Afternoon Tea @Arthur Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Authors’ Lounge is one of Bangkok’s, most photographed locations. Almost 140th birthdays old, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok boasts of nine outstanding dining venues – each with its own unique charm. During my stay at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok in May this year, I had the opportunity to try out the famous Afternoon Tea at the Author’s Lounge.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok takes you on a journey back in time to the British Colonial era with its style and impeccable service. The existing structure used to be an open-roofed garden with a tortoise pond before becoming the Author’s Lounge officially in 1976. Famous writers have stayed at this property over the last three centuries and notable ones include: Noël Coward, James Michener, Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad. These four ‘Heritage Authors’ have also been immortalised in the four respective private lounges within the Author’s Lounge. Served in the Author’s Lounge (named after the many famous writers who have stayed at the hotel) afternoon tea is a classic experience. The lounge is decorated with white-washed rattan furniture, Siamese umbrellas and palm trees. The lounge is located in a building that formed part of The Oriental Hotel, the first hotel built in Thailand which opened in 1879.

Not sure if I love the colonial style room more or the fancy afternoon tea set…If you love scones, clotted cream and jam, this is the place for you! Not to forget, their tea selection is outstanding and the atmosphere is simply stunning.

There are not many tables here which is great for a relaxing afternoon and that is why it is essential to get a reservation. As we were staying with them, they kind of accommodated us at a short notice. We got a table by the window but since the sun was not glaring we could get a view of the beautiful Chao Phraya river. It was quiet and peaceful, a picturesque setting, oozing an abundance of colonial charm. Beautifully decorated, the walls of the Author’s Lounge display throwbacks to the era, with fabulous black and white photographs of Thailand and the Thai royal family from the 19th century. The Author’s lounge has a lovely feel to it. Decorated with white wicker furniture dotted amongst green plants and palm trees it is hard to believe you are still in Bangkok. The walls display black and white photos of Thailand in the past and the Thai royalty. Staff is extremely friendly and efficient and quiet music plays gently in the background. Perfect place to spend an afternoon!

There are three main Afternoon Tea sets that you can opt for – the Oriental, Western and Vegetarian. We opted for the traditional tea set that includes plain and raisin scones, clotted cream, creamy butter and mystic rose jams, duck in butter brioche, spinach and mushroom turnover, sandwiches, fruit cake, panna cotta, crème brulee, seasonal berry tartlets, macaroons and short bread. It all starts with a Classic Lemon Sorbet to cleanse your palate. There is enough food to share!

The Afternoon Tea at the Author’s Lounge has got to be the best that I have ever had! The location alone is a picture perfect and a good excuse to check the place out, but when you combine that and the amazing selection and impeccable service you get at this place, you get a appealing product.

Authors’ Lounge Information:
Time: 12 – 6pm
Price: THB 1,450++ per person
EMAIL: mobkk-restaurants@mohg.com
PHONE: +66 (2) 659 9000 ext 7390-4