We can’t quite travel yet, but if you’re dying to take a trip to England, we’ve got the next best thing in the most quintessential of English customs — afternoon tea. From simple to plain extravagant, take a trip to the English countryside with these places, and while your afternoon away.
The history of afternoon tea
The invention of the afternoon tea is credited to Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, who was just a bit greedy, really. As dinner drew later due to the invention of kerosene lamps, the Duchess often found herself hungry in the mid-afternoon, and requested servants to bring cake and biscuits to her quarters. This soon became a habit within her circle of friends, and very soon, spread throughout the rest of England, with even Queen Victoria becoming a convert. While the afternoon tea today has become much grander affair, the premise wouldn’t exist without the Duchess of Bedford, and we have her to thank for it.
What does an afternoon tea consist of?
Most places serve up a grand, 3-tier afternoon tea stand consisting of sandwiches, cakes and a set of scones. While not so common in Singapore, there’s a much simpler option known as a cream tea, which consists of just scones and tea for the less greedy of us. It's often referred to as high tea in Singapore, but know the difference! High tea refers to a more substantial meal that is often eaten in the early evening, whereas afternoon tea is taken in the late afternoon and is noticeably lighter.
The best places for afternoon tea in Singapore
The Marmalade Pantry
A great introduction to afternoon tea is what one may find at The Marmalade Pantry. Putting on no airs, the stand offers a classic selection of sandwiches, cakes, as well as scones, served with strawberry preserve, orange marmalade and clotted cream. For the less hungry, The Marmalade Pantry offers the option of just scones for a pleasant afternoon indulgence. At SGD48 for 2, it’s also one of the most affordable sets out there.
Available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 3–6pm at The Marmalade Pantry’s Novena and Downtown outlets.
View menu here.
Anti:dote
Located in Fairmont Hotel, afternoon tea here comes served in a chest of drawers. One may say it is a tad excessive, but that’s exactly what Anti:dote is going for. There’s no denying that the spectacle is a delight to look at, and it proves extremely popular on the gram. The selection here is anything but boring; choose from a range of exclusive TWG blends for your tea of choice. The humble sandwich is taken a step further with exquisite fillings, while the sweet selection offers a range of pastries that are both pleasing to the eye and the tongue. The scones are stunning too; with the flavours regularly updated to reflect the month’s theme. A gluten-free set is available as well to cater to those who are sensitive to it!
Available daily in two seatings; 1st seating: 12–2pm, 2nd seating: 3–5pm.
View menu here.
10 Scotts
For something more opulent and grand, the afternoon tea buffet (served à la minute now due to COVID-19) at 10 Scotts is an excellent option. Located in the illustrious Grand Hyatt, the decor of the restaurant is warm and comforting, beckoning you to relax. Choose from an exclusive selection of tea blends by Monogram, an extension of the household name Gryphon. Notable features include the lamb wellington, featuring a hunk of tender lamb encased in a buttery, golden pastry. The sweets are also well-thought out, and are each pleasant in their own right. Since it's a buffet, you’ll be able to get a refill (or two!) of your favourite dishes! The addition of fresh, seasonal fruits in this afternoon tea lends a certain brightness and refreshing quality to it.
Available daily in two seatings; 1st seating: 12–2.30pm, 2nd seating: 3–5.30pm.
View menu here.
Tea Lounge
Take a trip to the English countryside with Tea Lounge’s exclusive afternoon tea set. With a contemporary colonial garden setting, Tea Lounge in Regent Hotel aims to transport you to, well, the English countryside. Alongside a three-tiered stand full of savouries, sweets and of course, scones, enjoy a cup of Gryphon tea over a leisurely afternoon tête-à-tête. For those who are looking for a much more indulgent affair, you may opt for the high tea buffet on weekends, where you’ll be able to enjoy an array of additional delicacies alongside the usual English favourites.
Weekday Afternoon Tea available from 2–5pm. Weekend High Tea Buffet available in two seatings; 1st seating, 12–2:30pm, 2nd seating, 3–5:30pm.
View menu here.
Colony
Offering a much more local take on afternoon tea, Colony aims to take you on a journey with their afternoon tea. Located at The Ritz-Carlton, one of the most glamorous names of the hotel world, the experience here is aptly named as such. “The Journey” Afternoon Tea features a fusion of English and Asian dishes, designed to bring guests on an experience through Singapore’s rich culinary heritage. Served in a five-tier ceramic tiffin, also known as ‘tingkat’ (which we may be all too familiar with), savour the delicacies presented here. With an exclusive selection of tea blends from local curator Tea Bone Zen Mind, you’re in for an afternoon of indulgence and luxury.
Available Monday to Saturday, from 3.30pm–5.30pm.
View menu here.
With a limit on what there is to do right now, an afternoon tea experience is a lovely change to the usual dinner and dessert, perfect for a group of girls just wanting to hang out and catch up on life. With plush seats and a welcoming ambience, you’ll feel right at home at these places. While there are many more options for afternoon tea in Singapore, we’ve curated the best options available out there here for you. Who’s to say there aren’t better though, and if you find any, you have to let us know!
