Hong Kong Day 2: Afternoon Tea in the Peninsula

“Nothing is more evocative of the olden days of Hong Kong than Afternoon
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.”

{via}

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.

I remember thinking that I honestly found the lobby of The Peninsula Manila more impressive, with the latter’s soaring high ceiling and lots of natural light while The Peninsula Hong Kong has lower ceilings, and not quite as extensive a lobby. However, consideration must be given for the fact that this hotel was built in the ’20s and was probably the model for The Peninsula Manila, so this was really a piece of history that must be appreciated.

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.

But it was a good thing that we arrived late in the afternoon since we didn’t have to wait long in line, unlike the usual accounts. Look at this picture of the long line for afternoon tea in The Peninsula:

{via}

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).

Peninsula Hong Kong Classic Afternoon Tea Menu

We chose the Earl Grey and Peninsula Afternoon teas, which of course, were also the classics. The service was done with a sense of ceremony, perfect for the classic colonial interiors of The Peninsula’s lobby. So this is how they do tea in Hong Kong (and probably in England). I felt an English accent coming on already! 🙂

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.

The food may be just dainty finger sandwiches but it was heavy and more than enough for the two of us. But since we were there in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month, they even served us with complimentary macarons and a mousse dessert—in lovely shades of pink (which was also the color of the pastries that were part of the tea set).

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!

Afternoon tea in The Peninsula Hong Kong was a very luxurious, romantic escape. Sure, we had to shell out more than Php3,000.00 for this indulgence (already the cost of a gourmet meal in Manila), but it was an indulgence that I didn’t regret. The long lines at The Peninsula Hong Kong may betray the afternoon experience there as an overrated touristy “attraction” —and I actually hate the fact that it has become such a Hong Kong traveler must-do that these long lines must be endured. But for true tea aficionados (especially when it comes to afternoon tea), the high price for this luxury was certainly worth it (and maybe we were just lucky we didn’t have to brave a queue when we got to experience it). So just be sure to time your visit wisely, because afternoon tea at Hong Kong’s renowned Grand Old Lady is certainly worth it.

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)

Sports News | THE SNEAKER BULLETIN

Comments

Tin | The Average Jane says

January 31, 2012 at 12:39 PM

Wow! Looks good. I’m not much of a tea drinker but I love finger food during tea time. Hehehe! =D

The Phenomenal Woman says

February 2, 2012 at 1:00 AM

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.

- The Sunset Goddess says
  
  February 3, 2012 at 9:01 AM
  
  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 🙂

Hong Kong Day 2: Afternoon Tea in the Peninsula

Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

The Sunset Goddess on Instagram