Delectable Victorian treats: Penny Black Victorian Tearoom

Victorian society was renowned for its high tea. Scrumptious scones (with jam and cream), Battenberg cake, lemon posset and other traditional treats were all on the menu for the aristocracy.

Those same delicacies are still highly regarded these days and high tea is often a treat for special occasions.

In Christchurch, there’s nowhere better to go to indulge in a leisurely brunch, lunch or high tea than Penny Black Victorian Tearoom at The Tannery.

The tearoom is a family-owned business where sisters Tanu and Mauly Srivastav take pride in creating an authentic experience for patrons. Tanu says it’s a destination reminiscent of a time when ‘taking tea’ in a fine establishment was an occasion.

“It’s a place for people when they want more than to just grab a coffee, an unhurried way to enjoy your leisure time. You’ll get extra-special service in the Victorian tradition and you can soak up the ambience of the era.”

The food is made fresh, daily in their kitchen and many of the recipes come from her English staff who had them handed down from their grandparents.

You’ll find quaintly-named dishes on the menu such as Eggy Bread, HRH Eggs Benedict and The Duchess Coddled Eggs – a traditional English egg dish with cream and fresh herbs served with toast and bacon.

Choose from a variety of high teas served on fine china, with beautiful table linen, tiered high tea stands and elegant silverware. Birthdays, anniversaries, and bridal showers are all catered for and will be made into memorable affairs where you’re treated like an aristocrat.

For your next soiree, pop into Penny Black Victorian Tearoom, Shop 37 in the Tannery, Woolston. Call 03 381 3445.

www.penny-black.co.nz