Afternoon tea? Go to Writers Bar in Makati

Why is afternoon tea, a 19th-century English upper-class tradition, being served in hotels in the modern-day Philippines? Afternoon tea at the Writers Bar of Raffles Makati is a haven amid the hustle and bustle of city life.

In a nanosecond lifestyle that has eclipsed our humanity,  a cuppa, and soft live music in an art-filled place soothe the soul.

The hotel invariably tries to create an intimate environment conducive to conversations of substance and pleasant memories. Writers Bar has been a venue for literary book signings, mini ballets, and artsy exhibits.  Until the end of February, the public can appreciate the works of jeweler-sculptor Hans Brumann and visual artist Impy Pilapil in an exhibit and special menu, “Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea.”

Brumann brought out some of his best works from the private collection of his namesake gallery.  His wall art- abstract montages of yakal, narra, kamagong, molave, and oakwood are finely cut into geometric figures, organic shapes, and diagonal lines that are pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle.  The hardness and matte finish of the woods contrasts the delicate and shiny texture of the mother-of-pearl. His table sculptures celebrate dynamic abstract compositions of exotic hardwoods and metals.

Pilapil’s “Aquabella” is a series of glass and stainless steel table sculptures inspired by the curvilinear waves and bubbles from the ocean and marine life.  Cutting glass and bending steel into curvaceous silhouettes are achieved through experience and both improvised and advanced equipment, she reveals. 

Inspired by Pilapil’s works, executive Chef Bela Rieck created a couple of pastries that referenced her materials. At the top of the tiered tray, the most obvious is the duo of pink macarons with smores filling, topped with spun sugar suggestive of ocean bubbles.  The neutral color of the lemon cake references Pilapil’s affinity with stone.  

The rest is a combination of classics such as the pistachio éclair (“Everybody loves pistachio,” says Rieck.) and his innovations.  Butter chocolate domes are flecked with rose flower petals.  Chargrilled pineapple bits, the German chef’s preference, sit on a tartlet.

On the bottom tier, the savories are visually arresting and taste better when eaten by hand. (Etiquette recommends nibbling tea savories with fingers.) Pink smoked salmon gets its blush from the beetroot. The stone oven-baked pizzette or bite-sized pizza gets its umami from the parmesan. The mushroom quiche is a tartlet. Mini rice paper rolls are stuffed with truffle chicken salad. A slice of apple lends freshness to the steel-cut foie gras terrine.

The dining experience leaves guests feeling indulged and relaxed as they listen to live piano or electric violin music in the afternoon. The staff has been trained to make the guests feel at home. 

Despite the well-mannered overtones, the tea service is more of a Downton Abbey moment than lessons on propriety. Never mind, if you start eating from the top instead of the bottom of the tiered tray, as the etiquette goes.  As in any tea service, the scones are served once the guests have tasted their savories. Yet again, etiquette recommends slathering the clotted cream on the scone before the jam.  The desserts are eaten last, obviously, to sweeten the palate.

The server will constantly refill the hot water in the teapot. And, while drinking tea, never leave the saucer on the table and lift the pinky finger.

Writers Bar becomes a quiet place for cocktails at night.

About Writers Bar

Writers Bar is at the ground floor of Raffles Hotel located at the heart of Makati, a striking 30-storey masterpiece, a collection of 32 sumptuous suites fusing timeless old-world charm with contemporary new-world sophistication. Every suite is designed as an understated oasis of calm, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame mesmerizing views of the Makati cityscape. For more information visit here.