High tea is all about indulgence – and at The Terraces in Glendowie, the food takes centre stage. Crafted by Head Chef Ranjit Badwal and a talented pastry team with a background in top london hotels as well as Michelin-starred experience, the menu is both elegant and imaginative, changing every month to keep guests coming back for more.
Begin with the classics: freshly baked scones, still warm from the oven, served with lashings of cream and jam. Move on to delicate finger sandwiches, each with carefully chosen fillings to balance freshness and flavour. Then the fun begins. Savoury highlights might include quail and venison scotch eggs, a playfully deconstructed pork pie, or bite-sized crab-filled choux pastries that melt in the mouth.
Those with special diets are also thoughtfully catered to and will not miss out on any of the indulgence.
The sweet tier is where the artistry truly shines. Expect glossy fruit tarts, delicate Paris-Brest, melt-in-your-mouth macarons, and an ever-changing showcase of pastries designed to surprise and delight. Everything is made in-house with the finest ingredients – and every detail matters.
Of course, the food is perfectly paired with bottomless pots of English breakfast tea, poured from bone china teapots and refreshed as often as you like. For those looking to add sparkle to the afternoon, there’s crisp champagne, lively prosecco, or even a classic martini to begin your high tea on a celebratory note.
What makes the experience even more inviting is the setting. The Terraces looks out across the gardens of St Andrew’s Village, where established trees, open lawns, and seasonal plantings create a calm, natural backdrop. Large picture windows offer open views across to the Tāmaki Estuary, bringing a sense of space and connection to the water.
For those planning a special occasion, The Terraces also offers private high tea bookings for groups and events. From birthdays and reunions to elegant celebrations, the restaurant can cater for intimate gatherings or exclusive functions of up to 200 guests – with menus tailored to make the day unforgettable.
It’s this balance of tradition, creativity, and a truly picturesque setting that makes high tea at The Terraces so memorable. Each visit offers something new, yet always with the comfort of the classics. For a ladies’ day out, a family gathering, or a special celebration, it’s a table worth booking.
The Terraces Restaurant
theterracesrestaurant.co.nz
St Andrew’s Village, Glendowie
09 926 7973
High Tea: Saturdays, 2pm–3.30pm Weekday bookings available for groups of 10+
