Having sampled the afternoon tea sets at The Peninsula Lobby, The Intercontinental Lobby, Clipper Lounge @ The Mandarin Oriental, Cafe Grey Deluxe, The Verandah @ The Repulse Bay Hotel, Sevva, and The Ritz-Carlton Lounge, The Four Seasons is my favorite.
Decor & Atmosphere
The decor is modern but cozy despite the high ceilings. Tables are placed far apart so that you never had to hear your neighbor’s conversation. There is also live piano music playing throughout most of the afternoon tea. An added bonus is that The Four Seasons accepts reservations for their afternoon tea, so you would not be stuck waiting for an hour like The Peninsula. Additionally their dress code is completely casual to the extent of shorts and flip-flops.
Menu
The regular afternoon tea set at The Four Seasons is approximately $35USD for one and $63USD for two. You can also add a glass of champagne for $20USD.
Hubby’s Afternoon Tea Set for one
The reason that I would go back to The Four Seasons is due to their amazing scones. They serve the best scones in Hong Kong hands down. These were so good that I wished we ordered the afternoon tea set for two just so I can have more of the delicious scones. The clotted cream and the homemade jam is also top-notch. I was amazed that most of the people ate the sweets first, sandwiches second, and the scones last! How could a scone taste good cold? It must be eaten first when it is piping hot with the clotted cream and jam all melting into one delicious bite.
My Passionfruit Iced Tea
I usually order a cold drink during afternoon teas as I do not possess a sweet tooth. My passionfruit iced tea tasted of real passionfruit and decent quality tea. There was no need for me to add sugar.
Overall: If you are after a high quality afternoon tea experience during your trip to Hong Kong, The Four Seasons would be your best. The Peninsula is too touristy, The Clipper Lounge needs a makeover, and the rest is not worth the money. Needless to say that the service at the Four Seasons is superb, easily the best of the bunch as well.
The Lounge is located on the lobby level of The Hong Kong Four Seasons at 8 Finance Street and is attached to the IFC Mall. Tel: 3196 8820
