Looking to spoil mum on her birthday? Perhaps you need a venue for a baby shower? Or maybe you just want to have a catch-up with a close girlfriend? High tea, or afternoon tea, presents the perfect way to share a memorable moment. Hong Kong has a number of venues which offer this oh-so-English experience. We’ve put together a list of some of our faves for your inspiration.
The Mandarin Oriental
Afternoon tea at the Clipper Lounge in the Mandarin Oriental is a front-runner on any Hong Kong high tea fan’s to-do list. The menu features classic finger sandwiches, such as coronation chicken, sweets, scones and their signature rose-petal jam. They also offer seasonal themes, taking inspiration from the worlds of fashion, art and culture. Afternoon tea is offered daily, with two sittings on weekends. Prices start at HK$368 per person.
More: mandarinoriental.com
SEVVA
The setting competes with the food, creating a veritable feast for the senses, at the super-stylish SEVVA. The afternoon tea set is renowned for a menu which is a fusion of cuisines from Europe and Asia, ranging from classics such as crumpets with smoked salmon to SEVVA’s signature crabmeat and prawn salad burger. Their famous rolled sandwiches are served in waxed paper, adorned with artistic prints. They also offer a vegetarian afternoon tea. The tea sets are HK$720 for two people, served between 2.30pm and 5pm Monday to Friday, and 3pm and 5.30pm on Saturday. It’s walk-in only and closed on Sundays.
More: sevva.hk
The Ritz-Carlton
Putting the ‘high’ into high tea, the Ritz-Carlton offers a daily tea experience from 3.15pm to 5.15pm with an amazing view over Hong Kong from its Cafe 103. There are seasonal menu offerings. Prices start at HK$718 for two.
More: ritzcarlton.com
InterContinental
The InterContinental’s Lobby Lounge, where a wall of windows gives you a view across Victoria Harbour, is the decadent setting for the hotel’s high tea offerings. They have a variety of sets to choose from, ranging from a Champagne tea set to a contemporary Chinese tea set. They also have seasonal offerings, such as a very indulgent Parisian afternoon tea set showcasing “le chocolat Alain DuCasse”. Tea is served from 3pm to 6pm daily. Prices start at HK$538 for two.
More: hongkong.intercontinental.com
Grand Hyatt
The Tiffin Lounge at the Grand Hyatt serves a daily afternoon tea, with a backdrop of live music. Enjoy a mix of classic sweet and savoury high tea faves, such as scones and finger sandwiches served daily from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Prices start at HK$$596 for two on weekdays and bookings are available.
More: hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com
The Peninsula
Having afternoon tea at the iconic Peninsula hotel is definitely an experience that should be on everyone’s Hong Kong bucket list. An elegant English offering is served daily in The Lobby from 2pm to 6pm, with a live string group creating a memorable ambience. It’s first-come, first-served when it comes to seating so be prepared to queue. The tea is priced at HK$418 for one and HK $748 for two.
More: peninsula.com
The Langham
The Hong Kong Langham’s Palm Court has been restyled after its namesake at The Langham, London where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago. Palm Court pays tribute to its heritage with a bespoke version of the tradition – “The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood” – serving Wedgwood specialty teas in tailor-made Langham Rose Wedgwood tea ware with its afternoon tea menu. Tea is served daily, with two seatings on weekends. Prices start at HK$688 for two.
More: langhamhotels.com
W Hotel
The chic WOOBAR at the W Hotel is the venue for some of the city’s hippest parties by night, but during the day plays host to high tea. Expect a mix of East and West cuisine with a side of sass, given this is a venue with a dress code that stipulates “witty”. Serving for two is HK$568 on weekdays and HK$718 on weekends and public holidays.
More: w-hongkong.com
Four Seasons
For world-class luxury with a contemporary touch, the Four Seasons’ sun-filled Lounge is the place to be. Add an extra dash of decadence by opting for a cup of their signature hot chocolate alongside your pretty-as-a-picture tea set, and be sure to snag one of their special “pass-around” desserts of the day too. Prices start at HK$658 for two on weekdays and HK$698 on weekends and public holidays.
More: fourseasons.com
The Envoy
Situated on the 3rd floor of The Pottinger Hotel in Central, The Envoy encapsulates a modern take on the colonial influences of Hong Kong. Its Colonial Three-Tier high tea set features fare such as devilled eggs and an avocado and prawn croissant, along with a carefully curated selection of teas. A set is HK$195 per person.
More: theenvoy.hk
The Verandah
If you’re looking for a Southside option, The Verandah is a good choice. The restaurant retains the charm of the original Repulse Bay Hotel, but with a fresh spin. It offers afternoon tea sets daily, and is a great place to chill out away from the hustle and bustle of central Hong Kong. Prices start at HK$348 for one on weekdays and HK$368 on weekends and public holidays.
More: therepulsebay.com
Hotel ICON
One of the city’s most celebrated Cantonese restaurants, Above & Beyond’s breathtaking cuisine matches its sweeping views of Hong Kong. Their afternoon tea set is divided into “sometimes salty” and “a little bit sweet” with Cantonese-inspired treats such as pork dumpling with shrimp and jasmine cookies. The set is HK$388 per person.
More: hotel-icon.com
Tai O Heritage Hotel
The Tai O Heritage Hotel has won wide acclaim for its sympathetic restoration of a former Colonial-era police station. Take a day trip to Tai O and finish it up with an afternoon tea experience. The Taste of Tai O Tea Set features the local culinary speciality of shrimp paste on dishes such as crunchy chicken wings. The set is priced from HK$138 per person on weekdays and HK$288 for two on weekends and public holidays.
More: taioheritagehotel.com
Do you have a favourite spot that should be included here? Tell us at editor@expatliving.hk
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