20 Relaxing Afternoon Tea Escapes in Singapore

Need a breather from a hectic work week? In the midst of all those endless tasks, we need to stop and smell the (bacon) roses every now and then. If you can’t afford to be away from the office for a full day, take a Friday afternoon off and reward yourself with three-tier afternoon tea sets or a full-on high tea buffet at any of these 20 locations.

1. 10 SCOTTS Though sandwiched between the splendor of malls in Orchard, Grand Hyatt’s lobby lounge makes for a soothing escape with its intimate ambience and a breathtaking view of the cascading indoor waterfall.

The variety of gourmet sandwiches, desserts and cheeses include favourites such as crab cakes with remoulade sauce, fresh popiah, as well as warm scones with raspberry and kaya jam, topped with fresh clotted cream. Anyone looking for an extra oomph of luxury can opt for free-flow premium Perrier Jouët champagne to complement your meal. Price: $43++/$73++* per adult (Mon to Fri), $53++/$83++* per adult (Sat, Sun & PH) *Free flow champagne Complimentary for children below 4 years old, $26++ per child (Ages 4 – 12) Time: 12pm to 2.30pm, 3pm to 5pm For reservations: Call 6732 1234 or e-mail: 10scotts.sg@hyatt.com 10 SCOTTS, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Lobby Level, Singapore 228211

2. Alkaff Mansion Ristorante

Alkaff’s weekday afternoon tea sets may no longer be available, but their Italian Afternoon Tea Buffet on Saturdays is one that is worth waiting all week for. Imagine sipping on gourmet tea, making multiple trips to the eggs and live pasta stations and watching the chefs dish out crepes suzette – all while live music plays on in the background. Price: $40++ per adult (inclusive of tea served in a teapot), $18++ per child (ages 5 – 12) Time: 11.30am to 3pm For reservations: Call 6510 3068, email enquiry@alkaff.com.sg or book online at http://alkaff.com.sg/book-now Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, 10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178

3. Anti: dote

This three-month-old afternoon tea experience comes in two different themes: The Anti: dote Tea and The Oriental Tea, each with an additional highlight on top of an elegant selection of 15 creations beautifully presented in a jewellery drawer-chest. Black truffle scrambled eggs accompanies the former, while the latter is served with steamed and fried dim sum. For the little ones, a customized Children’s Tea Set comprises a delightful mix of grilled ham and cheese fingers, tartlets and hot chocolate. Price: $45++ per adult, $15++ per child Time: Mon to Fri – 3pm to 5pm; Sat and Sun – 12pm to 2pm, 3pm to 5pm For reservations: Call 6431 5315 or email askus@antidotebar.com Anti: dote, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road Level 1, Singapore 189560

4. Axis Bar and Lounge

Axis Bar and Lounge takes pride in its monthly-themed afternoon tea menus – a five-course affair of sweet and savoury delights. This year, local flavours take centre stage in conjunction with the nation’s jubilee. After four months of dialect-based creations, May sees the coconut flavour in the spotlight. Expect coconut chendol jelly, beef rending meatball with coconut crumbs, coconut scones and coconut ondeh ondeh amongst others. Price: $42 per person, $80 for two (inclusive of TWG teas) Time: Daily 3pm to 5pm, 12.30pm to 2.30pm on Sat & Sun For reservations: Call 6885 3500 or e-mail mosin-dining@mohg.com Axis Bar and Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797

5. Carousel

For those who want a little bit of everything, award-winning buffet restaurant Carousel offers an international high tea buffet daily. The wide selection ranges from fresh seafood picks such as Greenland mussels and lobster claws, to local fare, dim sum and even pad thai noodle stations. You’ll want to save some space for dessert and maybe linger near the three chocolate fountains for a bit. Price: $42++ per adult, $27++ per child from Mon to Thur; $48++ per adult, $32++ per child from Fri to Sun & PH Time: 3.30pm to 5.30pm daily For reservations: Call 6589 7799, email carousel@royalplaza.com.sg or book online at www.carouselbuffet.com.sg Carousel, Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Road, Singapore 228220

6. Chihuly Lounge

One of our favourite afternoon tea spots, Chihuly Lounge is known for their seasonal themed afternoon teas. For instance in May, it went all out in Pink for their Spring Afternoon Tea Buffet. Aside from their usual spread of sandwiches, canapes and a constantly refilled savoury station starring goose liver parfait and potato curry turnover, an array of pink-themed desserts sat at the entrance ready for your habitual food snaps and indulgence. Sweet treats included cherry bubble gum cupcake, pink choux and pink velvet cake. Price: $58 per adult, $29 per child (ages 6 to 12) Time: 2.30pm to 5pm on weekends For reservations: Call 6434 5288 or email rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com Chihuly Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799

