A GEM, HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT!*
The Gatehouse Tea Rooms' gabled gothic architecture, bathed in dappled afternoon sunlight and set within a garden of topiary and roses is a touch of old England framed by beautiful big trees that embody Australiana. Built in 1887, this would have been a perfect synthesis of the old and new worlds in the colony. So what more perfect place could there be to do as the colony's crème-de-la-crème once did and take high tea here?
I adored the quaint interior of this recently restored world heritage-listed cottage, looking out a bay window onto the glorious Old Government House across the way with soft jazz playing in the background; it all added to the charm.
For only $39 per person** we enjoyed the Gatehouse's star attraction: a high tea full of delectable dainties; fresh sandwiches and quiche, zingy mini lemon meringue tarts, pastries, rich chocolate tarts, and teeny-weeny cupcakes, candy-pink macarons and jam and cream scones. By far, this was the best high tea I've ever had made all the more special, as it was Mothers Day. We enjoyed each and every morsel immensely and, since these were combined with unlimited top-ups to the gorgeous selection of teas we tried -- including Rose Gray (the best!), Goji Acai and Lime and Ginger Green Tea -- we were so satiated we were compelled to ask for a container to take some of our dainties home for later on when we recovered, which was graciously supplied by the lovely, attentive staff here.
Evidently, high tea at the Gatehouse is an experience in and of itself, but if you are city-based and need further persuasion to come out to Parramatta to experience it, indulge me for just a moment; I can see you (OK...it's me) donning a velvety, Phryne Fisher-esque devoré cardigan-cum-kimono and enjoying a high tea in this historic gatehouse as a perfectly divine denouement to a day that began with a scenic ferry ride down the Parramatta river followed by a tour of a plethora of Parramatta's heritage sites, most of which are within easy walking distance of the Macquarie Street Gatehouse Tea Rooms. (Be sure to go for a turn around the old convict lumberyard -- now the wondrous Rumsey Rose Garden -- located directly behind the tea rooms. The Gatehouse is positively stunning from that angle!)
Of course, if you're just looking for a quiet spot in the area and don't need the pomp and ceremony of a high tea, know that you can get a beautiful cappuccino, try one of their quality teas, milkshakes or iced coffees/chocolates, order a piece of cake or freshly-baked croissants filled with butter and seasonal jam or savoury muffins that come with highly recommended fresh cucumber yoghurt, too.
Dropping in for a lovely bite and beverage is a cinch on the weekdays it is open, (Wednesday to Friday), but can be a slightly more considerable feat on the weekend when it gets very busy, so bookings are recommended. 'Twould seem the secret of this hidden gem is getting out, and rightly so!
FIVE STARS.
* Oft' I wax lyrical about the heritage gems t' be found within the bounds of Parramatta Park, and yet - I am ashamed to admit it - this one escaped my attention until recently. I found this charming little gatehouse cottage nestled in beside the entrance I most frequently use to enter the park - on Macquarie Street. In my defence, it only opened as tearooms in October 2013, but that doesn't explain how I hitherto failed to see this architectural beauty. The poor lass has only been standing there, looking utterly fabulous waiting to be noticed for 127 years!
** $39 per person is a brilliant price for high tea. Note that there is a full gluten-free high tea option for $44 per person as well!
*Review originally written and posted 4 June 2014. read more