Hong Kong’s thriving afternoon tea scene gets even more competitive when the holiday season rolls around.
Getting a big thumbs up from Foodie, Fortnum & Mason’s in-house restaurant 181 is offering not one but three slap-up festive afternoon tea sets in 2025, with the eatery’s sweeping views a given.
181’s Afternoon Tea (HKD548 pp) is the most traditional of the trio, showcasing a collection of finger sandwiches, Fortnum’s signature plump, fluffy scones, and gorgeous Christmas-themed afternoon tea cakes.
Those with a penchant for the saltier side of things can instead opt for the Savoury Afternoon Tea (HKD588 pp), where the scones and pastries are given a salty makeover. The smoked salmon and dill scone and caviar and duck fat potato millefeuille are standouts of this set.
To truly elevate their afternoon tea experience, diners can upgrade each set to include a special caviar (HKD588) experience. Here, a 15g tin of Fortnum’s bespoke Oscietra caviar is served with an assortment of classic accompaniments, including homemade blini and buttery, creamy scrambled egg cooked tableside.
The final festive teatime option at 181 is the High Tea (HKD588 pp), which swaps the finger sandwiches for a heartier main dish – perhaps the lobster Benedict or beef cheek Wellington.
This year, 181’s festive afternoon tea sets are a partnership with Central’s tea-focused bar Tell Camellia. Tell Camellia founder Gagan Gurung has designed four limited-time tea-based cocktails to be paired with each of the sets as well as the caviar upgrade.
We’re big fans of the umami and smoky Lapsang South (HKD158), crafted to be matched with the savoury set.
181, Fortnum & Mason, Shop 022, G/F, K11 ATELIER, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3916 8181, book here
