterland views, The Langham is quite the showstopper. Set to knock the socks off locals, interstate travellers and international tourists alike, it promises an unmatched level of timeless elegance with all the VIP trimmings.
Guests will be wooed with a fitting modern coastal palette, beautiful ginger flower fragrance, and artwork by globally celebrated Australian sculptor and artist, Camie Lyons. But, that’s not even the highest high-brow offering because drumroll please, every single person who stays at this Rolls Royce of resorts will be privy to the signature Langham Service Stylist. Tasked with making every guest feel like a highflyer, their job description includes anticipating needs, gift prepping, managing all stay-related bookings and reservations, and providing recommendations on just about anything. Umm, can we borrow one for everyday life please and thank you?!
The luxury experience doesn’t stop there, with fancy-pants facilities including a pool bar (our love language) and a range of exquisite food and beverage venues. These include Palm Court, home to the world’s first-afternoon tea in a Grand Hotel and celebrated with the famous Langham Afternoon Tea, 26 & Sunny (best.name.ever) and the all-day dining goodness of Akoya.
The foodie-friendliness is set to continue with the addition of T’ang Court – sister venue to the internationally renowned Michelin-starred restaurants – pencilled for Spring. Also on the must-visit hitlist later in the year is The Langham’s open-air bar Coral Moon, and for a bit of R&R, Chuan Spa. Harnessing a holistic wellness concept born from the ancient healing philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we’re always here for anything pro-pamper.
We suggest booking stat before the opening offer is no longer on the table which includes a guaranteed ocean view, complimentary buffet breakfast for two and welcome cocktails upon arrival. So go on, treat yo’self and book in for a visit to The Langham for a spellbinding, deluxe stay or eats experience guaranteed to fill your (fancy) cup. (And set your social feeds ablaze!)
Reservations can be made at www.langhamhotels.com/goldcoast.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Bookings are available now. Opening Thursday 23rd June 2022.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Know what time it is? No, not hammer time but Langham time! Thursday 23rd June, the GC’s long-awaited luxury hotel The Langham, Gold Coast (along with Jewel Residences also managed by the luxe-perts at Langham), will unleash a level of lavish we’ve only seen in the feeds of our fave cashed-up influencers! Only no filters required ladies and gents – this priceless gem between the jewels (quite literally) is pure posh perfection, with dining options of the same calibre thanks to a star-studded culinary team.
The Langham is dishing up hotel dining industry veteran Craig Robertson as Executive Chef, served with a side of Executive Sous Chef David Vandenabeele, and for dessert/all things pastry (our weakness), Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Stevenson.
For ‘starters’ (pun totally intended), Craig Robertson boasts over 35 years’ industry experience and 20 years’ as an Executive Chef leading large-scale teams in luxury hotel environments. Translation, the man can cook anyone under the table…or the Gaggenau oven. Robertson’s most recent gig was Executive Chef at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort where he led the Culinary Operations across multiple outlets with diverse, international cuisines.
Like we mentioned, joining this icon is Executive Sous Chef David Vandenabeele. Originally from Belgium, David has over 25 years of experience in Michelin Star fine dining and luxury hotels across the world, including Belgium, Australia, London and New York. Most recently leading the F&B pre-opening operations for the launch of the first Curio hotel brand in Australia, this star is definitely Langham-worthy.
And the icing on the cake is Executive Pastry Chef Ryan Stevenson, two-time recipient of the Belgium Chocolate Master, plus maker of the 2009 Best Praline in the World. Ryan was previously Pastry Chef for Belgian chocolate brand, Callebaut, Head Pastry Chef at a 3-Michelin star restaurant in Belgium, and is currently team captain for the Australian Pastry Team prepping for the 2023 World Pastry Cup. What a résumé!
Together the exceptional team have created unique culinary offerings across the variety of new Langham Gold Coast dining venues. These range from a humble club sandwich and decadent buffets through to Japanese robatayaki, Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine, and award-winning cocktails. No prizes for guessing which of the above we’ll be sampling first….cheers!
So, if anyone can deliver a world-class dining experience to elevate your senses, it’s this trio. Forming an integral part of the overall luxury experience for guests, the extensive range of dining options will provide a cohesive feeling of luxe. Plus, there is a strong focus on sustainable produce, and a collaboration with local suppliers to create a bespoke Langham experience unparalleled on the Gold Coast.
So do yourself a favour, and book yourselves in for a deluxe stay-cay and sample all of our region’s finest eats venues, all in the one spectacularly flash hotel location. And when we say flash, we actually mean it because your phone’s camera will be in overdrive capturing all the highbrow glamour and style of The Langham, Gold Coast experience.
