Hong Kong Dining with Inside DB Magazine

Best of British 2010

Sweet Seductions

DB: McSorley’s Ale House

McSorley’s Ale House is a favourite with residents for its authentic oak panelling and classic British pub food. Unpretentious and friendly, its the perfect place to meet with friends and watch your favourite sporting events on one of their many screens. On select nights they also feature unplugged and acoustic folk music. What we’re really interested in though is the desserts on offer, in particular the apple tart. We can’t get enough of this bursting with flavour delight and our guess is neither will you. Find it at G11A-1, G/F D Deck, Discovery Bay, 2987 8280.

R66

R66 Revolving Restaurant is the only revolving restaurant in Hong Kong. Housed on the 62^nd floor of Hopewell Centre you get a 360 degree view of the city, with it taking about an hour to make a full circle. You’ll love the floor-to-ceiling windows that ensure that you get an unobstructed view through your entire stay. However its not only the views that impress here. The vast choice of teacakes and desserts which are brought to you on towering stands are astounding, and more importantly delicious. R66 provides an afternoon tea on weekends and public holidays and a high tea daily from 2:30PM to 6:00PM. Find it at 62/F Hopewell Centre, 183 Queens Road East, Wanchai, 2862 6166.

The Verandah

Sitting in The Verandah leaves you feeling relaxed and pampered. Looking through arched sea-facing windows below peacefully whirring ceiling fans alongside professional but friendly wait staff means that you can really sit back and focus on the view and the tantalising desserts that are on offer. All the desserts are either British creations or British favourites with a twist. Tired recipes have been updated by chef Florian Trento to bring a new tasting experience. A must try for those with a sweet tooth is the toffee-cinnamon banana crumble with caramel ice-cream which will melt in your mouth. Another favourite is the ginger snap tulip with orange sherbert and a Grand Marnier chiboust. Find it at 1/F The Penninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2315 3166.

The Clipper Lounge

The Clipper Lounge is a celebrated venue at the Mandarin Oriental. Nicknamed “Hong Kong’s sitting room”, its relaxing vibe and ideal location makes for a fantastic meeting place throughout the day. As soon as you step through the door and are guided to your table you will notice the exceptional service that all Mandarin Oriental staff exude. When ordering the afternoon tea set a three-tier stand will be brought to your table with a selection of savouries, pastries, cakes and scones. A particular delight is the in-house creation, rose petal jam that is actually exported to past guests who can’t get enough of it. For a really special treat enquire about the exclusive fashion shows that take place around the tables of The Clipper Lounge every three months. Catwalk shows featuring top designers such as Versace and Salvatore Ferragamo have been hugely popular at the aftertoon tea set. Find it at 2/F Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, 2825 4007.

Photo: graur razvan ionut