Afternoon tea is almost like a daily ritual for my friends and I, so our quest is find the ultimate tea/ coffee haven in town. Unfortunately, we have not been very successful... I am a coffee drinker and some of my friend are tea lovers, so it's hard to find a place that satisfies all our needs. Here are some my recent experiences and Starbucks is not on the list:
Agnes B cafes - The food at the Causeway Bay branch was not good, the IFC one has a better view and is more comfortable. Coffee was fine, would probably try their cakes next time.
Antique tea room - nice small cafe with so-so service. However, it's quite a pleasant/alternative place to have coffee/ tea and cakes with friends in Central esp. if you don't want to do starbucks or upmarket hotels.
China tee club - It's been a long time since I came to this place... We were told that there would be a minimum charge for non-members, but luckily, the tea and fruit crumble I ordered passed the test, so I left the place full and satisfied.
Clipper lounge, Mandarin Hotel - what changed? Both my friends and I didn't notice much change after the renovation except for the slip in service!
Conrad lounge - The tea buffet here has less variety than Marriott, but it is also less packed and not as noisy. Not a bad place if you want to catch up with friends, but if you are looking to stuff your face within 2-3 hours, then probably Marriott is a better choice.
Cafe Corridor - Quite a small, hidden cafe opp. Time Square with only a few tables. Coffee and cake here were not too bad, but don't expect much service.
Island Shangri-la's Gourmet - Pleasant small hotel cafe with a wide range of cakes, but the coffee had a burnt aftertaste... for the price they charge, they really need to do better.
Habitu, Central - Comfortable and laid back. Decent cafe with decent food and coffee.
Harlan's - Never noticed this place until my friend booked an afternoon tea session here! Quiet and spacious, it was a good place to chat. Tea set was quite good and filling, but service was a bit sloppy.
Le Gouter Bernardaud, IFC - Yummy cakes and macarons and decent expresso but service was not so good.
Marriott Lounge - Weekend afternoon tea buffet here was a bit like sitting in a bazaar! Packed with families, foreign hotel guests, tai tais and teenagers... it was so hectic! As expected, service was inattentive and noise level was high. A wide range of food was available including dim sum (not freshly made), sushi, congee, salad, chicken wings and waffles etc. Average standard but good value for money.
Robouchon Bakery - Coffee here was strong but slightly bitter, but beware of the fresh juices here... ordering them might break your wallet! Croissants & many items from the bakery were delicious, though snotty service has put me off this place!
Cafe S. - I like the this little Japanese-style cafe next to the Sogo bookshop, it's quiet and comfortable. Less choices than UCC downstairs, but much nicer environment.
Tiffins, Grand Hyatt - Afternoon tea buffet here has always been quite consistent over the years. Not cheap but there is a variety of savoury and sweets to choose from. Their homemade ice-cream is divine!
UCC - Coffee and waffles are pretty good, but I can't stand the noisy branch inside Sogo.
Caffé Vergnano 1882, Lee Gardens - We didn't eat here but thought the coffee was good and strong, would come back again.
Zoe cafe - Wide variety of small, yummy but pricey cakes, the place is tiny and always packed!
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