Vintage High Tea, Iluka

Carolyn Van Eerden opened the doors of her home late last year and has enjoyed being in the company of many strangers since that time.

Together with husband John, Carolyn runs Vintage High Tea in Iluka and several friends and I enjoyed their company and their food recently.

The setting could easily pass for early or mid-century with elegant chairs and tables covered with tablecloths, which have been painstakingly decorated with cross-stitch. The bottomless tea, served and regularly refilled by the indefatigable John, was really good. Of course using fine china and real tea leaves passed through a strainer really helps with the taste.

Our food was delicious. Carolyn’s license from the City of Joondalup does not allow her to cook with meat, chicken or seafood so all of the savouries are vegetarian. We enjoyed mushroom vol-au-vents, vegan chicken pastries, savoury tarts and festive sandwiches (curried egg, vegan turkey and cranberries).

Carolyn is not permitted to serve alcohol but is happy to provide glasses for patrons to bring their own bubbles or wine.

So, after we devoured our savouries, we poured ourselves some wine and enjoyed listening to the family history recounted by John, whose family are originally from the Netherlands. We then tackled the large scones that came with oodles of cream and a lovely plum and mulberry jam. Again our verdict was – delicious.

After another breather, filled more than adequately with another few glasses of wine, we moved on to the sweet section of our High Tea.

The Toblerone chocolate mousse, served in shot glasses, was a winner, followed by shortbread stars and mini fruit cakes. And yes by then, we were all officially stuffed!