7. Fosters

Our cheapest find on the list comes from Fosters at Holland Village. Perfect for those who want the basic works of pastries and tea, is their $11.50 Devonshire Cream Tea Set. While it is primarily a steakhouse, its twin identity as an English rose café shines through their scones, which we hear are pretty rad. Price: $11.50++ Time: 3pm to 5.30pm daily Fosters, Holland Village, 277 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278994

8. HOUSE at Dempsey

HOUSE’s vintage high tea buffet has proven to be a favourite, especially amongst groups of girlfriends or lovebirds looking for a romantic date spot. You might imagine yourself at the Mad Hatter Tea Party with over 20 different delectable morsels served on mismatched vintage dining wares. Indulge in slices of classic cakes; bites of skinny pizza then pile on their artisan breads with dip before going for the sweet treats again. Price: $30++ per pax Time: 3pm to 5.30pm on Thur and Fri For reservations: Call 6475 7787 HOUSE, Tanglin Village, 8D Dempsey Road, Singapore 249672

9. L'Espresso

Goodwood Park’s English afternoon tea darling revamped its menu just last year, introducing new savouries such as duck rilette and hot smoked salmon with horseradish cream. The new chocolate corner holds every chocolate lover’s core team of chocolate mousse, brownies, truffles and a glorious chocolate fountain. Also making its debut are new desserts like mango yoghurt dream and sago gula melaka. Don’t worry, their well-loved scones, sandwiches and croissants haven’t gone anywhere. Price: $45 per adult, $22.50 per child; includes two servings of coffee and tea or a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne at S$68 per adult Time: 2pm to 5.30pm from Mon to Thur, 12pm to 2.30pm (1st seating) & 3pm to 5.30pm (2nd seating) from Fri to Sun & PH For reservations: Call 6730 1743 L'Espresso, Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221

10. LIME Over at LIME, natural light pours in beautifully during the afternoons as you indulge in their “Tiers of Joy” tea set. The three-tiered stand comes decked with miniature macarons, raisin scones and earl grey chocolate brownies – baked fresh daily by the team of pastry chefson top of sandwiches to nibble on and a choice of refreshing teas. Price: $38++ per set Time: 3pm to 6pm daily For reservations: Call 6809 8899 or email lime.prsps@parkroyalhotels.com LIME, PARKROYAL on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289

11. Pacific Marketplace

From hot and toasty chicken and truffle pies to apple wood-smoked salmon on brioche and red velvet cupcakes topped uniquely with toffee-frosted sticky date, Pacific Marketplace's usual three-tier Afternoon Tea set hits a good variety of flavours for the price you pay. Price: $58 for two adults with tea and coffee (top up $48 for free flow red or white white; $58 for free flow champagne), $68 for two on the Mother's Day weekend. Time: 3pm to 5pm from Mon to Fri For reservations: Call 6826 8240 or email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com Pacific Marketplace, Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard Lobby, Singapore 039595

12. Pollen While you stop to smell the roses at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, swing by POLLEN for a unique afternoon tea experience. You’ll be surrounded by the Mediterranean landscape in a climate-controlled setting as you nosh on their sweet palmiers, macarons, tea cakes, scones and their savoury selection of chicken liver parfait on sourdough, parma ham and mozzarella bruschetta. Price: $38++ per person Time: 3pm to 5pm daily For reservations: Call 6604 9988 Pollen, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive #01-09 (Flower Dome), Singapore 018953

13. Sky On 57 For that very special occasion, a heightened afternoon tea on the 57th level of Singapore’s iconic hotel with a stunning view of the city skyline sounds like glittery perfection. The Sky High Tea features an upscale three-tier studded with celebrity chef Justin Quek’s signature dishes such as foie gras xiao long bao and a miniature cup of fresh mushroom cappuccino. Price: $78++ for two, $138 ++ for two (paired with glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve each) Time: 2.30pm to 5pm daily For reservations: Call 6688 8857 or email skyon57@marinabaysands.com Sky On 57, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue Level 57 (Tower 1 Skypark), Singapore 018956

14. Tea Lounge

You might want to make reservations for this one even before you’re done reading the article. One of the most popular afternoon tea spots in Singapore goes to Regent Hotel’s Tea Lounge. While they do serve a three-tier afternoon tea on weekdays, we say go for the weekend high tea buffet instead. Worth every cent you pay, the plethora of appetisers, smoked fish, sushi, carved meats, Asian specialties, cheese and freshly baked pastries will probably get you dizzy with excitement before the sugar rush and food coma sets in. Tip: Request for their crepes or warm lava cakes. Price: $45++ per pax (afternoon tea), $61++ per pax (high tea buffet) Time: 12pm to 5pm on weekdays (afternoon tea), 12pm to 2.30pm & 3pm to 5.30pm on weekends (high tea buffet) For reservations: Call 6725 3245, email tealounge.rsn@fourseasons.com or book online at www.regenthotels.com/EN/Singapore Tea Lounge, The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road Lobby Level, Singapore 249715

