Gatehouse Tea Rooms, Parramatta Park

A few weeks ago I headed off to the Gatehouse Tea Rooms in Parramatta Park (just off Macquarie Street, near the Rose Garden) for morning tea with a bunch of my new sewing buddies. We were heading up to Old Government House to see a costume exhibition and I thought this would be the perfect place for a little snack beforehand.

I think that the Gatehouse Tea Rooms is one of Parramatta's true gems. Set in a World Heritage listed, 1887 built gatehouse it's the perfect setting for a spot of morning tea, or you can go full hog and order the indulgent looking High Tea. It's a beautiful setting, both inside and out and I'd say it's a perfect place for a casual catch up with friends, or something more fancy like a hen's party.

Sadly on the day we visited I'd been put on a pretty restrictive diet by my specialist to try and work out some tummy issues I've been having.  I think I gave myself cheese poisoning in Paris last year thus leading to Lactose Intolerance but he thinks that's nonsense.

Anyway...long story short, I had to order the gluten free English Tea Sandwiches ($15, or $13 if you can eat normal bread). I opted for a chicken filling and I have to say it was really delicious (though I do wish it was a tag bigger as I was still hungry afterwards). If you order this with "regular" bread it also comes with a little biscuit on the side to have with your tea.

All of the morning and afternoon teas, plus the High Tea's, come with your choice of beverage.  Nearly all of us ordered the lovely, fresh tasting Lime + Ginger Tea.  Tea's are all served in a prettier-than-your-granny's tea cup.

Most of the others ordered the lovely looking Devonshire Tea ($19.00) that comes with two scrumptious scones with served with seasonal jam and cream with your choice of beverage. I'm told the scones were excellent!

Gatehouse Tea Rooms can be found within the Macquarie St Gatehouse in Parramatta Park, Parramatta. Phone them on 9635 1515.