And so we return.
Surprisingly, not much has changed in the 18 months since I first experienced a Lenotre Afternoon Tea at the Sofitel Wentworth hotel.
This time I'm here for a baby shower - a gaggle of women and an afternoon of sweet things are a perfect match in oestrogen heaven.
The desserts are much the same, although two desserts--the Ambiance and the Camaieu--have been replaced with different but similar-style cakes; the webpage menu however, remains unchanged.
It is only later that I realise that the Mariage Freres teas have been replaced with ones by Ronnefeldt - a little disappointing. However I am impressed with the waitstaff service - our group excruciatingly expands in number as more and more unexpected guests arrive. The waitstaff bite their tongues and in spite of the hassle, are more than accommodating with their enforced and repeated table rearrangements.
The dessert stands are a different colour but otherwise it's more of the same decadence I remember so fondly. The scones are probably the most disappointing (a little too crusty on the outside for my liking) and the sandwiches aren't quite as wondrous as I remember, but the macaronades are delightful, the opera is exquisite and the cone au chocolat is a chocoholic's dream come true.
Finger sandwiches
Tarte au citron and Opera slice
Scones with jam and cream
Sweets for two
(we received one platter arrangement when they'd obviously run out of tiered towers)
Chocolate mousse slice
Cheesecake slice
Cone au chocolat
Lenotre Afternoon Tea
Sofitel Wentworth Sydney
61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney
Tel: +61 (02) 9230 0700
Afternoon tea available daily 2.00pm - 5.00pm (bookings essential)
Tiered stand of finger sandwiches, scones and desserts
$42 per person
includes Ronnefeldt tea and Vittoria Espresso Coffee
Related GrabYourFork posts
High tea at the Swissotel Crossroads Bar (Jan09) , (Nov06), (Jun06) and (Oct05)
High tea at the Observatory Hotel, Globe Bar
High tea at the Sofitel Wentworth (Sep08) and (Dec06)
High tea at the Victoria Room, Darlinghurst
Good Food Month 2006 Sugar Hit at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney
The correct term for the consumption of pastries and sweets is afternoon tea, however I have filed these under the more commonly (if incorrectly) used expression of 'high tea'.
I went here recently for the first time and while everything was lovely,the service was lacking for a busy weekend,not enough staff,tea was not topped up like other places offer,quite disapointing for a 5 star hotel.
ReplyDeletewent there for the first time and my impression wasn't that great. for a two person tier we had to cut the cakes in half whereas with the one person tier, they had one whole piece for each variety. that's a bit unfair isn't it? also we managed to find a little wriggly worm in one of the fruits...fun. no offence, but i find this place totally overrated
ReplyDeleteI'd agreed with Anony...group of us went a while back (while the refurbs were happening) and found the selection overall to be too claggy & rich. They also seemed baffled by our questions about the various teas - which seemed a bit strange for a high tea. Far too much choclate too - not everyone is a massive fan of chocolate morsels. I think the Observatory high tea is much better, but lets be honest, this is a massive money spinner, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWhen I went there, I must admit my biggest disappointment were the macaronades... they were horribly dry and didn't have much flavour. It was a pity as they were the prettiest item on the stand!
ReplyDeleteWhen I went last year, nothing really seemed fresh... the scones and sandwiches were dry, and the cakes had beads of condensation like they'd been refrigerated for days. It was still a nice atmosphere but I don't think I would return, there are many other Sydney high teas to explore!
ReplyDeleteHi MissK - I find that tea refills are often the downfall of many an afternoon tea. We didn't have as much trouble this time though, but that is why sometimes the self-service high tea at Swissotel can be so appealing.
ReplyDeleteHi Anon - I think the two-person tier does involve sharing but I don't mind - it gives me a chance to try more types of dessert. Unsure about the worms but at least you know the fruit isn't frozen! :)
Hi Jax - I think high teas are flavour of the month but that doesn't seem to stop the baying sweet tooths! The Lenotre high tea is very rich and heavy on the chocolate, but to their credit, at least their menu is listed on their website so it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise for visitors.
Hi Annie - The macaronades are one of my favourites but perhaps that is because they do look so pretty!
Hi Lisa - I had heard that the Lenotre pastries are made that morning. We didn't have any problems with freshness or lack thereof. But I agree, there are plenty more high teas in Sydney to explore!