Afternoon Tea or High Tea is often synonymous with the British high-society culture and it certainly is also very prevalent as a leisure option in Hong Kong due to its history of being a former British colony. The most renowned and one with most historical significance is that at the Lobby of the Peninsula Hotel. The majestic 5-star luxury hotel opened its doors in 1928 in Tsim Sha Tsui with the idea of being the “finest hotel east of the Suez.” (“How the Post reported The Peninsula’s grand opening in 1928,” South China Morning Post)

Being that one of my life mottos is “keepin’ it classy,” and having recently finished reading Martin Booth’s Gweilo: Memories of a Hong Kong Childhood, in which he makes numerous references to enjoying high-tea with his mother at the Peninsula back in the 40s and 50s, I decided that it was time to experience this myself and determine exactly how great it was.

Before I even go into details – let me just say that, it was indeed great! Such lovely ambiance as a result of its high ceilings, marble (?) columns plated with gold, and the dimmed lighting accompanied by a live quartet on the balcony of the second floor. My friend and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea set for two with sandwiches, scones, and other delicate pastries and had a nice pot of the Peninsula Blend tea that came in actual silverware. The type of silverware that you see in history books or antique shops with the tea pot, tea strainer, hot water pot, teaspoon, and tray – all in silver. My friend was trying to cut down on her caffeine the week we went so they replaced her tea with freshly squeezed orange juice.

The tea set tower came with 4 delicious scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam on the side. (I am obsessed with scones! They are truly the best to accompany a nice cup of tea). We also had an assortment of mini sandwiches, they were all super delicate and delicious, except for the cucumber sandwich! Not sure what was exactly in the cucumber sandwich, perhaps masala? Not a fan. It looked super cute with the layered thinly sliced cucumbers on top as decoration that reminds me of a seashell. And lastly, we had varying options of sweeter pastries and dessert, including a coffee cake, a chocolate mini cupcake, and a pastry that looked like a hotdog but was made out of passionfruit instead. All wonderfully delightful but it was definitely too much food! And probably my entire sugar intake for the month.

What an enjoyable afternoon it was and I absolutely recommend it! It’s $748 HKD for 2 persons, which is actually one of the less expensive tea sets around town. And I am definitely putting it on my list of places where I can “keepin’ it classy.”

wanderingsnow

Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula Hong Kong