Prince’s Gate’s sumptuous signature high tea is served daily.
In keeping with a lot of what has been mistranslated over the years from the original meaning of things from elsewhere, the High Tea, as commonly known and referred to here in New Zealand, is in fact what is known in England as Afternoon Tea.
Despite its name, high tea originated with the lower classes. Dinner was served around midday in the 1800s, but in practice, working stiffs didn’t have the luxury of an afternoon lunch break, so they took tea right after work with heartier fare – like pies, meats and cheeses – to sate their hunger. It is believed that the name "High Tea" probably evolved from the fact that this evening meal was served at proper dinner tables, rather than on couches or settees. But here at Duke’s bar & Restaurant we serve our famous "High Tea" during the afternoon and in the Style of the
English "Afternoon Tea" which will comprise of a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8pm. This delightful afternoon extravagance will be composed of sandwiches, scones with jam and thickened cream, sweet pastries and cakes and an array of various teas, and of course coffees. It’s also great fun, and highly popular, to indulge in a glass of bubbly with your High Tea, it is fact now a recognised New Zealand tradition, and we love traditions at Dukes.
