‘Twas the way afternoon tea should be — Antebellum garden surrounds, English cakes and scones, just in Melbourne.

Our experience

Nestled within the verdant gardens of the Antebellum-style Como House, The Stables at Como House is precisely that. A historical yard for horses reincarnated into a gorgeous escapade more in the English country style compared to the main attraction on these grounds. Maybe it’s the darling white umbrellas beckoning you to be seated underneath. Maybe it’s the homeliness of the decor that is imprinted with the crisp pristine whiteness of a glossy interior decorating magazine. Or maybe, as it was in the case of these Dessert Correspondents, it’s the preposterously long, bountiful counter of baked sweets and goods that send chills down your back. Oh glory days!

Offering an all-day dining retreat, visit the Stables in the morning for the “Toasted Banana Bread” ($16). A veritable tower of moist, pungently-flavoured banana bread, smothered in frothy layers of mascarpone cream, and dripping with a viscous berry compote and crushed pistachio. This is a breakfast dessert guaranteed to tie you over at least until late afternoon…just in time for….

Afternoon tea! Of course, it would be a crime to forgo afternoon tea in a place such as the Stables. The long counter of sweets is screaming to be turned into a buffet counter of sugary hedonism. The question of why it has not yet is certainly a question. No matter, for now, take your pick of an assortment of chocolate truffles, old-fashioned and childhood biscuit favourites such as honey joys, florentines and melting moments, grandmother cakes like lemon slice, lamingtons and a rotating selection of tea cakes. Or perhaps, you could choose the larger desserts, such as the New York baked cheesecake, Eton Mess or Banana Split. Are you experiencing the truly “First World” dilemma of gluttonous indecision now?

Allow us to assist. Select the Devonshire Tea ($15 pp) for two plump “Aggies Lemonade Scones,” served with a miniature pot of French country-style Bonne Maman jam, a dish of whipped Chantilly cream, and accompanied with tea or coffee. This, my dears, is how an afternoon is made.

Our verdict

We like short and sweet stories — dessert adventures that hit that spot, without further ado. For a touch of Southern charm, an immersion in English deliciousness and pure Melbourne food excellence, look no further than an easy, carefree, delightful morning or afternoon tea at the Stables at Como House.

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Dessert adventure checklist

1. ☑ Dessert destination: The Stables at Como House, Corner of Williams Road and Lechlade Avenue, South Yarra, Vic 3141.
2. ☑ Budget: $$.
3. ☑ Sweet irresistibles: Cake and afternoon tea.
4. ☑ Must-eat: The “Toasted Banana Bread” and the scones.
5. ☑ The short and sweet story: ‘Twas the way afternoon tea should be — Antebellum garden surrounds, English cakes and scones, just in Melbourne.

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