Join me as I review the delicious High Tea by the Sea at the Stamford Grand, Glenelg, South Australia.
High Tea by the Sea
Venue: The Stamford Grand Glenelg
Date visited: July 2025
Location: The Promenade Restaurant, Stamford Grand Hotel, 2 Jetty Road, Glenelg, South Australia.
Getting there: The hotel is 20 minutes by car from the Adelaide CBD and 10 minutes from Adelaide Airport. It is easily accessible by the tram service that runs between the Adelaide CBD and Glenelg. The tram stops right outside the hotel entrance.
Parking: There is plenty of parking in the streets that run off Jetty Road. There are also covered and uncovered carparks behind the hotel (fees apply).
Dining companions: Mr B and Master H
Cost: $49 Adults (includes a glass of sparkling wine as well as bottomless tea and coffee), $33 Kid’s Menu (under 14 years, includes a soft drink).
Availability: Fridays 3pm – 5pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12 noon – 2pm and 3pm – 5pm
Dress code: Neat, casual dress
The Stamford Grand High Tea Experience
The Stamford Grand is a beloved Adelaide hotel situated on the stunning Glenelg beachfront. Its afternoon tea is a delightful indulgence, whether the sun is shining or its wet and windy. There’s something incredibly relaxing about sipping tea and enjoying warm scones while watching the waves roll in and people amble along the iconic jetty. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures.
This venue has put genuine effort into creating an afternoon tea experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes—offering familiar favourites and great value for money. But let’s set expectations clearly: if you’re after a high-end patisserie experience with avant-garde flavours, edible foams and gels, a grand piano playing in the corner, a plush setting and floral decor, this isn’t that. And it doesn’t pretend to be. Those types of high teas typically come with a price tag of $80+ per person.
What the Stamford Grand does offer is a charming, traditional High Tea experience: think cucumber sandwiches, quiche Lorraine, mini cheesecakes, macarons, and more. For just $49 per person (yes, really), you’ll enjoy a generous selection of delicious treats, a glass of sparkling wine, unlimited tea and coffee, and friendly, attentive service—all with million-dollar views of the ocean. It’s hard to beat.
The Menu
We indulged in a three-tiered stand that started with classic finger sandwiches, including cucumber with cream cheese and dill, and egg salad triangles on wholemeal bread. Savoury options also included warm quiche Lorraine, tasty curry puffs, and more.
Next came plain and raisin scones served with generous dishes of jam and Chantilly cream—just as they should be.
The sweet selection was equally impressive: vanilla and raspberry panna cotta, colourful macarons, and lemon and coconut cupcakes topped with blackberry and cream cheese frosting made for a deliciously indulgent ending.
Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and child friendly menus are also available, ensuring everyone is catered for.
You can view their current menus right here (subject to change, of course, but a great indication of what to expect).
Stamford Grand Kid’s High Tea
A real treat for families is the Kid’s High Tea, available for $33 per child (under 14). It’s well thought out and guaranteed to delight younger guests.
Each child receives their own two-tiered stand. The bottom tier features a mini wire basket filled with flathead fish bites, chicken nuggets, and sweet potato fries served with tomato sauce and mayonnaise. The top tier offers plenty of kid-friendly treats: two mini teddy bear cupcakes, a cake pop, a strawberry cone, and a mini caramel donut bite. A soft drink of their choice rounds out the experience.
My 13-year-old son gave it a glowing review, declaring it “the best I’ve ever had, Mum.” He even asked if we could make cake pops at home. High praise indeed!
Noise Level
The space is open and popular with groups, so it can get a little noisy depending on the day and time. If you’re sensitive to sound or visiting with children or guests who have sensory needs, I recommend reaching out to the lovely team at the Stamford Grand in advance. We were seated in a quieter section overlooking the jetty, which was perfect and much appreciated.
Service
The service throughout was warm, attentive, and never rushed—even with a two-hour sitting limit.
Our sparkling wine was poured shortly after we sat down, and a soft drink order was quickly taken for Master H. Our tea stands arrived about 10 minutes later, with savouries served nice and hot and the scones warm. Soon after, a staff member brought jugs of freshly brewed tea and coffee. The table had been set with jam and cream, generous jug of milk and plenty of sugar sachets.
We were regularly checked on, offered refills, and made to feel truly welcome. Nothing was too much trouble, which really enhanced the experience.
Highlight of the Day?
The scones. Crisp on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside, served with lashings of jam and a generous dish of Chantilly cream. Washed down with hot, filtered coffee—my husband and I were in heaven. And of course the cake pop!
Run or Return to the Stamford Grand?
Definitely return. This is a charming and relaxed afternoon tea experience that delivers exceptional value for money. We’re already looking forward to coming back in summer when the weather’s warmer and the beach views are at their best.
Recommended for..
- Groups celebrating birthdays, baby showers, or bridal showers
- Families with children
- Anyone who loves a classic, relaxed afternoon tea with a beautiful view