For reservations or to find out more about the experts leading The Langham, Gold Coast’s dining experiences, click here.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise.
When: Bookings are available now. Official opening – Thursday 23rd June 2022.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE LANGHAM, GOLD COAST
Undoubtedly, one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.
And just when you thought high tea couldn’t get any fancier, a lot of places are now serving up seasonal theming with their tiers- think themed décor, seasonally adapted ingredients, and a twist on the classics. It’s high tea with a seasonal spin, and we’re absolutely here for it.
In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts on the Coast, listed north to south. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever, as is the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as slow-cooked 12-hour Beef Cheek with a Chimmi Churri Doughnut and Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut, Disaronno Amaretto Layer Cake.
Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea, starting with a welcome of Tea Forté-infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade your tea time to include their signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail, NV Jansz Premium Cuvee or NV Miguel Torres ‘Santa Digna – Estelado’ Pais Sparkling Rose, with more options to choose from! Prices start at $69 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet, and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck into three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista-made coffee and tea, and a sparkling wine or mocktail on arrival. $65 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. From now until May 31, they invite us all to celebrate the ethereal hues of a Gold Coast sunrise with their Golden Aurora High Tea. The limited-time high tea, served daily from 12–4pm, is a tribute to our fave time of day- golden hour! The warm glow of sunrise will come to life in every dish, from the Smoked Salmon with Citrus Cream, Cucumber and Onion Pickle on Rye, the Lemon Meringue Choux Craquelin and Passionfruit & Gold Leaf Sponge.
It all gets better with a Gilded Spritz– a radiant cocktail featuring gin, Angostura bitters, lemon, honey, and organic prosecco, elegantly garnished with a golden rim and raspberries dipped in edible gold dust. $79 per adult or $39 per child (aged 5-12 years), which includes a glass one Gilded Spritz cocktail (over 18 only) and unlimited Tavalon tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury, might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully, they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll feel very high socie-tea indeed, sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings.
There are two high tea options (fancy and fancier) – depending on how boujee you’re feeling. You have the Couture High Tea with all the embellishments for $69 per person. You begin with Buttermilk Scones with English Breakfast spiked Sultanas, White chocolate and treacle, served alongside Double Thick vanilla-bean cream and House-made Preserve– just to give you an indication as to where tea is going (somewhere marvellous, that’s where). Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) starting from $25 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of JW lavender, honey, white chocolate chip scones with fig and peach jam and fresh cream and Lobster crumpet with citrus aioli… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).
Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast), there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
This is no ordinary high tea! … well, okay, technically speaking, they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also includes a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.
Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the taste buds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Caramello chiffon and Mini Pavlova. Prices start at $69 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz and Pink Gin Spritz to really enhance your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over Roast Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin, Slaw and Kewpie mayo, Gelato Bon Bon, and, of course, Freshly Baked Scones with Dollop Cream, Blackberry Jam and Berries (plus more). The Signature High Tea comes in at $49pp with an optional upgrade to bottomless Mimosas or Sparkling Wine for an extra $25pp- very Carrie approved!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Glazed ham with wattle mustard, smoked cheddar and pickle, the Coronation chicken and the Caramel pecan millionaires shortbread. Divine! Prices start at $70 per adult with bubbly upgrades available.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. Not only high tea, though! They also have High Cheese! What’s High Cheese, you ask? It’s basically a tour through cheese land with 8 decadent dishes and a wine in hand. Say less! Stop one- champagne poached pear with gorgonzola. Stop two- house specialty carrot cake with cream cheese, and so on. That dairy dream boat is $85pp.
They also have a French Inspired high Tea- think Spinach Choux with Creamed Eggs and French Apple Tart Tatin for $68pp. Also, a Vegan High Tea for $78pp, a Gluten Free High Tea for $78pp and a Junior High Tea (babycinos included!) for $39 per child. No one misses out!
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall
Okay, so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Opera cake made with coffee, almond and 54% dark chocolate Callebaut and tarts of crispy prosciutto, mushroom, truffle mousse, and fried quail egg.
In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London, where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practising your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $95 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba
It was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast’s fav boujee bakery and brunch spot threw their hat into the High Tea ring. Thank god they did, because now we have a gorgeous tea garden to drink tea and coffee and nibble on cakes, scones, and sweet treats amongst greenery. Could we ask for more? No, but they delivered more. Starting with Tiramisu Coffee, Traditional French Hot Chocolate (AKA a teapot of liquid chocolate), fresh-baked scones, mini pastries, ceremonial-grade matcha, batch-brew coffee and cloud drinks. My goodness! Walk-ins welcome or book ahead.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Words by Kellie Leader and Chelsea Ipsen
