Even as far back as 2012 (excuse the shoddier photography..)., my high tea experiences at The Westin have always been somewhat out of left field. My most recent experience, thanks to a birthday treat from @themacarondiaries, was no different. In collaboration with Four Pillars Gin, this is The Westin’s High Seas experience - a high tea sans tea with a gin-infused, seafood-centric menu plus your pick of a refreshing, specially crafted Four Pillars Gin cocktail. Menu highlights include buttery short nori scones with whipped yuzu butter, fresh natural oysters with zesty finger lime, and a Hiramasa kingfish scotch egg. Definitely far out of left field but spot on delicious - a must-try for the seafood AND high tea fans out there. Unlike other traditional high teas where you’re bombarded with sweets, there is a single but still substantially sized Shiraz gin black forest ice cream sandwich to end on a sweeter note. A decadent but not overly sweet, chocolaty sandwich with the creamiest ice cream - I could not help but think that a cuppa tea here would have hit the spot but then again, I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth to begin with.

All in all, another delightful Westin ‘high tea’ experience done and dusted - if I recall correctly, this was something like my 5th or 6th visit and I very much doubt it will be my last!

SAVOURY TEMPATIONS

Nori scones with whipped yuzu butter

Gin salt and vinegar potato crips served with creme fraiche and Yarra Valley Shiraz Gin caviar

Native oysters with finger lime and Rare Dry Gin

Cured gin smoked salmon rillettes

Four Pillars curry botanical scallop pot pies

Hiramasa kingfish scotch egg with Four Pillars orange marmalade

Port Phillip Bay snapper ceviche with pepper berry

SOMETHING SWEET

Shiraz Gin black forest ice cream sandwich with spent botanicals, summer cherry and chocolate

Lobby Lounge

205 Collins St,

Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

+61 3 9635 2222

https://www.westinmelbournedining.com.au/