Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula: the definitive Hong Kong experience
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Leave the shorts and Birkenstocks behind - taking Afternoon Tea at Hong Kong's most iconic hotel the Peninsula is a 'must do' while in the city, and though most people are fairly casually dressed, no one here looks like an outright tourist. But you'll find it's worth brushing up a bit for, steeped in tradition, it seems everyone in Hong Kong loves to come for Afternoon Tea in the hotel's very grand The Lobby.
The Lobby is busy and bustling between 2pm and 7pm, the serving time for Afternoon Tea. Swathed in pale yellows, creams and light golds, it's not over-the-top in opulence, and as far as expensive hotels go, it has a relaxed feel to it. You can sense the history here though.
Opting for the Classic Peninsula Afternoon Tea, you'll be served a dainty selection of cakes, finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam on a three-tier silver stand, accompanied by whichever tea you prefer from the menu choice.
The fresh-baked scones are especially delicious, as are the mini egg tarts (which for bakery treats, are a huge favourite in Hong Kong). Some of the cakes and sandwiches only came in singles, so it means divvying them up if you want to get a taste of everything (and why wouldn't you want to?).
From the tea menu, the Assam tea is very delicately flavoured, although you can't go wrong with Earl Grey or the Peninsula Afternoon Tea. The tea is freely topped up and there's no rush to hurry you on after you've finished your last cake – stay and chit chat like the Hong Kong people do.
Yes, the Peninsula Afternoon Tea should certainly be an inclusion in any trip to Hong Kong, but you'll be better off aiming for a weekday to fit it in – weekends are known to be crammed with very lengthy wait times. Whichever day you come, you will need to queue as reservations are not taken, but arrive early for a shorter wait.
Classic Afternoon Tea for 2 people is HKD$398.
Salisbury Road , Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Contact tel: 852 2920 2888, e-mail:
Cost 2 course set menu: £10 - £25 per person
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Afternoon Tea in The Peninsula
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