Prohibition Restaurant

Date of Visit: 29 October 2011
Location: Prohibition Restaurant, 108 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Website: www.prohibition.co.nz
Cost: $34 pp

As described on the Prohibition website, high tea that is served in restaurants and hotels today was traditionally called 'Low Tea' as it was served at low tables next to armchairs in a parlour. High tea was in contrast eaten after work and served at high tables.

We came here for a friend's birthday, so there were about 12 of us in total. The venue is decorated in a 1920s style and had quite dim lighting in contrast to how bright it was outside. We had a reservation, so they were ready for us when we arrived. My only complaint here was that they had one oblong table next to two circular tables for us which didn't really make for easy conversation down that end of the table.

I loved that we got to choose two teas which were served at intervals during the high tea. I had Jasmine Green Tea (a choice from their Savoury Tea list) and Apple Nut Tea (from the Aromatic and Dessert Tea list). I especially loved the Apple Nut Tea. This is probably one of the best tea selections I've ever seen at a High Tea. For those who don't like tea, there was also a choice to have coffee instead.

Onto the food. They had a good selection here, and probably some of the best scones I've ever had! The bruscetta sandwiches were tasty, and the kitchen was happy to cater to the various dietary requirements of our group (prawn allergies, no ham/pork) which was great. As I said, the scones were delicious. There was a sweet and savoury scone, with jam and cream on the side. The sweet selection was average to be honest. I think they did a better job on the savouries.

The service was generally attentive and able to keep track of all of the different tea orders and dietary requirements. Again, I only have one complaint, and though only minor, it was just one of those moments where they should have known better. When clearing the tables, one of the waitresses reached in front of me to remove the dishes. In my opinion, high tea is more about the experience and atmosphere than the actual food, etc (though it should be good), and this detracted from what had been an enjoyable afternoon.

The bathrooms cannot escape mention here. They are 1920's themed (though using 21st century technology) and have an American 1920's prohibition track playing in the background. They were a little difficult to find, up the stairs and to the left at the end of the hall past the kitchen, so directions were needed.

The general layout was functional, it would appear that they only serve high tea in the main room downstairs, with the other rooms being used when the restaurant serves dinner. Each room was elaborately decorated in a generally tasteful 1920's style.

I recommend coming here with a group no bigger than around 6-8. The 1920's atmosphere is fun and guests are free to try on the 1920's hats hanging around on coat stands (they make good photo ops!). The tea selection is brilliant and you leave the venue feeling generally satisfied. In terms of cost, $34 seems to be fairly standard, and you do get two different teas/coffees all included in the cost.

Service: 3.5/5
Food: 3.5/5
Tea: 5/5
Atmosphere/Ambiance: 4/5
Layout (of restaurant): 4/5
Setup (of table): 3.5/5

Overall: 4/5