Cape Arid Rooms : Summer to Autumn Menu

1 Cathedral Ave, Perth WA 6000

Last week we headed to a location which has held the number one spot in our hearts since we started our high tea adventures together back in 2020. The Cape Arid rooms within the stunning Como treasury buildings. A magnificent building which underwent a massive restoration program in November of 2012 and was completed in November 2015, costing a whopping $110 million.

Today was to be even more special as we were taking our competition winner! to High tea, to say we were feeling proud to be able to treat someone to such a beautiful afternoon is an understatement. Unfortunately our winner had to pull out at the very last minute (the morning of) due to sickness in her home. We couldn’t have been more disappointed for her, but understand that children and sickness can happen in the blink of an eye. After taking a few breaths and wondering what to do? (it was too late to redraw) We decided we would just have to take a chance and simply contact the others in the initial name drawing and whoever answered first, was our “runner up" winner. Thankfully we found our new winner very quickly, a gorgeous lady called Max (short for Maximillia) we had such a lovely afternoon getting to know each other and enjoying our high tea together.

Now to the details.

At this time of year Cape Arid is celebrating the Summer-Autumn months and with this comes a change of menu.

We chose the classic afternoon tea at $85 each but as is our usual we ordered a couple of their cocktails so we could report all the delicious details to you .

Cocktails:

Anna chose the Nimbus at $22 which was the most beautiful rose pink colour with a fluffy cloud of white topping, served in a very delicate vintage looking cocktail glass.

I chose the Banksia Bloom also at $22 This cocktail was served in a tall tumbler and while delicious was more of a refreshing afternoon drink than a cocktail.

Max chose the Purple rain iced tea with a shot of gin on the side. We loved this idea ;) $14 for the iced tea + the shot of gin at $14

The afternoon tea:

The new menu is remarkably different to a classic high tea, but this is the Como treasury and excellence with a twist is not a new experience to encounter from them. Firstly at a glance we noticed that there was no egg or traditional cucumber sandwich in any form on our tower. Also no savoury tartlet. What we did have was a chunky square of seared Fremantle tuna, sitting very comfortably on a flaxseed cracker with grilled eggplant sitting perfectly on top. Surprisingly tasty was the verdict. Next we all went in for the Wagin duck croquette with mandarin gel, we all agreed it was dry and little on the bland side of things. Lastly we enjoyed the Mushroom roulade, goats cheese & caramelised onion. Anything in life with goats cheese and caramelised onion is always a hit in my books.

The scones:

These came warm to the table(we are always delighted when they are wrapped and still warm from the oven) We had one classic plain scone and one traditional fruit scone each. Both were perfect ( if still square in shape ? To us a scone is round) The jam was well balanced and made in house, the cream was smooth with just the right amount of vanilla not over powering the creams taste. Also we must mention, the portions of each were generous! There is nothing worse than a tiny dollop of cream which is going to cover nothing! Portions need to be generous and here you will not be given a stingy amount.

The sweet:

These were a surprise, while they looked amazing, they truely did, the flavours had us a little left on the fence. If we had to pick a favorite it would be the Bahen & Co chocolate choux, very gentle in flavour and texture.

Over all we have a lovely afternoon, full of laughter and enjoyment. We felt that this high tea was little less than we usually receive and we are not sure why this would be so? Would we recommend ? Always ! Everything about the Cape Arid rooms speaks style, elegance and true craftsmanship.

Time: From Thursday to Sunday , Starting from 12pm.

Prices:

Classic $85 - Free flowing teas and coffees

Add ons :

A glass - Taittinger ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Brut Reims $35

A Bottle - Taittinger ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Brut Reims (750ml) $195

Bookings can be made via their website.

Until next time 🫖

A&S x