Daily Times

Afternoon tea has had a modern day revival and it seems we cannot get enough of those delicate savouries, dainty scones and delicious sweet fancies.

Sandwiched in between lunch and dinner, afternoon tea or ‘high tea’ is an excuse for sheer indulgence (and by ‘sandwiched’ we mean ‘light and fluffy bread, crusts cut off, lashings of fillings, finger sandwiched’).

So without further ado, here are some of the best places we recommend you to indulge and feel good doing it.

MONAL — a few years back, Monal was a must-go place for anyone visiting Islamabad. To cater to Lahoris who cannot rush to the Margallas on weekends, Monal expanded its web to Lahore. With scenic overhead structural view experience of Gulberg area, afternoon tea at Monal is the perfect way to spend an indulgent afternoon. The diverse menu, served daily at evening features a delicious assortment of soups, sandwiches, freshly baked scones, traditional handis and sweet treats – all perfectly paired with your choice of loose-leafed tea or an indulgent chilled glass of margarita.

DAAR CHEENI — the Daar Cheeni restaurant in Lahore, which offers a wide range of Pakistani and Middle Eastern cuisine, is a great place for hi-tea if you prefer desi and Continental food. Their hi-tea buffet includes assorted sandwiches, traditional BBQ items, chicken lasagne, pot pie, honey glazed wings, chicken tempura, mini burgers, stuffed chicken with mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes, to name a few. The patrons are also served with a chilled mint margarita and a choice of tea, coffee.

FREDDY’S CAFÉ — the multi-cuisine Freddy’s Café is not only known for its extensive continental and traditional menu, but also holds the banner of being among the earliest ones to launch the trend of hi-tea in Lahore. With floor-to-ceiling windows and sumptuous Art Deco interiors, the cafe affords a sensational view of busy MM Alam road and is a stunning spot to enjoy delicious dumplings, beef panini and accompanied with a range of sweet delicacies like assorted pastries, the devilishly good chocolate brownies etc. Truly first class.

LA ATRIUM — when it comes to afternoon tea, the team at La Atrium sets the bar spectacularly high. Expect five star dainty sandwiches, pastries fit for royalty, and scones served with only the most lip-smackingly sweet jam and lashings of clotted creamy goodness. Not only do the delicacies hit the spot, the silver tiered cake stands and crisp linen add to the overall sense of occasion.

TENERIFE CAFÉ — Tenerife café is a wonderful place to have afternoon tea in the city, thanks to its attentive staff, beautiful setting and delicious food. It serves some of the most delicious Oreo mousse and paninis in town, along with premium grilled fish, cordon bleu chicken, spicy chicken wings, grilled fish, paninis, Oreo mousse and mini bread pudding to name a few. What adds to its attraction is the surprisingly low damage on pocket which makes it one of the most popular eateries among the younger lot. Whether you lost a bet and have to buy your friend food or you two rushed out of the university hungry after an exhausting day, Tenerife’s platter for two has got you covered in the lowest you can spend on hi-tea.