Dawson's Coffee House, Forrestfield, Western Australia

Something different with your vegetable seedlings!


Situated in the middle of Dawson's Garden World, Forrestfield, is the original old homestead now the home of the Dawson's Coffee  House.

You are greeted by friendly staff and on cold days, a blazing open fire.  Those in the know get a table close as possible to the fire.

Being regular visitors we usually order the trusty special, toasted ham, cheese and tomato sandwich with a flat white coffee.  The service is always efficient and the food and coffees hot.  Today I noticed a  group of ladies (sitting at the premium table) enjoying the devonshire teas.  So with camera in hand and a desire to partake I ordered the Devonshire tea.  I was not disappointed, the scones were warm and fresh, one plain and the other fruit with just enough jam and plenty of cream.

This is not a fancy tea house, but it is a great place to take mum or friends to enjoy a variety of food and drinks in a lovely garden setting and pick up a few seedlings.

The roses are spectacular in spring.  The high tea inspector is a regular visitor.

Tealicious House, Dunsborough, Western Australia

Three girls were heading to Dunsborough for some R&R, so the high tea inspector checked the internet for tea experiences.  I came across Tealicious House in Dunsborough and the reviews seemed like a spot I would wish to check out.

High tea is $30 per person so I ordered the Devonshire tea and a green sencha tea, hoping the experience would inspire me to come again to partake in the $30 extravaganza.

Unfortunately, the ambience is not for high tea, it is however, fine for coffee and cake.  We sat on a bench seat at a table too large.  The china was uninspiring, a white thick cup and saucer.  As for the two scones they were average and there was only enough jam and cream to eat one.

My fellow travellers enjoyed their mars bar mudcake and coffees.  As I say, fine for coffee and cake.

The Wayside Cafe, Widdecombe-in-the-Moor, England

What a treat after travelling through the Dartmoor National Park and seeing the beautiful rugged countryside and the wild little ponies to find - The Wayside Cafe!

The cafe was warm and inviting on the cold misty day, just the spot Mr Rochester would want to hang out (if he were in Devonshire) and get away from his first wife. We, on the other hand, didn't have a lot of time to spare - so the fast service was a plus. We both had Devonshire famous scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam, with a piping hot cup of tea. We felt most content heading back to our bus. Booyah!

The Vines Resort, Swan Valley, Western Australia

A round of sandwiches with a round of golf.

I have now had the pleasure of experiencing high tea at the Vines twice.  Once in a party of four and recently in a gathering of 40 plus.

On both occasions the staff were attentive and friendly but I must say they were run off their feet with the large party.

The menu was similar and plentiful, however, the first remains a firm favourite.  For 4 people you are served a three tiered server with savoury open sandwiches on the top, scones with a generous amounts of jam and cream on the second and on the bottom a beautiful array of cakes. All this is served with a wide choice of teas or coffee.  My choice was serendipity on both occasions.  The champagne was an extra lovely touch for the party.

If you are ever planning a trip to the Swan Valley, I recommend high tea at the Vines.  Only problem is you must book as there is no "spur of the moment" high tea's available, and refusal will definitely disappoint.

Sally Lunn's, Bath, England

Now for the tea of our host
Now for the rollicking bun,
Now for the muffin and toast,
Now for the gay Sally Lunn!
- The Sorcerer By W S Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan

My daughter and I were only at Sally Lunn's for a short time but it has had a lasting impression on us both.

Where do you start when Sally Lunn's has been referred to by W S Gilbert, visited by Jane Austen and now the High Tea Inspectors?

We were extremely lucky to get a table as the place was packed. We followed the waitress to the third floor in what seemed like an endless maze of rooms and staircases. After ordering the Sally Lunn bun and house tea we enjoyed the memorabilia displayed on the walls. Not knowing what to expect, the famous bun was delightful. A dessert plate size delicious bun served with raspberry jam and clotted cream and eaten with a knife and fork.

For such a extremely busy establishment the service was prompt and pleasant. A most memorable time in wonderful Bath.

Crabtree & Evelyn Cafe, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Fancy a cup of tea with your sonnets?

There is more to merit Stratford-upon-Avon than Shakespeare's old pad! In fact, Mum and I, being decidedly underwhelmed by the bard's interior design, headed straight for some afternoon refreshment at the delightful Crabtree and Evelyn Cafe (yes they make the powders and puffs too- but that's downstairs).

We had the cream tea - clotted cream, fair-sized scones and raspberry jam, washed down with English Afternoon tea. Perhaps one small improvement may be in the use of loose leaf as opposed to teabags, but we're all allowed a slight hiccup, easily forgiven in the olde worlde surrounds. The ceilings are low, and add to the wonderful ambience. The service was efficient and friendly.

We would recommend a visit anytime you're in the mood for a scone with your Shakespeare.

Betty's - York, England

Betty's is a High Tea experience to savour.

There is little in the world to rival the quintessential charm that is (Big) Betty's in York. From the stained glass, to the starchy waitress uniforms, its enough to make you check if Messrs Knightley, Darcy or Tilney might be nearby.

My Mum and I elected Earl Grey, from a pleasing variety of favourites, plus a vanilla slice and ginger tea cake for good measure. It was all perfectly delicious and nutritious, and exactly the portion required for rational happiness.

The place was very busy, on account of the place being so exceedingly good, but the staff were perfectly attentive- I really couldn't fault the place at all. Just the ticket after a spot of shopping at what appeared to be the Cath Kidston flagship store.

The experience, after a long bus ride, was the perfect finishing touch to our visit to York. Two thumbs up.