This High Tea With a Difference Is the Perfect Way to Celebrate Spring

We partnered with Roku Gin to share the news of an exciting new collaboration that celebrates the beauty of spring in full bloom.

Striking a delicate balance between refinement and rejuvenation, high tea may just be the perfect way to celebrate spring. There’s something about the elegant presentation of tiered trays of delicate sandwiches, scones and pastries, set against the backdrop of a light-filled room, that mirrors the sense of renewal and blossoming beauty of the season. 

That’s exactly what you’ll experience as Roku Gin - in celebration of the brand’s first seasonal limited-edition release, Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition - takes over one of Sydney’s most beautiful high tea venues, Reign at The QVB, for an exclusive, one-off event. 

Blending the sophistication and vibrancy of spring with a contemporary Japanese twist, guests can savour a curated selection of gourmet treats, and try the new Roku Gin offering in expertly crafted cocktails. 

Here’s why this is an afternoon you don’t want to miss.

Pretty in pink and white - just like the Sakura bloom phenomenon - Reign is set within Sydney’s iconic Queen Victoria Building. Heralded as the ultimate destination for queens and kings to play, the venue is known for its extensive Champagne menu and French-inspired, seasonally-driven share plates. 

But on Sunday, 13 October, the much-loved spot will serve up gin cocktails, canapes and treats with a Japanese-inspired twist, in celebration of all things spring.

Three tiers of high tea will be served alongside signature Roku Gin cocktails and vibrant and fresh Sencha tea (which also happens to be one of the botanicals found in Roku Gin). 

The delicious menu will feature all the high tea classics: wattleseed raisin scones with clotted cream and quandong jam; macarons, madeleines, raspberry brownies and lemon curd tarts; as well as savoury morsels like cranberry chicken sandwiches, smoked salmon with dill and cream cheese and egg sandwiches inspired by the famous treats found at Japanese 7-Elevens.

A special VIP offering will be hosted by Roku brand ambassador James Buntin and Grandiflora founder Saskia Havekes, with an exclusive gin-tasting held before the high tea begins.

All attendees will also receive a full-size bottle of the Sakura Bloom Eau De Toilette (50ml, valued at $220), a limited-edition fragrance that brings together the craftsmanship of Japanese distillation and the artistry of floral fragrance design.

The Sakura Bloom signature scent has been created in partnership with Grandiflora to encapsulate the essence of spring. Opening with the delicate sweetness of cherry blossoms and rounded off with a smooth yet spicy gin-like finish, the sophisticated fragrance is only available to those who attend Roku’s series of spring events.  

Tickets for the event are limited, so secure your spot here to ensure you have a seat at an event that’s sure to be one to remember. 

Tickets are $99 or $129 for the VIP offering, with the high tea kicking off at 2 pm.

The first release in Roku Gin’s Seasonal Festival Collection, the Roku Gin Sakura Bloom Edition has been crafted to capture the fleeting, yet beautiful, essence of cherry blossoms in bloom, a phenomenon that transforms Japan into a sea of colour and delicate fragrance for just two weeks every year. 

Bringing the essence of Japanese springtime to your glass, the limited edition Roku Gin harnesses the brightness and freshness of Sakura to be enjoyed year-round. Expect an elegant floral taste, layered with hints of saltiness, all underpinned by a delicately complex blend of six unique Japanese botanicals. 

Secure your spot for the exclusive Reign High G&Tea here. 

Roku Sakura Bloom Edition Gin (700mL, RRP $74.99) is available at Dan Murphy’s stores nationwide and online.