Three of the best: Places for girly teas

Karla Goodwin of Bluebells Cakery, Hillsborough. Photo / Babiche Martens

1. The Fairy Shop
79 Ponsonby Rd, (09) 360 1560. Two session times: 9.45am-10.45am or 11am-12pm, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. $25 per adult and child pair, including morning tea for both.

The Fairy Shop has the option of a midweek "Fairy High Tea" party in their newly refurbished store. Your little fairy will have a morning tea plate with a sweet treat, fruit kebab and sandwich with juice, while being entertained by a fairy with bubbles and face paints. The kids eat together on little toadstool seats while parents can sit back and watch them while catching up with friends or just having a break.

2. Bluebells Cakery
161a Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough. Contact Karla on 021 198 8335.

For an intimate high tea experience, Bluebells Cakery and the Vintage Table can cater in your own home or chosen venue. Cost is $32.50 per person and includes delivery in central Auckland, set up with vintage china and silver teaspoons, tablecloths and tiered cake stands, as well as a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, savoury tartlets, freshly baked scones, petite cupcakes and other sweet treats, as well as fine teas. Minimum number is 10.

3. Little & Friday
43 Eversleigh Rd, Belmont and 12 Melrose St, Newmarket. Ph (09) 524 8742 or (09) 489 8527.

With their pretty vintage furniture, clever shabby chic touches and high energy service, the Little & Friday cafes on both sides of the bridge will delight girls from 8 to 80. The doughnuts are no ladylike morsels, but we like that - voluptuous, jammy, creamy, a little like ourselves, really. While you are there, buy owner Kim Evans' top-selling cookbook to recreate the joy in your own kitchen.