There are many fun and fulfilling ways to get social with friends and family. One of them is having high tea at places that serve such services for a delightful experience.
What Is High Tea?
You may have heard of it, but some people often mistake it for ‘afternoon tea’. Although they can be used interchangeably, both tea traditions are steeped in British history.
The differences may be a direct result of their origins.
Afternoon tea is actually a British tradition of sitting down for a treat in the afternoon. Hence, it is usually served around 4 o’clock. Aside from tea, there are also usually sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
It became popular in the 19th century, not to replace dinner, but to fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea was made fashionable by the Duchess of Bedford.
The origins of afternoon tea clearly indicates that it was the preserve of the rich in the 19th century. The working class, however, did not really have the privilege of sitting down mid-to-late-afternoon just to enjoy tea.
For these workers in the newly industrialised Britain, they would have to wait until work hour is over to enjoy such treats. By that time, it was usually too late to have just small treats of cakes and scones.
So tea was usually served with heartier meals to provide sustenance to the workers after a long day of hard labour.
The replacement of the word ‘high’ in ‘high tea’ instead of afternoon is believed to differentiate between the type of seats used for afternoon tea and high tea.
While afternoon tea is traditionally served on low and comfortable parlour chairs usually in the garden or outside of the house, the worker’s after-work high tea is served at the dining table and seated on high back dining chairs.
Now that you know a little bit about the history of high tea, let’s take a look at some of the best places serving high tea in Singapore.
10 Places Serving High Tea In Singapore
1. Arteastiq Tea Lounge
Specialising in high tea, Arteastiq, as the name implies, imparts some form of not just art, but also history onto their tea sets.
With locations including Mandarin Gallery and Jewel Changi Airport, you can expect an assortment of extravagant delicacies in their afternoon tea sets.
Some of them include truffle shell pasta, salmon roulade, canele, and a few options for local delicacies such as rainbow kueh lapis.
See here for a full list of outlet locations, operating hours, and contact details.
2. 1864 The Bar
Located in Sofitel Singapore City Centre, 1864 The Bar prides itself in the British tradition of afternoon tea with an even greater sense of indulgence.
Aside from treats such as mango tart tartin, salted caramel macarons, and scones, you also get to choose a variety of tea served here.
Choices of tea include French Earl Grey, Royal Moroccan, Sencha, and many more.
For a more gratifying experience, 1864 The Bar offers special high tea sessions such as the Rosé High Tea Experience that runs from time to time. This high tea set includes alcoholic beverages.
Address: 9 Wallich Street, 078885 Singapore
Operating Hours: 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Contact Details: +65 6428 5000 / HA152@sofitel.com
3. Lobby Lounge @ Conrad Centennial Singapore
The Lobby Lounge at Conrad Centennial Singapore serves dreamy afternoon tea sets. Aptly named Sakura Afternoon Tea, its dainty sweet treats are inspired by the bright Japanese sakura flowers.
Look out for Sakura Brioche Skagen, Sakura Cheesecake, and Sakura Tart with Wild Strawberry Compôte from this set.
The Heritage Royale High Tea Set on the other hand comes with a complimentary glass of champange alongside premium dishes such as chili lobster sandwich, caviar, and smoked salmon pumpernickel.
Address: Two Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038982
Operating Hours: 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Contact Details: +65 6334 8888
4. Wildseed Cafe
Wildseed Cafe is a pet-friendly establishment offering casual afternoon tea sets in a quiet and romantic area. With two locations, you can be sure to find respite from the busy city life here amidst a natural setting.
White their tea selection is not big, they make up for it with their freshly-roasted coffee beans, making this the best high tea location for coffee-lovers instead!
Indulge yourself with their signature sweet treats such as pure lemon tart, strawberry shortcake, and coconut pea flower shortcake.
See here for a full list of outlet addresses, operating hours, and contact details.
5. The St. Regis Afternoon Tea Experience @ Brasserie Les Saveurs
Being part of the Signature rituals at The St. Regis Singapore, this Afternoon Tea Experience presents an exquisite Afternoon Tea.
It showcasing three-tiers of savoury canapès, pastries, and sweet treats complete with a selection of teas by TWG.
