Not so long ago, we went to Little Darling Diner in Balmain. My mother had never had High Tea before and with her love for cream teas I decided it was high time she sampled one in its most luxuriant form. The 'diner' was incredibly 'darling', with its wallpapered walls and brown leather armchairs. Since it was a lovely sunny afternoon, we were offered a table outside in the courtyard. The waiter brought us chilled champagne and carafes of water (which were constantly refilled).
Tiers of joy
Where to start? You have to try them all...
When the High Tea arrived, there were gasps of delight all around- the top tier was filled with macarons, the tier below an array of sweet treats; lemon meringue pies, passionfruit and lemon curd, chocolate and cappuccino tarts, date and coffee cakes; the bottom tier was occupied by sandwiches (with the crusts cut off) and well filled wraps. All the food was incredibly fresh- the waiter told us they bake all their pastries and breads in store, and much of the fruit and vegetables is local produce as well. I started with the bottom tier, my mother with the top. On this occasion, I could scarcely blame her. Our tea arrived in a little clear pot- and along with it a silver plate of giant scones (with even more giant dollops of cream and jam).
Scones with jam and cream
A pot of Earl Grey...
Usually the scones occupy one of the three tiers on the High Tea platter, but at Little Darling Diner they are even more generous, offering two tiers of sweets and cakes (which we were very glad about). The waiters were also extremely helpful and attentive, constantly refilling glasses and stopping to chat in French.
So if you want to pleasantly while away an afternoon lazing in the sun with champagne, tea and scrumptious cakes, while practising your foreign language skills- definitely book a High Tea at Little Darling Diner. The quintessential English High Tea with a French twist is quite possibly the best in Sydney.
