The Verandah Restaurant, Hong Kong

The Verandah has been a favorite spot for tea ever since the days when it was the Repulse Bay Hotel, built in 1920. Colonial society came here for beach weekends, to honeymoon, and to play. Colonial chroniclers Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward stayed here, as did actors William Holden and Peter Sellers. The vintage feel is so authentic that it comes as a genuine surprise to learn that this is a faithful copy of the original—using generous quantities of materials rescued from the original structure when it was demolished in 1982.

Undoubtedly one of the best representations of the British colonial reign, the Repulse Bay Hotel had great fans swirling above the verandah where patrons could sit and gaze out across Repulse Bay. In the late 1980s the hotel was scheduled for demolition. Since then its valuable seaside property has been rebuilt with high-rise modern apartments. The razing of the old hotel apparently caused such an uproar that a replica of the verandah restaurant was recreated in one of the new highrises.

Favorite Dish: Mango ice cream was my favorite in the old days. Now it is the place to have tea or Sunday Brunch.

As English tea pours from a silver teapot, the traditional afternoon tea is laid out. It’s a three-course affair, beginning with freshly baked scones, warm from the oven and studded with raisins, served with strawberry jam and clotted cream. Savory finger sandwiches are next—cucumber sandwiches with generous pats of butter, miniature sausage rolls, and roast beef sandwiches. And finally, delectable French pastries, jeweled fruit tarts, tiny cheesecakes, and even tiramisu.

Tues.–Sat. 12 p.m.–11 p.m.
Sun. 11 am - 11 pm