If you haven’t yet had an afternoon tea experience, then really, it’s high time you do
1. Traditional Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, London, UK
You’d struggle to better the traditional afternoon tea at this iconic British hotel. Among the delish treats are English scones with clotted cream and jam, and 18 outstanding teas for you to choose from. Enjoy them all in the sumptuous Palm Court (above), which boasts a resident harpist who will serenade you with tunes.
From £54 (US$67) per adult; £30 per child. Served daily at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. The Ritz, London, is at 150 Piccadilly, London.
2. Myanmar High Tea at The Strand, Yangon, Myanmar
For an unforgettable experience in Yangon, treat yourself to afternoon tea with a local twist at luxurious landmark hotel The Strand (above). Nibble on delicacies ranging from savoury shrimp wontons to ginger-infused chocolate bonbons.
US$18 per person. Served daily from 2.30pm to 5pm. The Strand is at 92 Strand Rd, Yangon.
3. Morning Tea at Belmont Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Ever wish you could have afternoon tea in the mornings? Well, you can now at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Its Morning Tea – the menu is decidedly lighter than that of its afternoon session – includes finger sandwiches and wickedly indulgent sweet treats (for mornings anyway) such as the classic South African dessert ‘melktert’, a milk tart. While you’re at it, top up a little extra (ZAR 95, or roughly US$7) for a glass of sparkling wine – you are on holiday, after all.
ZAR 255 per adult; ZAR 185 per child. Served daily from 9.30am to noon. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is at 76 Orange St, Cape Town.
4. W T Time, Drop the T² Afternoon Tea at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
Living up to the W reputation, the afternoon tea at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove’s Woobar is fun and flamboyant. Think a beautiful birdcage full of delectables (above), including tutti-frutti sandwiches, mango ‘sushi’, chorizo madeleine and lots more surprises.
S$65 (US$46) for two on weekdays; S$75 for two on weekends and public holidays. Served daily, from 3pm to 5pm. W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is at 21 Ocean Way.
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5. Tea at the Empress at Fairmont Empress, Victoria, Canada
Adults and little ladies and gents alike will love the afternoon tea at this majestic hotel (above) in Victoria, thanks to a menu that includes sandwich toppings that run the gamut, from kids’ favourites, such as peanut butter and jelly, to traditional English classics such as cucumber. But who cares about the savouries when there are rainbow cupcakes?
CAD$75 (US$58) per adult; CAD$37.50 per child. Served daily, from 11am to 6pm. Fairmont Empress is at 721 Government St, Victoria.
6. Mandarin Oriental Thai Tea Set at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand
Sure, the food here is delicious (think Thai dumplings, mango scones and sweet coconut puddings), but while you indulge, take note, too, of the surroundings, which is what really sets this experience apart from those at other hotels. The resplendent Author’s Lounge channels the hotel’s literary heritage and is adorned with photographs of the famous writers who have graced the hotel over the years.
1,450 baht (US$42) per person. Served daily, from noon to 6pm. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is at 48 Oriental Ave, Bangkok.
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7. Tea-Tox Healthy Afternoon Tea by Madeleine Shaw at Brown's Hotel, London, UK
A refreshing take on the traditional afternoon tea, this one – which you will enjoy in the luxury hotel’s The English Tea Room – serves up feel-good food such as miso-glazed salmon, and raw white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. Fork out a bit more (an extra £10) for a glass of extra brut (read: low in sugar) champagne.
£55 per person. Served daily, from noon to 5.30pm. Brown’s Hotel is at 33 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London.
8. Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles, USA
Bask in the golden sunshine in the Lobby Lounge while sipping Earl Grey from English fine china and nibbling classic finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. The hotel also does a dreamy Chocolate Tea on Sundays.
US$42 per person, from Mondays to Wednesdays; US$46 per person, from Thursdays to Saturdays. Served Mondays to Fridays from noon to 4pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is at 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, California.
– TEXT BY HANNAH STUART-LEACH
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED, INSTAGRAM, THE RITZ LONDON FACEBOOK, THE STRAND YANGON FACEBOOK
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
