At last, we have arrived at what is supposedly the creme de la creme of English teas - the famed afternoon tea at The Drawing Room.

I consider myself extremely lucky as it was probably the first and last time I will ever set foot in Carcosa because it will be closed at the end of the month when the lease expires. It may or may not reopen, but even so things would probably be different then.

Unfortunately, tea is now held at the Carcosa mansion as the Seri Negara (other building) has been closed since October. So we didn’t have “afternoon tea, served in the elegant drawing room, or charming wrap-around verandah, overlooking the beautiful gardens” (wiki). Still, the dining room was extremely cosy and charming.

Seeing as there’s someone plucking strings on a harp (yes, I’m serious), I’m surprised that the price is even listed in the menu. Or even have a menu for that matter as you’d know what you’re into if you have a reservation. But I digress.

Tea was promptly served, and there were only a handful, maybe 10 popular types to choose from. And along with it, scones to start.

Fittingly, it came with fresh clotted cream and a dollop of jam. The scone was airy but overall firm and fresh. Slightly hard on the crust but otherwise a good combo. Judging purely on the scone, Westin was better. But I must say though that they got the cream just right.

The most notable thing on the tray however, was the fruitcake on a spoon. Doesn’t look like much but it will blow you away. Very moist and fragrant, I think I tasted rum but I can’t confirm (rum dried fruitcake?). And the yellow stuff you see on the spoon is custard. Truly decadent.

This fruitcake really made the afternoon tea, even more than the scones. It’s that good. Other offerings on the tray were the usual sandwiches, smoked salmon buns, cookies - leaning towards the traditional.

To wrap, I would say that tea at Carcosa has lived up to its reputation, and expectations. The only minor drawback would be that the staff wasn’t as accommodating as expected (for an establishment of this stature). But overall very good. Shame we won’t be enjoying it again anytime soon.

Tiered stand.

People.

Best. Fruitcake. Ever.

Goodbye.