High Tea @ The Woodman Estate

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My parents are renowned for not using gift vouchers we give them as gifts. It's become such a family quirk that we laugh about buying vouchers we would like to use in the hope they end up handing them back over to us. And let me tell you when I bought them tickets to the VIP High Tea at the Woodman Estate in Mornington I had my fingers crossed.



You see the Woodman Estate is a classic country hotel that is renowned for its timeless beauty and is considered by many as a landmark along the Mornington Peninsula. It sits in all its glory amongst 50 acres of lush green bushland and lawns. Rabbits hop amongst the trees and birds drink from the private lake which completes the serene and dreamy aura. The building itself, with box hedges and rose gardens transport you to an era long passed.

Inside the majestic walls the English tradition of High Tea is recreated in all its grandeur and guests will be overwhelmed by the precision and perfection a high tea sitting has to offer. Run every Sunday at the decadent afternoon tea time of 3:30 you can enjoy an elaborate high tea within immaculate surroundings. But of course the entire afternoon is so much more than scones and cups of tea. This is an event that will have you feeling like royalty and you will want to saturate yourself in every moment.



There are four different high tea options to choose from with something to suit everybody and a price to suit many. The most grand of all is Gold Class which entitles you to priority seating in the luxe formal area at a beautiful window seat where you can admire the views and be swept away in the romance.



Upon arrival you are greeted with french champagne and then a three tiered stand with tiny, tempting morsels materialize. You will definitely be tempted to discreetly lick your fingers after every bite. There are ribbon sandwiches, gourmet savory offerings and of course the most mouth watering petite cakes and slices, think Black Forest, macaroons and eclairs as examples.

Finally heavenly warm scones with fresh whipped cream and homemade jam are served and they are deluxe. This is the most expensive at $119 per person but along with the endless supply of Espresso coffee, gourmet T2 tea, there is a box of delectable truffles to take home making it worth every cent.



The next category is the VIP High Tea which is still hosted in the elegance of the formal area where a wood fire burns. There's sparkling on arrival and the same delightful tiered stand, scones and hot brew is served for your pleasure. The only difference is no priority seating so instead of a gorgeous garden view, you may be seated snugly in the rooms centre which is still stunning and creates a feel of bygone era nonetheless. Price per person is $99. In either sittings children under 12 are not permitted.

However if you would like a less formal affair or you would like children to attend then consider the Deluxe version, which is hosted in either the Brassiere or in the Atrium for $73 a head but no take home truffles here. The Traditional High Tea which is also family friendly serves no alcohol and has a $63 price tag per guest.



What's really lovely about the entire experience is that you're given the opportunity to break from feasting on all the culinary delights poshly placed before you and encouraged to head out into the manicured gardens for a walk and some fresh air. You're free to roam and appreciate the hydrangeas and roses or chase a bunny through the woods. You can sit on the patio and watch the lake sparkle as birds fly low. Once you have taken in the beauty of the estate, its rolling pastures and sweeping lawns your warm scones await you back at your table.



Recently an Opera option has been added to the menu and is available on the first Sunday of each month. How heavenly to be serenaded by the glorious voices of a dynamic duo of arias as you sip champagne and nibble on salmon and cream cheese ribbons, with the crust cut off naturally. This does incur a slightly extra charge but will really compliment the occasion.

Whatever you do, don't eat lunch beforehand and certainly don't even consider saving room for dinner. You will be full, content and need for nothing more. Of course there are the chocolate truffles to indulge on later if you can't resist.



The Woodman Estate is only 50 minutes out of Melbourne but you feel like you may be years away, surrounded by the very best of days gone by and treated with kit gloves. But if the thought of leaving and returning to reality is all too much then you will be thrilled to hear that luxury accommodation is available right on the estate, not to mention a brand new spa retreat. Could it get any more indulgent? You could make the whole package a romantic getaway, a girl's getaway or just a get away. When it's this special who needs an excuse?

This is the perfect place to celebrate weddings, birthdays and anniversaries and spoil that someone you love. Vouchers make a wonderful gift that will impress even the fussiest of family members or friends. I should know. Thanks mum and dad.

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