I was lucky enough to have snagged an invite to the Pullman International’s High Tea Instameet held yesterday afternoon.  What’s an Instameet you say?  It’s pretty much a bunch of Instagrammer’s meeting up to take photos of a shared interest – in this case it was food.  I have been following a few of the ridiculously talented pastry chefs from the Pullman International for quite some time on Instagram and after many promises that I would come and visit for a High Tea I finally got there!  Would you believe that this was my first ever High Tea experience? And wow it didn’t disappoint.

The Pullman International with it’s beautiful high ceilings, grand piano and old world charm set the scene for our afternoon of delights.  Upon arrival we were met with a long table of gorgeous tiered sweet and savoury treats.  A barrage of photos ensued and we took our seats with offers of Mocktails, Iced Tea and Sparkling Rose.

My fellow Instagrammers and I were joined at the table by Executive Chef Matt Lonne and Head Pastry Chef Mel Day whom we chatted with about our favourite restaurants (and not so favourite restaurants), favourite ingredients to cook with and of course the hot topic in Cairns at the moment, the heat.

The High Tea consisted of five savoury dishes and five sweet dishes lovingly created behind the scenes by the unbelievably creative pastry team.

Out of the savoury menu I absolutely loved the Petite Deconstructed Beef Wellington with Red Wine Reduction.

Petite Deconstructed Beef Wellington with Red Wine Reduction

The Watermelon Mousse with Sour Gel was a huge hit at the table but my personal favourite had to be the Peanut Butter and Jelly Macarons.

Watermelon Mousse with Sour Gel

Peanut Butter and Jelly Macarons (at the back)

After an hour and a half of sweet and savoury treats and just ‘one more’ macaron about four times over I had certainly had more than my fill and was ready for an afternoon nap.  I had a fabulous time yesterday and cannot recommend the High Tea at the Pullman International enough!  It’s a popular spot birthdays, hen’s do’s and of course baby showers, in fact my +1 enjoyed herself so much yesterday she is considering having a High Tea 30th birthday ‘do’ there in a couple of months time.  Of course you don’t have to have an event to do the High Tea as it’s available 7 days a week from 10.30am to 4pm.