An afternoon at The Tea Cosy

Are you are looking for a new and delicious experience? Be transported to another time and place - which is utterly Instagram worthy - The Tea Cosy in The Rocks, Sydney is your destination.

Anyone who has enjoyed genuine Irish hospitality will recognise the warmth and generosity of the entire experience. Ash Kinchin and her enthusiastic team have created a slice of Ireland and hospitality to match. As Ash says “The Tea Cosy is a direct homage to my grandmother’s house in Ireland. We spent our summers in Ireland as children and stayed with my Nanna in county Meath. The whole experience was about baking and food. Nanna would spend all day, every day baking, picking fruit and vegetables from her garden and making endless cups of tea. The smells were delicious, the sounds were old music, and the sights were tassles, crochet rugs and wooden baking equipment.”

At The Tea Cosy, classic fine bone china tea cups and saucers sit alongside tea cosies with attitude jostling books and memorabilia, quirky lamps and antique furniture and the crowning glory of The Grandstand - their Afternoon Tea centrepiece. This is a triumphant and elegant tower featuring a selection of scones with a choice of Jams and Cream and finely made finger sandwiches (what is it about cutting off the crust on bread that makes it feel and taste so special?)

Their traditional scones are light and fluffy a great base for high end jams and cream. They also have developed a modern take on scones, Ash and her team pivoted during Covid resulting in the creation of new flavours each week and delivered personally to their loyal followers - highlights included the Butterscotch Scones and Strawberries and Cream during the Strawberry excess. Highly popular this has become a regular feature on their menu - April’s feature is Hot Cross Scones and May’s featured scone is Rose and Vanilla (on the day we visited the Colcannon Scones were an absolute standout!).

A perfect venue for anything from a casual, outdoor, mid-afternoon refreshment to a small gathering to celebrate a special occasion (ask them about their beautiful, cosy private rooms) there’s something to suit everyone here. Pick up a Tea Cosy and some jam to take home.

Next time you visit The Rocks stop in for a Cuppa! Alfresco and picturesque The Tea Cosy is delicious and a lot of fun in equal measure!