Review Of Afternoon Tea At Authors' Lounge, Mandarin Oriental

[cwldanny]

Afternoon Tea at Authors' Lounge Review, Mandarin Oriental

Written By:

Bangkok Gastronomy, English Food Blog (Original Post)

What better way to spend a lazy afternoon in Bangkok, Thailand than over an array of delicious treats and tea while relaxing on comfortable sofas? I had heard about Authors' Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental from quite a few places and figured that I needed to see and taste this place for myself. This will be a review for afternoon tea at Author's Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.

Arriving at the location itself was relatively easy, and free parking was offered for patrons of the hotel. Service was top-notch from the moment we set foot into the hotel to when we were greeted and finally seated in our little corner of Authors' Lounge. The photo pictured above is the main entrance of the lounge, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you really are thousands of miles away from Bangkok.

Authors' Lounge Sign

We decided on the Afternoon tea set, since it was what most people had recommended. The lounge was crowded with almost every table taken, and throughout our time dining there, people were walking around and taking photos of the awards (Which were numerous) and layout. The set was enough for two people to nibble on for an hour or so, and the pastries and cakes were delicious.

The Afternoon Tea Set

Assortment of Sandwiches (Salmon, Cheese, Tuna) and Pie

Desserts (Creme Brulee, Chocolte Cake, Fruit Tart, Biscuits)

Scones, Butter / Fruit Cake

Jam (Strawberry, Rose and Blueberry) Butter to go with the Scones

Mariage Freres Tea (Refillable)

For the price that we paid, the food was satisfactory. Nothing really stood out in terms of taste, however the presentation was top-notch and the service was superior as usual. The scones went really well with the condiments and I enjoyed the pastries as well.

A different view of Authors' Lounge

Get up and walk around the lounge to see the endless amounts of Awards the Mandarin Oriental has on display

The Library, with a list of famous authors who have stayed at the Mandarin Oriental

The Authors' Lounge is definitely a place you will want to visit at least once during your stay in Thailand. To dine in such splendid manner and with tidbits to nibble on, I can imagine just sitting back and relaxing the whole afternoon there. The price will vary depending on what you ordered, but for this day the Afternoon Tea Set was around 950 (for two dining).

Once again the Mandarin Oriental has proven that it has one of the best, if not the best service in the hotel industry in Thailand. Bring a camera along with you and a good book, take a break from the hot Bangkok sun and enjoy Authors' Lounge.

Bangkok Gastronomy

http://www.Bkkgastro.blogspot.com

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Authors' Lounge, Mandarin Oriental (3.5/5) BBB

(http://www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok/dining/lounge_and_bar/authors_lounge/)

Edited December 11, 2010 by cwldanny

[SpoliaOpima]

As always, it's all relative. I'd say there are a few things that stand out about the Mandarin Oriental's afternoon tea in the Authors Lounge. The most obvious is the ambience, which really isn't duplicated elsewhere. The only place that comes close to that sense of history - and it isn't old, it's just built and decorated to look that way - is The Eugenia, which also does a very nice high tea.

Second would be the scones. It there are better scones available elsewhere in Bangkok, I've never come across them. Baked on the premises, served very fresh. The preserves that accompany them are also made by the Mandarin Oriental, and also exceptional. The selection rotates; I've had delicious mango preserves on some occasions, also passionfruit.

The tea is of excellent quality. You can't beat Mariage Frères when it comes to high quality teas. I don't know anyone else in Bangkok serving it regularly (The Sukhothai offered it for one month, last July). and I like that the pots are served atop a tea warmer too.

The Four Seasons Bangkok has a lovely afternoon tea in terms of quality of teas and tea snacks. The lobby feels a bit cavernous by comparison though.

The Eugenia offers some very inventive snacks, including Thai-influenced dishes. It's also more intimate feeling, while a bit more casual at the same time.

I'd say overall, for me, the Mandarin Oriental serves the best afternoon tea. But variety is nice, too.

Edited December 11, 2010 by SpoliaOpima

[matchless51]

Great review, just talking about Devonshire and High tea the other day, thanks, i most certainly will be partaking.