Melbourne’s love affair with cheese boards and winter wine nights is getting a slightly more refined twist this season, with The Westin Melbourne bringing back its popular High Cheese experience for a third year.
Running from 26 May until 17 October 2026, the cheese focused high tea returns to Allegro Restaurant on Collins Street, replacing cucumber sandwiches and tiny cakes with artisan cheeses, savoury bites and baked Camembert designed for sharing.
Created by Executive Chef Apoorva Kunte in collaboration with Richmond cheesemonger Supercheese and Victorian producer Punt Road Wines, the experience leans heavily into comfort food territory while still keeping the structure of a traditional three tier high tea.
But unlike the usual daytime tea service, High Cheese is designed more like an evening wind down. Sessions run Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm through to 9:30pm, making it feel closer to after work drinks and grazing than a formal hotel high tea.
The menu centres around artisan cheeses sourced through Supercheese, alongside savoury dishes, sweet finishes and one of the bigger drawcards of the experience, a shared baked Camembert served to the table. A glass of Punt Road wine is included with every booking, while guests can also opt for a full wine pairing for an additional cost.
The collaboration itself is part of what makes the event feel distinctly Melbourne. Pairing a CBD hotel with a well known Richmond cheesemonger and local winery gives the experience more personality than a standard seasonal dining package.
As temperatures continue to drop across the city, High Cheese is likely to become another winter dining favourite for anyone looking to swap cocktails for red wine and melted cheese.
Bookings are now open, with prices starting from $90 per person.