Look out for assorted premium chocolate praline, smoked salmon Caesar roll with trout roe, and more, alongside freshly brewed tea or coffee, or even champagne.
Address: Lobby Level, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore, 247911
Operating Hours:
– Mon – Sat: 3.00pm – 5.00pm
– Sun: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Contact Details: +65 6506 6860 / bls@stregis.com
6. Mo Bar @ Mandarin Oriental
Nestled in the ritzy Mandarin Oriental, Mo Bar offers Japanese-themed afternoon tea set with views of the city magnificent skyline.
Their rotating treats include egg roll with ikura, smoked salmon with wasabi mayo, sable tart, baked cheesecake, and truffle scones.
You can pair your meal with a steaming pot of tea of your choice. If you are up for it, you can opt for their signature cocktail at this bar that has been recognised as one of the World’s and Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2021.
Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797
Operating Hours: 3.00pm – 5.00pm daily
Contact Details: +65 6885 3500
7. L’Espresso
Located at Goodwood Park Hotel, L’Espresso is a cosy cafe proved as a destination of choice for an English Afternoon Tea buffet in Singapore.
The cafe is spacious with a breezy terrace overlooking the poolside, giving it the reputation as being the place for elegant teatime pursuits.
The menu features an enticing assortment of treats. This including petite sandwiches, roasted vegetables focaccia, tuna salad, and not forgetting traditional English scones.
Address: 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
Operating Hours:
– Mon – Fri: 12.00pm – 2.30pm / 3.00pm – 5.30pm
– Sat & Sun: 11.00am – 1.00pm / 1.30pm – 3.30pm / 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Contact Details: +65 6730 1743 / lespresso@goodwoodparkhotel.com
8. Atlas Afternoon Tea
If you want to enjoy your afternoon tea in a tastefully decorated interior, head over to Atlas at Parkview Square. The grand Art Deco interior of the lobby-bar is the ideal spot to unwind with friends or co-workers.
The Atlas Afternoon Tea set features a delectable European-style selection of sweet and savoury treats. Opt for the ATLAS Selection or Prestige Selection of tea.
Aside from their regular items such as lobster crostini and smoked salmon pumpernickel, you can also opt for vegetarian or gluten-free menu.
Address: Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188788
Operating Hours:
– Mon – Fri: 3.00pm / 4.00pm
– Sat & Public Holidays: 1.00pm / 2.00pm / 3.00pm / 4.00pm
Contact Details: +65 6396 4466 / info@atlasbar.sg
9. Hortus
Located in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, Hortus offers an exciting afternoon tea experience within the cool conservatory.
With temperatures as low as 20°C, you will definitely be able to enjoy and savour your steaming cup of tea or coffee. Moreover, pair it with traditional delectables such as homemade scones and lemon meringue pie.
You also get to enjoy free-flow Prosecco with your afternoon tea for only $48++. Visitors are recommended to dress for cooler weather when visiting the restaurant.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-09 Flower Dome, Singapore 018953
Operating Hours: 3.00pm – 5.00pm daily
Contact Details: +65 6702 0158 / info@hortus.com.sg
10. The Rose Veranda @ Shangri-La Singapore
Since its inception in 1991, The Rose Veranda has been serving the finest high tea sets, designed to continue the British traditions of luxurious tête-à-têtes.
The three-course high tea set menu includes appetisers such as waffle tart, main courses such as pan-seared Norwegian salmon, and desserts such as macarons.
On top of that, even kids get to experience and enjoy the traditions of high tea! Let them try the kids’ high tea menu which includes cheese bites and Milo dinosaur choux!
Address: Tower Wing, Mezzanine Level, 22 Orange Grove Road, 258350, Singapore
Operating Hours:
– Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 12.00pm – 2.00pm / 3.00pm – 5.00pm
Contact Details: +65 6213 4398 / dining.sls@shangri-la.com
The high tea tradition in Singapore is clearly not going away anytime soon, with enticing offers of delightful dishes. If you have been thinking of visiting one of these places for a high tea session with friends soon, be sure to bookmark this page for future reference!