I’ve been passing Harlequin’s Cakes in Balgowlah for years now, and finally decided to make the Devonshire Tea call. Easily located on the road to Manly, the place is part bakery/part cafe, and specialises in cakes for all occasions. It’s a compact set up, with only three tables in a tastefully designed cafe area. There’s a coffee machine, a cake cabinet filled with favourites, and pies for those who prefer savoury to sweet. There’s even a sign especially for Devonshire Teas, and scones sit where everyone can see them; right on the counter. I’m early so the scone tray is bare as they are still cooling off out the back – fresh from the oven. I have a choice of plain, sultana and date, and try a plain and a sultana. They taste like a bakery scone rather than a creamy and fluffy nanna-style baked scone. Don’t get me wrong; they are still good, fresh but a bit more bread-like.  The cream is chilled, firm, and slightly sweet, your typical cake filling cream (if that makes sense?). Unfortunately the strawberry jam is a bit below average, which is a shame, as it is the weakest link.

Scones: 

Jam:

Cream: 

Tea: Four choices of teabag tea served in a small pot.

Price: $$

Overall: Surprisingly good for a bakery and a comfy cafe to boot.

Location: 363 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093 Ph: 02 9948 7741
Reviewed in April, 2017