When working from home has you going stir-crazy, treat yourself to an afternoon of (hygienic) indulgence at one of Hong Kong’s afternoon teas
The world is a little crazy right now, and things are a bit scary. But there are still glimmers of normality if you know where to look: like inside the city’s coolest hotels and restaurants. Here, you’ll find it is business as usual, especially when it comes to Afternoon Tea. If you’re tired of staying inside the flat, or co-working spaces have you down, treat yourself to a little indulgence – you deserve it!
These four afternoon teas are worth going outside for – just be sure to wash your hands before tucking in to these delicious treats!
The Envoy
Step back into colonial-era Hong Kong for the afternoon at The Envoy, a chic retreat in the middle of the city. Most people know them for their incredible bar, but The Envoy also serves a beautiful afternoon tea. Their new menu lets you pick six of your favourite items from their list. We love the smoked salmon & crab roll and the fudgy chocolate brownie! Whatever you choose, the tea selection comes with a complimentary mini raisin scone and coffee or tea. For those with a serious sweet tooth, their separate cake menu is worth perusing – the creamy carrot cake is especially moreish.
The Envoy afternoon tea is HK$170 per person, and is available from 3-5:30pm Monday – Thursday, and 3:30 – 5:30pm on weekends and public holidays.
The Envoy
3/F, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2169 3311
www.theenvoy.hk
Popinjays
The Murray hotel has a pretty unbelievable view over Central, and you don’t need to book a room to enjoy it! Just check out Popinjays, their rooftop oasis, complete with a 420-square meter outdoor terrace. The name refers to both a bird (a little nod to the city’s resident cockatoos!) and a flamboyant and fashionable person, which perfectly describes this vibrant venue. Popinjays offers a mind-bending Infini-Tea Afternoon Tea, inspired by Richard X. Zawitz. Zawitz is the sculptor behind the iconic infinity knots. Bring your appetite (and sense of wonder) and tuck into delights like Beetroot and Goat Cured Parcel, Foie Gras Confit, Brioche Toast and Green Apple, and a Yellow Curry Puff with Chicken Celeri and Raisin. Then sample their delicate desserts, like a Pistachio and Raspberry Crispy Choux, Valrhona Dulcey Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Cake and a Wild Berries Macaron with Jasmine Cream Cheese. Delicious views and a stunning view? Count us in!
Popinjays “Infini-Tea” Afternoon Tea starts at HK$728 per person and is available Tuesday – Friday from 2:30 – 4:30pm, and Weekends from 3:30-5:30pm.
Popinjays
The Murray, Hong Kong, A Niccolo Hotel, 22 Cotton Tree Drive, Central; +852 3141 8888
www.niccolohotels.com
Clipper Lounge
For a taste of true luxury, head to Hong Kong’s most iconic hotel: The Mandarin Oriental. Their elegant Clipper Lounge has a timeless feel to it and it’s perfect for any occasion – from a casual work date to a lavish birthday celebration. If you’re feeling down, this is the place to go to perk up! Their afternoon tea menu changes with the seasons, so you’re getting the freshest flavours and there’s almost always something to look forward to. Their winter menu had a traditional spread of sandwiches – think smoked salmon, cucumber and coronation chicken – but pastries were divine. We’re still dreaming about that red velvet cheesecake… Keep an eye out for their new spring menu, which should be launching soon!
Clipper Lounge’s Afternoon Tea starts at HK$318 per person and is available daily, please see their website for times.
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
5 Connaught Road, Central; +852 2522 0111
www.mandarinoriental.com
Statement
This one is for the Anglophiles. Statement, the elegant modern British restaurant hidden inside Tai Kwun, has launched their first afternoon tea. And they launched it in style, teaming up with Ruinart champagne. Their elegant selection is served in a spiraling metal tray, inspired by the iconic Ruinart bottle shape. Expect elevated British bites, like Roast Beef, Mustard and Pickle sandwich, a Walnut & Lancashire Cheese Puff and a Celeriac Tartelet with pickled root vegetables. Save room for their sweet selection, like a Chocolate & Orange slice or a Vanilla & Acacia Honey Cream Choux. The afternoon tea also includes buttermilk and fruit scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and homemade jams.
Statement’s Afternoon Tea with Ruinart starts at HK$288 per person and is served daily from 3-5pm.
Statement
Police Headquarters Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central; +852 2848 3000
www.statement.com.hk
All photos are the rights of their respective owners