Tea beneath the neo-classical arches of The Peninsula Lobby.
Step through the hotel’s main entrance and change gear, as this living
example of history takes you back to a more gracious world when there
was always time for tea.
With The Lobby Strings for musical company, your toughest decision will
be when to visit this most elegant rendezvous for a drink or a meal.”
The Peninsula Hong Kong was built way back in 1928 and is Hong Kong’s oldest hotel. With such pedigree, it is not surprising that it is also the iconic place to do the most English of traditions, which has also become an iconic Hong Kong pastime: the afternoon tea.
The British introduced this traditional pre-dinner snack and social hour to colonial Hong Kong and because of this long-standing tradition, Hong Kong’s hotels have already perfected the afternoon tea experience, so much so that Hong Kong’s offerings of afternoon tea are already said to rival that of London’s.
Even here in Manila, we were already lovers of afternoon tea. So of course, when we were in Hong Kong, we couldn’t pass up the chance to experience afternoon tea in “The Grande Dame of the Far East”.
After a quick change in our hotel from our afternoon in Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden, we took a cab to The Peninsula Hong Kong. We arrived there at half past five already, so it was a good thing their afternoon tea was until six! The lobby of The Peninsula Hong Kong was very classic, as seen in the gilded gold and cream ceilings.
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The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila {via} |
Despite the late hour, the Lobby was full and we even had to wait to be seated, although we were the only ones in line.
We were seated at a table quite near the windows, giving us a good view of the lobby while allowing for some late afternoon light.
We ordered the Classic Afternoon Tea (HK$498 for two, plus 10% service charge, for a total of HK$547.80).
Afternoon tea is not just about tea itself. It won’t be complete without a selection of yummy scones, savory finger sandwiches and sweet pastries—all artfully presented in a three-tiered tea tray.
Everything just tasted and felt luxurious. There we were, sipping our tea and eating the yummiest food to go along with them, in no less than The Peninsula Hong Kong. THIS IS THE LIFE!
Cheers!
The Peninsula Hong Kong Hotel, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui or East Tsim Sha Tsui
Afternoon tea at the Lobby of The Peninsula Hong Kong is served daily from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Dress code is smart casual.
No flip-flops allowed. For gentlemen, sleeveless shirts and open-toed shoes are not allowed.
Here’s a shot of the whole menu just in case you want anything other than the afternoon tea seat (click to enlarge)
Wow! Looks good. I’m not much of a tea drinker but I love finger food during tea time. Hehehe! =D
I love teas, but I haven’t tried this yet.. siguro dahil mahal. haha:)
I would like to take my girls here the next time we visit. I bet they’d love the experience…
Btw, in response to your question on my blog… it is not the standard room, I think it is called a Family/Grand Room.
Yes, it’s such a girly girl thing to do too :0 Try the ones in Makati Shangri-La or Peninsula Manila. Way cheaper than the ones in Hong Kong, but still with good ambiance and food 🙂