High Tea

At the Hyatt Hotel Canberra for high tea in 2008: (above) my sister, Kerriann; (below) my brother-in-law, Matthew

High tea at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra is a giddy buffet — crust-less finger sandwiches of smoked salmon and wafer-thin beef, pastries, mousse served in port glasses and meringues joined with cream are just some of the sweet and savoury dainties. A glass of champagne is presented on arrival, followed with pots of tea, served by staff in vintage-inspired uniform. Not surprisingly, guests dress up — black pants for men and afternoon cocktail dress for women.