Location: Walrus Social House is located within the Watermark Resort in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
Hours: We booked for an afternoon high tea.
Our High Tea: We were quite blown away by the spread offered to us. Starting with bubbly as soon as we arrived, we were seated for less than 5 minutes when our first plates arrived. We had asked for some vegetarian options, so there were two plates of savouries: the first had mini salmon burgers, bruschetta topped with pancetta, and fresh sandwiches; the second vegetarian platter had bruschetta, and fresh sandwiches with cucumber and cream cheese. After getting used to this sight, the next delivery brought 4 beautiful fresh scones, with sides of jam, cream and maple syrup. We were still a little in shock when she announced the last platter of deserts would be on its way, and when it turned up, we really thought they looked too good to eat. The macarons were sprinkled with gold (seriously, looked superb and far too good to eat), the mini champagne glass had layers of finely diced strawberry topped with cream and some mini balls that we have no idea what they were but overall tasted like a delicious fluffy strawberry mousse, alongside a layered cake with a base made of macadamia and layers that included sponge and lots of other things, chocolate tarts, and a spongy marshmallow textured half-ball that was surprisingly light and very easy on the palate. Tea and coffee were also served, which we’d highly recommend because there’s so much food you really want to wash it down a little so you don’t miss a bite.
Suitability: Not so much a family environment, but perfect for couples, business meetings, friends and catchups. The atmosphere was quite cosy, lots of lounges to sit back and relax, and we were half way through our High Tea when they dimmed the lights right down which really set the mood. The chairs are such that they actually encourage you to kick off your shoes, curl your legs up and laze back dreaming of being hand-fed and waved down with a palm leaf. Very relaxing in other words!
Staff: Super friendly staff, and very organised. Everything was brought out like clockwork, and the manager afterwards was exceptionally friendly. We got the impression the place ran like a well-oiled machine, very professional.
Cost: We purchased a discount voucher for High Tea. Even at full price though we feel it would be great value, after seeing what was served up. The voucher was valued at $88.00, and we got all of that value and more.
Bookings: Bookings are definitely needed for High Tea. If you’ve purchased an online Voucher, you can do this directly through the app, otherwise phone to make a booking.
Final Words: Simply superb. Honestly, we had already eaten so much on the day that we didn’t do the food enough justice, we were totally unprepared for the spread. If you’re thinking about a high tea experience, don’t go on a full stomach. In fact, go totally starving and you might just make it through. If there’s only two of you and you’re not normally big eaters, take friends, cause it would be such a shame to waste anything that’s put out. If you’ve seen the place and wondered if it’s worth it, stop wondering, just go. Seriously, it’s worth it. We can’t wait to go back – on an empty stomach. Thanks for a superb afternoon!