15. The Clifford Pier Not a fan of sweet cakes or chocolate? Then The Clifford Pier’s Singapore Heritage Afternoon Tea – specially curated by local F&B personality Shermay Lee – might be a good alternative for you, especially if you’re open to trying novel teatime treats with distinct local flavours. The elegant three-tier consists of eight savoury and eight sweet items, such as bak kwa jam and hae bee hiam sandwiches, chilli crab bao, nonya chicken curry and roti jala wrap, bandung macarons and scones with homemade pineapple-vanilla jam that are reminiscent to pineapple tart fillings. Pair it with their teh tarik (highly recommended) or top up $8* for the Milo Godzilla (ice cold Milo with a scoop of vanilla ice cream). Price: $38 per adult, $19 per child (ages 6 to 11) Time: 3.30pm to 5.30pm daily For reservations: Call 6597 5266 or book online at www.fullertonbayhotel.com The Clifford Pier, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326

16. The Knolls Staying true to Capella Singapore’s colonial past, The Knolls offers a Colonial Afternoon Tea Set on weekdays, with the same set avaible at Cassia on weekends. Highlights on the sweet and savoury bites include Salmon Burrito with Olive oil Caviar, Cream Cheese, Pesto, Fresh Tomato and Cheese Lavosh, Cranberry Scone, Lemon Tart Meringue and a Chocolate Pastry Cream Éclair. The specialty bar boasts a range of over 30 premium Chinese, English, Indian and Japanese teas. Note: Dim sum lovers can opt for the weekend Dim Sum Tea Set over at fine dining Chinese restaurant Cassia instead. Price: $39.90++ per person Time: 3pm to 5pm on weekdays For reservations: Call 6591 5046 The Knolls, Capella Hotel, 1 The Knolls, Singapore 098297

17. The Landing Point The Landing Point’s afternoon tea consists of replenishable three-tiered stands in a chic indoor lounge with the occasional tunes by the in-house pianist. The only muscles you’ll be moving are ones in your jaw and by the second time the waiter replenishes your stands, it will be quite clear what your favourites are. Our must-haves on the savoury level include petit creations like Boston lobster cornet, white truffle egg mayo on baguette and duck confit crepe roulade. The Fullerton Bay’s signature lemon tart gets our raves; and completing the afternoon tea experience quite perfectly is the wide gourmet selection of teas from TWG Tea. Price: $43 per adult Time: 3pm to 5.30pm daily For reservations: Call 6597 5277 or email landingpoint@fullertonbayhotel.com The Landing Point, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326

18. The Rose Veranda A leisurely international afternoon high tea awaits on the mezzanine floor of Shangri-La Singapore. Think lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and full-length glass windows in a rose-scented ambience. Besides Asian delicacies like nonya laksa, dim sum and popiah, a wide array of tempting cakes, pastries and fruit are yours to indulge over, together with a choice of 164 tea blends or aromatic coffees if you so wish. For those who prefer a three-tier, head over to the Lobby Court from 3pm to 5.30pm daily ($34++ per adult on weekdays, $36++ per adult on weekends). Price: $45++ per adult, $23++ per child (prices include free flow of one type of tea; $7.50++ per pot for a different type of tea) Time: 11.30am to 6pm on weekdays, 11.30am to 2.30pm (1st seating) & 3pm to 6pm(2nd seating) on weekends and PH For reservations: Call 6213 4486 The Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350

19. TWG

While you can also enjoy their teas at other venues from this list, we love TWG for their exquisite-looking tea salons, each stocked up with the largest collection of teas from around the world. On a regular day, tea time delights are available a la carte and as set menus in four variations: 1837 ($19), Chic ($32), Fortune ($39) and Manhattan ($40) – each inclusive of TWG Tea, warm toasted sandwiches, muffins, scones served with tea jelly and even macarons in selective sets. Price: $75 per person Time: 11am to 5pm from 8 to 10 May All TWG outlets

20. WOOBAR

Tired of the city buzz? Skip on over to W Singapore – Sentosa Cove for their high tea – W T Time Drop The T². Served in whimsical three-tiered cages, the ever-evolving lineup includes modern interpretations of sweets and savouries, which you can pair with exclusive seasonal flush teas by Dilmah. Nibble on torched lemon curd tarts, coffee scented trifle shots and chocolate foie gras ganache with orange jello as you catch the sunset over the yacht marina. Price: $58++ per cage for two persons, $98++ with half bottle of champagne on weekdays, $68++ and $108++ (with half bottle of champagne) on weekends. Time: 3pm to 5pm daily For reservations: Call 6808 7258, email woobar.singapore@whotels.com or book online at www.wsingaporesentosacove.com/en/woobar WOOBAR, W Singapore, 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374 See Also: Have a relaxing time at these recommended cafes Foamy latte art that will spice up your instagram

Written by Peh Yi Wen Updated: 9 July 2015