Over the last 20 years Brisbane has seen the rise of the modern cafe, which of course serve modern cafe offerings.There is still a lot of love in many people's hearts for the classic tea room, even though these days they are very hard to find.
The Dawn Tea Rooms in Chermside provides this more tradition coffee, tea, cake, high tea and lunch services and has quickly captured locals hearts and minds since it opened.
The Dawn Tea Rooms in Chermside
has seen many changes over the last 60 years with the rise of the Westfield shopping centre. The Dawn Tea Room is named after the The Dawn Cinema which was a Chermside institution until the cinema opened at the Westfield. The Tea Rooms is part of the revitalisation of the Gympie Road area.
Classically decorated tables at The Dawn Tea Rooms
There are other cafes in the area, most notably the very trendy
Cantina 817, however The Dawn Tea Rooms provides a much more traditional atmosphere. This is the place to relax in elegant and beautifully decorated surrounds.
The Dawn Tea Rooms decorated for Christmas in July
All cakes are baked fresh on the premises, which is becoming increasingly rare. Along with scones, sticky date pudding and other sweet options there are also plenty of traditional savoury choices including ribbon sandwiches, frittatas and savoury muffins.
Photo of Silvana Futia baking cakes for the tea rooms courtesy of The Dawn Tea Rooms
All these items along with high teas are prepared by immaculately dressed staff in the open kitchen. There is a feeling of quiet professional service here that you would normally see in a 5 star hotel. At the same time, there is also the atmosphere you might associate with a country cafe. Together this comes together to give the place a special comfortable elegance.
The Dawn Tea Rooms' Kitchen
Despite having only opened recently it has become a popular spot for locals, both during weekdays and on Saturdays. I guess as much as we love modern cafes, we also miss more traditional cafes and tea rooms. Or maybe it is just that there a lot of people who want to avoid the crowds and chain cafes at Westfield.
The Dawn Tea Rooms is a popular place to relax in Chermside
The Dawn Tea Rooms is the place in Chermside to get high tea, which is often a great way to start a lazy Saturday. Though for me, it is the great scones, homemade jam and tea is what attracts me. They also have date scones with cinnamon butter if you want something a little lighter on the sugar.
"Photo of high tea courtesy of The Dawn Tea Rooms
Overall this is a lovely tea house. While not expensive, there is feeling of elegance that is rarely seen in cafes these days. Even better, often you can even find parking right out front of the tea rooms along Gympie Road. The Dawn Tea Rooms are good enough to make the trip to Chermside.
Decorations at The Dawn Tea Rooms
