By: Melissa Stevens
Looking to spoil mum on Mother’s Day? 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 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 afternoon tea is served daily in The Lobby from 2pm–6pm, with a live string group creating a memorable ambience. It is first-come, first-served when it comes to seating so be prepared to queue. Priced at HK $368 for one and HK $658 for two.
More: hongkong.peninsula.com
The Mandarin Oriental
Afternoon tea at the Clipper Lounge in the Mandarin Oriental is usually another 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 themed teas, taking inspiration from the worlds of fashion, art and culture. Afternoon tea is offered daily, with two sittings on weekends. Prices start at HK$298 per person on weekdays.
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–5pm Monday to Friday and 3pm–5.30pm on Saturday. It is 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 3.30pm-5.30pm with an amazing view over Hong Kong from its Cafe 103. They have seasonal menu offerings – currently their afternoon tea set has a Spring theme, inspired by Japan. The menu has been created by Tokyo pastry guest chef Hideaki Tanaka. Prices start at HK$378 for one from Monday to Friday.
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 2.30pm–6pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 1.30pm–6pm on weekends and public holidays. Prices start at HK$408 for one on weekdays.
More: hongkong-ic.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. Tea is served daily from 3.30pm–5.30pm. Prices start at HK$$596 for two on weekdays and bookings are available.
More: hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.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$348 for one.
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”. Tea for two is HK$398.
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$270 for one.
More: fourseasons.com
Feast (Food by EAST)
Feast serves an afternoon tea set during the week, and an afternoon tea buffet on the weekends. The semi-buffet weekend afternoon tea set combines open-faced sandwiches from the antipasti counter and rustic home-made cakes, crepes and desserts from the pastry kitchen. Weekday treats include crab salad and Prosecco jelly and is HK$238 for two people. The tea buffet on weekends and public holidays for HK$245. Tea is served between 3pm–5.30pm.
More: east-hongkong.com
The Envoy
The Envoy, a cocktail bar and restaurant situated on the 3rd floor of The Pottinger Hotel in Central, 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$398.
More: theenvoy.hk
The Verandah
If you are looking for a high tea option on the Southside, then 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$288 for one on weekdays.
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 tea cookies. The set is HK$438 for two people.
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 a high 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 HK$218 for two people.
More: taioheritagehotel.com
Do you have a favourite high tea spot that should be included here? Tell us at editor@expatliving.hk
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