The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Teatime: Midday to 5pm daily
Spill the Tea: While we can’t travel easily right now, the afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton’s Republic bar does transport you to another time. During the quiet COVID-19 period, the hotel has refurbished its East Wing with a 1960s concept – and the F&B pays tribute to the past too.
Republic is named after the independence of Singapore in 1965 and replaces the old Chihuly Lounge. Its new afternoon tea menu presents flavours, ingredients and sensations that remain authentic to a vintage dining platter but come with a modern twist. No gelatin-encased fruit here; my husband and I instead tucked into the likes of smoked salmon, herb mousse and squid ink brioche, vanilla rice pudding and mango lemongrass verrine.
I’m British, so my highlights included the scones, along with the Queen’s Scones Tea Mocktail featuring strawberry jam, citrus and cucumber. I would have liked more savoury options on the platter, but cheese, charcuterie and further chocolate treats are available as add-ons, should your waistband allow it.
The 60s theme continues with a selection of bespoke cocktails from the à la carte menu, available at a top-up of $25 each. We sipped on a Miniskirt – a Pimms-based number paying homage to retro fashion – and a Satisfaction, a warm stout-and-coffee infusion in honour of The Rolling Stones’ 1965 hit. Coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages are also on offer and enjoyed to a classy soundtrack of Simon & Garfunkel and Fleetwood Mac in Singapore’s most (unconfirmed!) comfy sofas.
Adding to the vibe was superb service from friendly staff who made our afternoon tea set in a less “pandemicky” period feel like the perfect escape. Can we stay here eating cakes until it all goes away …?
Prices start from $58 per person, or $77/$84 with a glass of Champagne Barons de Rothschild Réserve Ritz Brut NV or Rosé NV respectively.