The lavish tradition of a leisurely afternoon tea is one of the most indulgent meals one could have, because taking a few hours off your busy midday schedule to simply tuck into dainty sandwiches and pastries and sip on fine teas is the ultimate luxury. Turn your pinky up and head to one of these five spots when you’re in the mood to feel a little fancy. 

1. Writers Bar 

It’s high tea done the traditional way at Raffles Makati’s Writers Bar. This bar is well-appointed and intimate with deep plush sofas and wide spacing between tables. Their Simply Classic Afternoon Tea (PHP1,222 for two people), offered daily, includes a three-tiered stand filled with an assortment of delectable pastries and scones (served with jams and cream no less); a tray of savoury finger sandwiches like cream cheese and cucumber; as well as your choice of tea served to you in a pretty pot. Make it an extra fancy affair and upgrade your tea to a glass of Champagne (additional PHP1105). 

2. Lobby Lounge 

Makati Shangri-La’s Lobby Lounge has been the venue for afternoon tea for years now. Their floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a lush garden and waterfall, dramatic 14-piece orchestra and exquisite food and service certainly make a good case. Apart from brewing up some of the best teas offered in all of the land, such as Italian Almond (PHP205) and Ti Guan Yin (PHP245), offered here is a selection of two-tiered high tea sets (PHP730 each): The English Classic and The Filipino Favorite. But for something truly impressive, order The Makati Shangri-La Jewelry Box (PHP1850), which is truly a treasure trove of afternoon delights as it’s loaded with drawers full of treats like smoked salmon with sweet mustard and dill sauce, hazelnut scones with clotted cream and jam. as well as milk chocolate and hazelnut mousse. 

3. TWG Tea Salon & Boutique

Although TWG hails from the little red dot of Singapore, the feel of this space is much more like a heritage European tea salon. An afternoon spent here is a luxurious affair thanks to their spread of set menus and a la carte specials. The Chic (PHP550) option comes with your choice of three finger sandwiches; scones, muffins, or a patisserie; as well as a hot or iced tea. The Fortune (PHP700) set, however, is more substantial with a toasted sandwich offered instead of the finger sandwiches. If you’d rather go a la carte, choose from a selection of elegant sandwiches like the Royal Club Sandwich (PHP450) or the TWG Tea Croque Provence (PHP330). 

4. Oasis Garden Cafe

Solaire Resort & Casino’s Oasis Garden Cafe is a respite for the senses — there’s live music from the piano, a two-storey indoor waterfall, layers of fresh foliage, and a glass roof that lets in the glowing sunlight. On the afternoon tea menu here are two set menus (PHP630) that are filled with bite-sized delights served on a circular stand. The Like They Make in England set comes with finger sandwiches, petit fours, pastries, scones, and coffee or tea, while the Made in the Philippines set comes with three bibingka, a variety of local sweets, ensaymada, pandesal, and a choice of coffee or tea. 

5. Lusso

To nosh on some light eats by Asia’s best female chef, Margarita Fores, head this Greenbelt fine dining to tuck into a resplendent afternoon tea (PHP708 for one; PHP980 for two). Despite the fact that mostly Italian fare is on the a la carte menu here, there are plenty of traditional English goodies served on the three-tiered presentation, such as scones, finger sandwiches and pastries. The fillings of the sandwiches, although seasonal, often include lavish Italian ingredients like black truffle and prosciutto. Wash it all down with your choice of tea by French gourmet tea company Mariage Freres. 

6. High Street Lounge

The new Shangri-La at the Fort has its lounge, not on the ground floor like the its sister hotels around the metro, but on the second floor. The extra high ceilings, jazz music, oversized couches, and metala  sculptures by local artist, Jinggoy Buensuceso whisper — not shout — sophistication and luxury. There are various spreads up on during the day, but come afternoon, there are two set menus for high tea (PHP950 for two): East and West. The former starts with an amuse bouche of scrambled truffle egg topped with caviar and is followed by a mix of sweet and savoury treats like Chocolate Soul Gold Slice and mozzarella with pine nuts, pesto, and tomato. The latter starts with an equally riche amuse bouche of pumpkin cream with bird’s net and gold leaf followed by items like Spiced Tuna Maki with Wasabi Lime Cream and Deep Fried Glutinous Rice Ball with Lotus Paste. In between bites, sip on a selection of gourmet teas or coffee by Toby’s Estate.