This quintessential tea house is the ideal location for a High Tea extravaganza. It has all the bells and whistles: a massive tea selection to keep whistles wet for lots of nattering, an elegant dining area with chairs that have the shape of a teapot cut out of the back rest, and it’s a specific function venue for the huge groups. The day I visit, O’Hanlon Place looks windswept and bleak, but perhaps in finer Canberra weather it’s a pretty place for a special event. The venue is certainly large enough for it, but can be kept small and cosy for quieter days. The oven-fresh scones are the best bit of this spread, but that’s if you don’t include the phenomenal choice of teas. The scones do have a sweet aftertaste like they are made from a pre-prepared scone mix, or perhaps there’s too much vanilla in them to my taste? The sweetness is overkill as the cheap quality jam and the synthetic cream from an aerosol can are super sweet. The spread is well-presented, the goods delivered on a serving board with a dollop of berry compote, a strawberry sliver and a sprig of mint. A great presentation and decent scones still can’t rescue what essentially is an expensive and slightly disappointing Devonshire Tea. For $15 or so dollars, I do expect top-notch jam and cream.

Scones:

Jam:

Cream: 

Tea: The tea selection is out of this world with almost 100 varieties of loose-leaf teas served in a clear teapot kept warm by a tea light.

Price: $$$

Overall: An elegant tea house for those who take tea seriously.

Location: Gold Creek Village, Shop 6/18 O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls ACT 2913 Ph: 02 5105 9741
indulgetea.com.au

Reviewed May 2018