Shanghai High Tea in Melbourne

Sitting in Melbourne at the moment I thought I was largely free of Shanghai style. But a small piece in today’s Age newspaper (no link online I could find, sorry) is all about the launch of a new concept here by a chain called Oriental Teahouse – the Shanghai High Tea. Apparently two fans of old Shanghai – the wonderfully named Candice DeVille and Alison Waters are organising the event (Sunday 4th – 2-4 – Oriental Teahouse, Melbourne Central – call 9804 7963 to book). Candice is apparently an artist specialising in all things vintage…and rather superb she look too on her website; I’m an instant fan. The theme is 1920s-1930s Shanghai and they’ve done a bit of homework – Mr Mills, Emily Hahn’s pet gibbon (below) gets a mention, as does old Sir Victor Sassoon and Noel Coward. The idea of reinvention in Shanghai is floated – this could all be quite fun. Sadly I can’t attend as I’m talking about old Peking (that Shanghai vs Peking thing yet again…this time in Melbourne!!).