High SocieTea – High Tea reviews

Over the past few years, my visits to the Swissôtel for high tea have been delightful. We’ve been there 3-4 times, each visit marked by the charm of an open buffet, a chocolate fountain, and an array of delicious hot food, cakes, pastries, and treats perfect for dipping. The highlight was undoubtedly the chocolate fountain, complemented by comfy lounges and sparkling wine. These were beautiful memories of indulgence and relaxation.

On 7 April 2024, we decided to revisit the Swissôtel for high tea. Since 2022, booking a high tea here has been a bit of a challenge. Calls went unanswered or were returned much later when we had already made alternative plans.

Tip for booking: Don’t rely solely on online bookings. Always call them to confirm. For our booking, I spoke directly to a staff member, provided my credit card details, and received a verbal confirmation. Ensure you get an email confirmation as well.

Arrival and reception: The experience begins as soon as you pull up. The doorman, who is always friendly and chatty, makes you feel like royalty.

The Arches: High tea is now served in a beautiful lounge called The Arches, but it no longer features a chocolate fountain. Upon our arrival on level 8, we were told they had no booking under my name. This was a disappointing start, especially since we were all dressed up and ready to enjoy our afternoon.

However, the staff on duty were commendable. They spoke to the kitchen and managed to accommodate us eventually. Despite the initial hiccup, they were polite and helpful, which we appreciated.

The wait: We had to wait about 10-15 minutes for our table and food to be prepared. Although the restaurant was practically empty, the bar had a few patrons. This did dampen our spirits a bit, but we were determined to have a good time. While waiting, we sat on the very comfy lounge. Although we could have ordered a cocktail, we opted not to.

The food: Once seated, we opted for the sparkling high tea. Considering it was a last-minute preparation, the food was satisfactory. The scones were tasty, and the mini sweets were delicious. However, the sandwiches were not as fresh, and the savoury treats were quite ordinary. It seemed likely that the mini cakes, sandwiches, and scones were pre-prepared and possibly kept frozen, although this is just an assumption.

Service: The staff on duty did everything she could to make up for the lost booking. Her efforts were much appreciated, and she helped improve our overall experience.

Special mention: The doorman deserves a mention for his politeness, sense of humour, and for treating us like royalty, both when we arrived and when we left.

While there were a few hiccups, the friendly staff and the efforts to accommodate us made a difference. The Swissôtel holds a special place in our memories, even though this visit had its ups and downs.

Rating: 6/10

Let the photos speak for themselves.