Mosman institution Gunners Barracks isn’t just a favourite wedding venue, it also offers one of the city’s most famed high teas. Book a table with a view over the harbour, then settle in at a white-clothed table to enjoy the house-made cakes, scones, sandwiches and savoury pastries served on traditional silver tableware. Gunners has an extensive tea menu, but you can also order bubbles or a cocktail to give your high tea some fizz. End of Suakin Drive, Mosman; gunnersbarracks.com.au.

The Charles’ opulent dining room is the perfect location for an elegant high tea service. Start with a few delicious savoury bites such as the smoked salmon madeleines or a gougere filled with Brillat-Savarin creme, then dive into the dessert trolley – maybe a passionfruit meringue tart or an Earl Grey and grapefruit charlotte? Follow with a mouthful of chocolate or a macaron. Celebrating at home? Order a cake or a box of house-made chocolates to go. 66 King Street, Sydney; thecharles.sydney

Located in what was once the Grand Ballroom of the landmark Queen Victoria Building, The Tea Room offers traditional morning and afternoon tea every day, along with a weekday a la carte lunch service. Served on authentic British silverware and classic Royal Albert china, it’s guaranteed to make you feel like a royal. Mother’s Day celebrations take over The Tea Room with special morning and afternoon services all weekend. Level 3 (Market Street end), Queen Victoria Building, 455 George St, Sydney; thetearoom.com.au

You’ll want to dress up for high tea at the intimate Velvet Lounge at the Sofitel Wentworth. Settle into the deep red leather banquettes or velvet chairs for an elegant afternoon. Sip cocktails or a glass of Pommery champagne while you nibble delicate patisserie – maybe a portion of pistachio opera cake or the Wentworth signature cheesecake with almonds? The selection ranges from the classic to the contemporary. Savouries include smoked salmon on artisan wholemeal and a soft chicken brioche bun. 101 Phillip St, Sydney; Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

High tea may be an English invention, but that doesn’t mean other cultures can’t take the concept and give it a brilliant local spin. At Mecca Bah, enjoy a pyramid of Middle Eastern sweets and savouries to rival the most delicious traditional scones and clotted cream. Views over Darling Harbour and a cocktail on arrival add to the celebratory vibe. Shop 5, 32-34 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, Sydney; meccabah.sydney/food-menu

No one does a pretty, pastel-themed high tea like the team at Loftus Lane. It’s a grown-up kids’ party adorned with flowers, colour and French tableware. Choose from the Ferris Wheel or Carousel setting, and gently spin to find the finger sandwiches, scones and pastries you prefer. It’s even more fun with a signature colourful cocktail. 3/38-42 Bridge Street, Sydney; loftuslanecafe.com.au

Sure afternoon tea is fun for Mother’s Day, but how about afternoon tea and acrobatics? Enter the opulent vintage-themed interior of Cardea, named for the legendary Roman goddess who prevented evil spirits from crossing thresholds, and enjoy a lavish high tea spread complete with cocktails and a touch of theatre in this speakeasy-style cabaret bar. Shop 2 T3.01, 300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; cardeasydney.com.au