Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong

Meredith, Kaitlin, Kathy and I made a quick stop in Hong Kong before returning to California and all agreed that Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula Hotel would perfectly cap off our three week trip. Born to Shop readers know how much I love this hotel, and while tea is served in other Hong Kong venues, the traditional service at the Pen tops all charts. This is the event where others strive to compete, but seriously folks, it’s a one-tea-town.

Afternoon tea at the Pen honors the British tradition dating back to the mid-1800s, when tea was a time to share gossip and show off one’s prettiest teapots and china. Hostesses competed with each other to prepare the most refined menus and elegant table settings. Traditional offerings included savory sandwiches, hot teacakes, English muffins and scones, along with a choice of traditional teas.

The Pen continues this tradition by serving tea in eggshell-thin bone china. Delicate finger sandwiches with choices of smoked salmon, egg salad, chicken salad, and prawns with cucumber are offered on silver tiered tea trays. Next, warm buttery scones arrive, made from a recipe unchanged at The Pen for over half a century. They are served with jam and Devonshire clotted cream.

 Cocktails, champagne and other beverages are also available, along with egg dishes, smoked salmon and an assortment of tarts.

THE DETAILS

The celebrated Peninsula Classic Afternoon Tea (HK$ 338 for one person or HK$ 598 for two) is served daily in the hotel lobby from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, accompanied by live classical string music. Reservations are not taken and a queue forms early, but don’t hesitate. This experience is well worth the wait.

Many thanks to The Peninsula for hosting us!