High time for high tea: The Store @ Tai Tapu
From fluffy scones to a legendary passionfruit slice, this Tai Tapu café’s handcrafted high teas are one of Canterbury’s most sought-after indulgences.
The high tea experience at The Store @ Tai Tapu has quietly become one of Canterbury’s most popular treats.Since current owners Lesley and Peter Edwards, took over the beloved country café in 2020, just six weeks before Covid hit, their high teas have grown from a sideline into a signature attraction.
The numbers tell the story. Two years ago, the team hosted around 440 high teas; last year that figure soared to more than 700. In 2025, the café was awarded Christchurch’s Best High Tea.
What makes the experience so special? “For starters, each guest receives their very own elegant, tiered tower filled with handmade sweet and savoury treats,” says Lesley.
Signature bites include the café’s much-raved-about passionfruit dream slice, fluffy scones served with jam and cream, lemon curd tartlets with seasonal fruit, and delicate savoury canapés such as blini topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon or Parmesan potato cake with salsa and feta.
“Lesley puts her heart and soul into our high teas, almost everything on the plates is handmade in-house,” Peter says.
The Store @ Tai Tapu offers high teas for every occasion from birthday celebrations, to bridal and baby showers, children’s parties to fundraising events, and of course Mother’s Day. There are even “high tea in a box” options for people who want to enjoy the experience at home, says Peter. The perfect way to celebrate, or just a treat with friends, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options are available. Booking is essential, call 03 329 6753, or email the team through the website.
