British heritage in Cameron Highlands stretches beyond tea and architectural monuments. Since colonial time, this area is getting such devastating transformations, but not all bad. One bright example is afternoon tea at the Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands. Here is our Smokehouse afternoon tea review for all tea lovers.
Smokehouse Ambiance
From a distance, one can appreciate the traditional English Tudor design from 1937. Really, the Smokehouse hotel couldn’t be more British, and yet it somehow fits in the Malaysian Highlands. Longtime present British influence in this area deserves a monument like this. Also, the neighboring golf course only intensifies the feeling of landing into the British bubble.
No wonder British expatriates took refuge at the Smokehouse when their homesickness became overbearing. We bet that blossoming garden and cozy indoors with dark wooden beams swept away heartfelt longings.
Moving into the original building, you’ll notice many antiques, not just furniture and carpets, but also porcelain and copper tableware. Some of its charms are also present in the extension where we had our afternoon tea. Sadly, the metal greenhouse with ugly terracotta tiles is an undeniable failure in this head to toe heritage place.
Therefore, we urge you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor area with a handful of tables surrounded by countless fragrant flowers. Just keep in mind that the weather can be British as well.
Drinks
Every afternoon tea set at the Smokehouse restaurant comes with a local black tea. In case you want alternative tea or coffee, you’ll get it for an additional 0,70 USD or so.
We kept the original offer and were eager to try local tea from Cameron Highlands that wasn’t from the famous BOH tea plantation. For a change, we got to taste the Cameron Valley loose black tea. Therefore, we can confirm that we noticed the fine mouthfeel and complex flavor.
Scone and Cream
Rustic beauty had a firm crust that crumbled away in our mouths while the interior maintained the desired moisture. We were happy with a pleasant flavor that indicated home cooking without powdery shortcuts. Topping still warm scone with homemade strawberry jam and thick Devonshire cream was an absolute joy.
Afternoon Tea Bites
We will remember Smokehouse afternoon tea after a taste of homemade cooking embraced with old school charm. Here we are talking about the classic finger sandwiches that tasted fresh and delicious. The same goes for a fruit cake slice, which had only one flaw; it was too small. We can see the point of keeping the tea set as traditional as possible, but one more treat for the sugar maniacs wouldn’t hurt.
Smokehouse Sundae
Since the Smokehouse afternoon tea set is short of sweets, we couldn’t resist the extra strawberry sundae. Righteously so, since it was a mouthwatering combination of fresh strawberries, homemade strawberry syrup, and vanilla ice cream.
Final Thought
We can see why Smokehouse is a popular place for high tea occasions. The experience of an old school English bubble in Malaysia is more real than we thought.
However, all this might be true if you are enjoying your high tea outside. Once inside, this romantic vibe isn’t that strong anymore. There are too many things cluttering the space, and if we add the darkness…
The food at the Smokehouse afternoon tea was lovely to be fair, and we wouldn’t mind some extra sweet bites. The whole other story is the presentation. Where is the English charm?
Cameron Highlands Smokehouse Afternoon Tea Review Card
- ATMOSPHERE – 8.2/108.2/10
- SERVICE – 7.3/107.3/10
- TEA SELECTION – 6.0/106.0/10
- PRESENTATION – 3.0/103.0/10
- BITES – 8.9/108.9/10
- VALUE – 7.9/107.9/10
Price and Location
Smokehouse afternoon tea for one comes at almost 11 USD, while strawberry sundae costs a bit under 5 USD. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation.
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