Afternoon tea review: Rydges Capital Hill

Something fascinating has happened in Canberra: after years of the Hyatt reigning unchallenged as the monarch of afternoon tea in the Capital, the nearby Rydges Capital Hill has decided to serve a 'high tea' every Sunday. It's really an afternoon tea of course (and you do know the difference I'm sure), but nevertheless how exciting to have a bit of competition. Although the 1980s Rydges atrium is not quite on a par with the elegant 1920s Hyatt lounge, I thought the venue at least had potential to be a charming place for tea. So along we went to try it out.

Now, I must say that we went along on only their second weekend, so they may still have kinks to iron out (well, they do have kinks to iron out). And there are some positives: unlike the buffet-style Hyatt, they serve tea on a traditional three-tier platter. You sit in a proper chair at a proper table, which makes it all far more comfortable than being forced to sit akwardly in a deep sofa. The room is potentially quite pleasant, although it was a little chilly and the mismatched china (soon to be replaced I was informed) and the ghastly, overly loud and utterly inappropriate waltz music on a sticking CD booming through a dodgy sound system really did not help.

The food - at best it was pedestrian, I'm afraid, although pleasant enough for the less discerning and/or those more interested in the sweets than the savouries. The sandwiches were predictable (cucumber, egg and smoked salmon, all on white bread), and the scones were horrible (tiny and hard), but there were also some agreeable mini quiche and some pleasant petit fours.

Tea selection was minimal but adequate.

For $40 there was also a complimentary glass of (very sweet) sparkling wine.

Service was enthusiastic yet tardy.

Overall, I think it has promise, but it needs to work on it a bit. For now, it is a 5.5 out of 10 on the Scott Scale. They could aim for a 7 or 8 if they work at it.