Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Tea Time: 2pm to 5pm daily
Spill the Tea: 1864 is the perfect place for afternoon tea if you find yourself in the CBD and want to catch up with a friend or colleague over some gourmet treats in stylish surroundings. The lounge has a modern, laidback vibe. Cute, oversized teddy bears adorn each sofa, bringing a smile to everyone’s face, from corporate guests conducting business meetings over tea, to groups of girlfriends, and families on staycation treating their children to a special “grown-up” high tea.
Priced at $88 for two on weekdays and $98 on weekends, the afternoon tea allows you to choose from a selection of 13 blends of Grand Cru coffee by Nespresso or TWG teas. If you feel indulgent (like we did), you can add some sparkle with a glass of Duval-Leroy Champagne. There is a cocktail and mocktail option too, but we found the selection rather limited.
The food comes in a colourful two-tiered box, a presentation that resembles one of those exquisitely designed mooncake boxes. Included were a variety of bite-sized savouries like mini croissants with truffle eggs and smoked salmon tartare, with an equal number of sweet treats. I was much more drawn to the sweet temptations, especially the dark chocolate tart with hazelnut chantilly and the fried banana mochi, both of which were divine. The scones, served with cream and house-made marmalade, were a bit tiny for our liking.
The high tea at 1864 may not be one to wow guests with, but it certainly makes for a pleasant afternoon away. It was a lovely break from the desk!