Cats’ Alley, The Hydro, Medlow Bath

We stop in for afternoon high tea (as you do) at the gloriously art-deco Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath. 

Originally built in 1904, the Hydro’s popularity has waxed and waned through the ages. But, after a $30m retrofit in 2014, the hotel they call the “Grand Old Lady” seems to have a new lease of life. 

The Wintergarden, with its view over the Megalong Valley, is almost full, and we are lucky to get a table.

Afterwards, we look around the hotel. We’d done the historic tour last time we were in the Mountains, and there were a few places we wanted to revisit. Among them, is Cats’ Alley, a corridor connecting the Wintergarden dining room with the Majestic Ballroom. Cats’ Alley is so-called because it is where, back in the day, ladies would take tea and pass comments on what other women were wearing, and on the men accompanying them.

Main: A side door in Cats’ Alley.

Extras: The view from one of the balconies, overlooking the Megalong Valley; shadows on the balcony; the hotel entrance.