It’s the most regal way to spend an afternoon out in Sydney – and now The Observatory Hotel is setting a new standard in the art of serving Afternoon Tea.

For true tea connoisseurs, The Observatory’s newly appointed ‘Tea Master’ Tjok Gde Kerthyasa has created a menu featuring twenty unique tea blends which pay homage to the artisanship of tea, providing guests with the opportunity to taste specialty teas from some of the world’s most renowned tea regions. 

“Tea is a very big part of my life, it’s my passion,” Tjok reveals. “With certainty, I believe this is the most luxurious collection of teas in Australia. I believe this will set the benchmark for tea service in the country and I’m delighted to be given charge of the tea list.” 

Tjok discovered his passion for tea quite by accident, taking cover from a sudden thunder storm inside an ancient Chinese tea shop. Tjok describes this day as his, “tea revelation.”

“Tea is a very spiritual experience. Tea has so many characteristics, many people have just never had access to tea such as this. The characteristics of each tea are so distinct. I’d really like guests coming to The Observatory Hotel to say they’ve drunk tea here like they’ve never experienced before.”

For guests wishing to learn more about tea, Tjok will be leading regular Tea Appreciation Classes at The Observatory. For those keen to enhance their Afternoon Tea experience further, guests will now have the option of enjoying a ‘Mystic Afternoon Tea’ and experience a tea leaf reading. 

Reviving the almost lost art of Tea Leaf reading, Lindel Barker-Revell, who has just penned a book on the subject, will be offering afternoon tea guests the chance to peer into their future, via their teacup.

“Reading tea leaves produces a sense of wonder, similar to when you see cloud formations in the sky,” Lindel said. “Tea drinking is a sensual experience and the visual sense of wonder from having your tea leaves read is very personal. The leaves create their picture only once, especially for you, for this particular time in your life. It’s almost like having your dreams interpreted.”

Tea connoisseurs can enjoy The Observatory Hotel’s new Afternoon Tea experiences from 1st May 2007.

Unique Afternoon Tea Experiences at The Observatory Hotel

Afternoon Tea
Celebrate the art of afternoon tea in classic style at The Observatory Hotel. Reminiscent of an exclusive club and offering a central, yet relaxing haven away from the crowds, Globe Bar embodies all the romance of a bygone era. Sink into leather armchairs, or lush velvet sofas and savour a selection of cucumber sandwiches, scones with freshly prepared jam and clotted cream, mini crème brulees, chocolate mousse, almond florentines and other treats, including your choice of 20 unique tea blends. 
$39.00 per person or $49.00 per person including a glass of Moet & Chandon Rose

Mystic Afternoon Tea 
Combine a decadent Afternoon Tea with a 20 minute personal Tea Leaf reading. Learn the art of swirling your cup and letting the tea leaves settle. This will create a unique picture of your future, interpreted by our Tea Leaf experts, just for you.
$59.00 per person or $69 per person including a glass of Moet & Chandon Rose

Tea Appreciation Classes
Join Tea Master Tjok Gde Kerthyasa for an inspirational afternoon. Discover more about the origins of tea, the correct method of preparing a variety of tea blends and tea etiquette as you taste a range of specialty teas from the Tea Master’s collection. 
Classes are limited to a maximum of 15 participants and includes afternoon tea. 
$79.00 per person
For upcoming class dates or to make a reservation, please contact 02 9256 2215. 
Classes run from 3pm – 4.30pm.

Lindel Barker Revell’s Book, “Time for Tea” is published by Allen & Unwin, RRP $24.95.

Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2.30pm – 5pm inside Globe Bar
The Observatory Hotel is located at 89 -113 Kent Street in the Rocks
For reservations, please phone: 02 9256 2215
Reservations are essential for Tea Leaf Readings and Tea Appreciation Classes
www.observatoryhotel.com.au

For further information please contact Kimberly Salt on:
+61 2 8248 5282 or email ksalt@observatoryhotel.com.au.

High resolution images are available at: 
www.orient-expressimages.com