"To mark the building’s centenary, Heritage Auckland is recreating an extra special tea in the roof-top Grand Tearoom on Sunday 11 May."
"The room will be presented as it was in its hey-day with individual tables for families of all ages and friends to share together. Guests can immerse themselves in another era and come along in a chic hat to be in to win a prize on the day."
"Morning and afternoon sessions are available. Bookings are essential. No door sales."
The Media Release is as follows:

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF HERITAGE
– HERITAGE AUCKLAND MOTHERS DAY TEA 

 

Heritage Auckland’s iconic Hobson Street building turns 100 years old on 14 April. It’s a little known fact but the building was commissioned by a successful catalogue sales entrepreneur, Robert Laidlaw. The first sign above the Hobson Street door for the first four years was for his company, Laidlaw Leeds.

When he was called up to WW1 in 1918 he sold his company to the Farmers Union Trading Company, but was soon asked back as general manager. In 1920 he turned the Hobson St building into a retail store and the Big Store legend began. His innovation was stamped across the company for decades.

Not many Aucklanders of a certain age can recall the building’s past without a nostalgic smile over the playground pedal cars, Hector the parrot and Santa’s huge summoning presence on the corner of Hobson and Wyndham streets at Christmas.

To mark the building’s centenary, Heritage Auckland is recreating an extra special tea in the roof-top Grand Tearoom on Sunday 11 May.

The room will be presented as it was in its hey-day with individual tables for families of all ages and friends to share together. Guests can immerse themselves in another era and come along in a chic hat to be in to win a prize on the day.

The delicious tea includes a glass bubbles on arrival, tea presented in silver teapots with fine china to your own exclusive table, tea stand presented treats and a centennial shopping bag with a selection of gifts and souvenir items including what else? A commemorative teaspoon.

The tea is $75 GST inc. per person. For bookings and information call 09 9797438 or email mothersday@heritagehotels.co.nz (Children under 14 years ticket price is $45. Under-three year olds are free entry). Morning and afternoon sessions are available. Bookings are essential. No door sales.

Website: www.heritagehotels.co.nz

ENDS

Full history and more historic photos available.

Media Contact:
Susan Gibson
Group Communications Manager
Heritage Hotel Management
Phone: 09 9797566 or mobile 021 855 645 email susang@heritagehotels.co.nz