Luxury indulgence at Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Eats - Sophia - November 5, 2016

Whether you want to have a tête-à-tête or are celebrating in a group, the afternoon tea buffet in the heritage listed Tea Lounge at Hyatt Hotel Canberra with its sumptuous decor, comfy sofas and chairs is an established Canberra institution (and for good reason).

Hyatt Hotel Canberra

I always love coming to the Hyatt Hotel Canberra! The beautifully manicured front entrance, spacious lobby, filled with the hotel’s signature scent (stop and see if you can pick the fragrance next time you step inside) combined with the art deco architecture strikes just the right ambiance for me.

When I was recently invited there to experience an afternoon of luxury indulgence at FashionxHyatt – an event featuring fashion, high tea and champagne – I knew it was going to be a fabulous day!

Afternoon tea buffet includes a glass of Lerida Estate Zenzi sparkling wine

I walked in and the Tea Lounge was filled with people clinking glasses and filling their plates from the array of savouries, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and the selection of tempting sweet treats on offer at the afternoon tea buffet. There was an immediate feeling of tranquil luxury & indulgence. The tea buffet looked like a refined combination of Willy Wonka meets Mad Hatter’s tea party – full of beautiful desserts on one side and savouries on the other.

Afternoon tea buffet

I got to meet some of the masterminds behind the iconic spread, Nitin Kumar, Director of Culinary & Gerold Astrein, Executive Pastry Chef. They said even regulars to the buffet will find something new every week, as they rotate the items available and experiment with new flavours. Some items always remain on the menu though (hello cucumber sandwiches & scones).

As I was ogling the buffet, the fashion portion of the afternoon was about to start. At this collaboration between Hyatt Hotel Canberra and Fashfest, Canberra designers Zilpah Tart, Sovata, Karen Lee and Braddon Tailors showcased some of their catwalk looks for 2016. Good things always happen when local creatives get together and this was no exception. The hallowed halls of the hotel made a perfect backdrop to the fashion.

Catwalk Looks – Image by Leighton Hutchinson Photography

I ended the afternoon indulging in some afternoon tea myself. We were set up in a cosy corner in the newly refurbished John Howard Room eating all the delicious food the chefs had imagined and created.