If you’re looking for a new spot for an afternoon tea, Ginger.Lily may just be it. The botanical-inspired lobby lounge and bar of the new Hilton Singapore Orchard has introduced its first afternoon tea set, which is jointly curated by Director of Culinary Vijayakant Shanmugam and Executive Pastry Chef Cindy Khoo.
AVENUE ONE paid the lounge and bar a visit to share our experience.
The ambience
As some of you may know the new Hilton Singapore Orchard has taken over what was previously Mandarin Orchard, and the new Ginger.Lily sits at the same spot as the old Bar on 5.
Those who have visited Bar on 5 will notice the huge difference in style and ambience between it and Ginger.Lily; Ginger.Lily is significantly brighter and more sophisticated.
The lounge and bar will remind you of a modern glass conservatory, complete with airy, double-height ceilings and cathedral-inspired glass doors so that you can get quite a bit of natural light.
Everything from the furnishing, presentation of food, and service sets you in a relaxed mood, which is perfect for a leisurely afternoon over tea and small bites.
The food and drinks
The afternoon tea at Ginger.Lily is all about “The Orchard Trail Experience”, an ode to Orchard Road’s history as a vibrant plantation, which is why it celebrates the spices and flora from that era.
Besides gourmet finger sandwiches that are seen in almost any British afternoon tea, the afternoon tea set also includes savoury items with local flavours, such as the Salted Crusted Pork Bun.
For me, I really enjoyed the savoury items on the menu. The Mini Lobster Roll and Smoked Beef Burger were memorable.
For scone-lovers, you’ll be happy to know that they’re freshly baked and served warm. The Vanilla Madagascar and Golden Raisins House Scones are served with classic clotted cream, but also cinnamon chocolate ganache and a signature Ginger.Lily jam.
As someone who typically enjoy my scones with clotted cream, I was surprised that I helped myself to more Ginger.Lily jam when I was there.
For desserts, creations imbued with spices and flora highlight the tea set. These beautiful sweet treats are served in a gorgeous dessert drawer that’s made to look like a storybook, as a hat tip to the concept of storytelling of The Orchard Trail Experience.
Desserts on the menu include Spiced Apple Tatin, made with cloves, black pepper, and cinnamon, Blue Hibiscus Bar, Almond Fig Tart, and Pink Peppercorn Cherry Macarons.
These Instagram-worthy items will also please anyone with a sweet tooth.
For beverages, you’ll get to pick from 10 premium tea varieties by Gifel Tea. But if you’re not sure which to go for, I’d recommend The Ginger.Lily, a specially curated house blend that features goji berries and perfumed with mild florals and exotic fruits.
This tea is smooth and easy to drink, and I love how it leaves a subtle fragrance in the after-taste. It also goes with every item on the afternoon tea menu, enhancing the gastronomic experience.
And those who prefer black teas can consider the Sang Nila’s Lion C-Tea. This features florals and tropical fruits, balanced with a light touch of lemon peel. This was a tea that was well-received by me and my dining companions.
Price and address
Ginger.Lily is located on Level Five of Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867.
The afternoon tea is available daily from 2pm to 5pm. Prices are at S$58++ per person with free-flow coffee and tea and you can top up S$20++ per person for a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne. For those who loves their champagnes, top up S$121++ per person for two hours of free flow Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne.
For reservations or more information, visit its website or call 6831 6273.
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