I was probably around 9 when my favorite aunt taught me how to appreciate tea. Every night after dinner, she'd bring me to her cupboard full of fine teas. "What's for tonight? Earl gray, Four Red Fruits, Peppermint?" After selecting our tea, she'd get the kettle running and prepare the sugar cubes, cream, and perhaps a small dessert or two. We'd settle in her leather couch with blankets and socks ready (Bay area spring nights can get a little chilly!) then watch a sappy Lifetime movie while sipping our tea. That became our nightly routine every time I spent my summers in the bay. And though it might just have been a simple bonding routine, it had also catalyzed a love and appreciation for tea.
When I discovered that Peninsula Hotel offered an afternoon tea spread, I was ecstatic. My love for tea had grown from a huge collection to a fascination for the classic way Europeans enjoyed it. Peninsula Hotel's take on the experience brings you back to far more elegant eras. Perfect setting for an afternoon with the ladies! Forget lunch; afternoon tea is a lot more fun.
When you enter, you are welcomed by this grand lobby.
When you sit down, you're asked to choose from a wide selection of fine teas. My favorite is their Rasberry Tea. I like having mine with a single sugar cube and a small amount of milk/cream.
I'm in love with the china they use to serve their tea! Gorgeous!
Cheese platter 
The beauty of this spread is that you can choose to enjoy a late lunch, afternoon snack, or just a light meal. They offer a nice selection of hot food, finger sandwiches, dessert, etc.
Dessert section; ice cream, cookies, cake, brownies, and tartlets
A few Filipino desserts too
Fruit platter
Afternoon tea is not afternoon tea without delicious SCONES! They're served alongside homemade lemon curd, jam, and clotted cream of course.
I've never had a better scone here in Manila. Peninsula makes the flakiest, most flavorful scones. I prefer mine with clotted cream and jam.
There's nothing like taking a bite out of a scone with cream+jam then taking a sip of your tea. Heaven! When I'm having jam with my scone, I usually refrain from adding sugar to my cup of tea.
Perfect flaky goodness!
Just in case you aren't feeling the Christmas spirit just yet, the tree in the lobby will probably do the trick!
Afternoon Tea @ The Peninsula Manila Lobby
2:30-5:30pm daily
Reservations : (632) 887 2888 ext. 6759
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