If you’re a fan of the finer things in life, then Goldfinch’s new high tea soiree offering deserves a place on your must-do list. On weekends, the restaurant at the Pullman Hotel King George Square is now a perfect country garden in which to indulge in ribbon sandwiches, scones and sweets galore.
With two hour sittings between 12pm and 2:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, you can come and feel like a proper fancy person at this new high tea.
Our Goldfinch high tea soiree experience
When we arrive, it’s already clear that the atmosphere at Goldfinch pairs perfectly with a high tea vibe. The white pristine tables lined up along the light-filled windows, underneath a ceiling of greenery makes me feel like I am at some sort of country estate conservatory—the perfect time for tea for two.
We’re greeted with a glass of bubbly and at 1pm on a Sunday, I am ALL about a leisurely tipple. As we scan the extensive tea menu, our first course of scones arrives. Accompanied by jam and elderflower whipped cream, the buttermilk scones are fluffy as clouds.
I am quite excited that scones are an “extra”, as they’re usually one of the three tiers at other high teas—which hopefully means we’ve got a bonus tier of sweet treats on their way.
We get one tea each—I decide on blood orange and eucalyptus because it sounds both yummy and like it might help clear my sinuses (it does!), and my guest goes for ginger honey and mint. Other flavours include jasmine green tea, strawberry tea, Moroccan mint green tea and more. I am definitely keen to try a couple of others next time.
Then the main event arrives and it looks prettier than a picture. Perfectly matching up with the Goldfinch bird theme, the traditional high tea stand has been replaced by a golden three-tier birdcage.
The treats are overflowing on each of the tiers and it’s hard to pick what to eat first. The bottom tier is full of our savoury delights—ribbon sandwiches with a variety of fillings. We’ve got Oaks smoked Atlantic salmon with dill and creme fraiche, curried eggs with baby cress, Champagne ham and mustard pickles, and lastly cucumber with mint cream cheese. It’s a strong selection of traditional moreish flavours.
Then onto the next tier, with mini cupcakes and assorted macarons. As a lover of all mini foods, I am a big fan of both. Our macaron flavours were a passionfruity one and a chocolate with salted caramel ganache… I think. It’s sometimes hard to pinpoint macaron flavours but I can tell you they were yum.
The top tier has elegant slices of cakes: red velvet cake and a classic opera cake. Both are topped with chocolate scrolls and are fresh, sweet and decadent.
By the time we get to the end of our sitting, I must confess: there is some food left. I ask for a cheeky take home container because the food was so tasty and I know I will be fancying a little afternoon tea in about an hour.
If you love a fancy high tea with all the trimmings, then Goldfinch’s dainty soiree deserves a date in your weekend lineup. Take a seat, take your time and watch life go by through the floor to ceiling windows as you sip tea, spill tea and eat sweet treats.
Goldfinch high tea soiree, two-hour sittings on weekends between 12pm-2:30pm. Pullman King George Square, Corner Ann And, Roma St, Brisbane City QLD 4000. P: (07) 3229 9111
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
