Monica Tindall
A beautiful setting for afternoon tea is found at the Living Room, Macalister Mansion Penang. An almost blindingly white colonial façade is contrasted with vibrant green sculpted shrubs and trees. The wonderful scents of jasmine and frangipani entice as we walk to the entrance, and the décor of the Living Room is just as visually appealing as are the fragrances.
This is a popular spot amongst Penangnites for afternoon indulgences, and we’re lucky to have a table booked for us as we soon discover that all others are reserved and full by the time we leave. The cheery and quirky design of Macalister Mansion, along with the unique presentation of the afternoon set draws a consistent crowd – especially on the weekends (so be sure to book ahead!).
Everything here is proudly made from scratch in house, and with a chef that has an extensive resume of international experience, both western and local influences are found in the cuisine.
A wooden platter holds savouries, sweets and scones, and comes with a choice of coffee or TWG tea. The tea flavour of the day is crème brulee, but we’re coffee fans to the core, and so appreciate well-made lattes brewed on beans from a local roaster, Degayo Coffee – superb.
Savouries
Starting with the savouries, chicken Caesar wraps are mini bites of moistness. Sardine rillettes fill a buttery croissant, and deep-fried filo pastry holds salmon seasoned with teriyaki mayo. Petite sliders of smokehouse chicken disappear in two bites, and a double layer of cream of mushroom and potato soup is delicious in a shot glass. But, our favourite of the starters is the spinach and mushroom quiche. Encased in rich crumbly pastry, the egg filling is packed with mushrooms and delicately balanced in flavour.
Pastries
Matcha and red bean mousse makes a pretty dish presented in petite square glasses. Hubby’s taste buds are tickled with the mixed fruit choux puff and rum baba, both of which are creamy and moist. Lastly, white chocolate macarons cloak a rich dark chocolate cream, bestowing an almost reverse domino visual effect. Although there are plenty of sweets, we’re happy to have begun the platter with an equal balance of savouries, and don’t feel too much of a sugar overload by the end of the cake and dessert selection.
Scones
Scones are a must for afternoon tea, and the Living Rooms set includes two dainty raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. They’re dense and a little crumbly. A drop of jam and dob of cream, and nom nom, the tray is done.
The Afternoon Tea Set at the Living Room, Macalister Mansion, is served between 2pm and 6pm daily, and is priced at RM88 nett. It comes with a choice of coffee or tea for two people.
Reasons to visit: dreamy green setting; loads of Instagrammable shots.
Living Room
Macalister Mansion
228 Jalan Macalister
11400 George Town
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
+6 04 228 3888
www.macalistermansion.com