Ever since I glanced upon Writers Bar when we dined at Spectrum, I have long been wishing to come back for it.  There's just something about its grandeur, solemnity and coziness that calls upon the bookish and geek side of me. 

My wish was granted when my friend Sumi invited for an afternoon tea.

Writers Bar at the Raffles Hotel Manila is a modern interpretation of the original Writers Bar in Singapore.  It is styled as a library with real books from various writers who frequented Writers Bar like Ernest Hemingway.

Afternoon Tea
This is actually only my second time to enjoy an afternoon tea. After trying it once, I'm still in the process of getting acquainted with it.  According to the Writers Bar menu, the idea of an Afternoon Tea originated from Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford who invited friends over for tea after having a sinking feeling one afternoon.  Another interesting fact I learned from the menu is that prior to the Afternoon Tea, the English only had two main meals: breakfast (consisting of ale, bread and beef) and dinner.

Glam Hatters Afternoon Tea
As our visit was on a Monday afternoon, we availed of the Glam Hatters Afternoon Tea which is available every Mondays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for only 1,150++ php.  It's actually the same as the Raffles Classic but with the perks of wearing a stylish hat and you also get a take home treat.   
 
Raffles Classic
The Raffles Classic is good for two so everything is served in pairs!  It's one fulfilling endeavor I promise you!  We took hours of chatting, drinking and munching to finish the whole course.

A Selection of Finger Sandwiches

We began with a A Selection of Finger Sandwiches.  We were served the Beef Tenderloin and Dijoinaise Dressing, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Ham, Gherkins and Onions, Classic Cucumber with Basil Pesto and Egg Salad on Sundried Tomato Roll.

My top three favorites in the following order were...

♥ Beef Tenderloin and Dijoinaise Dressing

♥ Smoked Salmon

♥ Egg Salad on Sundried Tomato Roll

Duo of Scones

Duo of Scones with Clotted Cream and Locally Made Preserves

As I'm not a fan of crunchy type of cookies (I like them chewy and moist), I'm also not fond of scones.  But, to my surprise, I loved these scones: Classic Plain and Dried Currant!  They were served warm, had a crunchy thin outer layer but moist and soft on the inside. 

♥ Dried Currants

While I loved the Classic Plain, I enjoyed the Dried Currants more.  Look at the size of their scones!  It's huge and filling but they were so good I just had to finish them both.
 

A Selection of French Pastries

By the time this three-tier tray arrived, we were also full.  But, who could resist these right?  So, we took our time to indulge in every one of them.

♥ Seasonal Tartlets

The Seasonal Tartlets had Lemon Meringe, Blueberries and Black Currant Tart and Raspberries and Berries Tart.  I really can't choose among them because all of them were delightful.

Pâte à Choux

Cakes and Signature Tea Macarons

Last but definitely not the least are the Cakes and Signature Tea Macarons.  The ♥ Flourless Milk Chocolate Guanaja Cake with gold toppings is a chocolate lovers dream!  To simply reminisce about it makes my mouth water.  But, the ♥ Pistacho Orange Cake is also as indulgent.  We also had the Peppermint and Ube (instead of Earl Grey) macarons. 

♥ Choice of Harney & Sons Tea

For beverage, you can have unlimited brewed coffee or your choice of tea.  Since the tea at Writers Bar are specially blended by Harney & Sons, we opted to try as much of it as we can.   There have a variety of Black Teas, White Teas, Green Teas, Oolong-Blue Teas and Herbal Teas.  Our favorites are the Genmaicha, Roiboos Chai and White Vanilla Grapefruit.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Writers Bar offers a one of a kind experience especially in terms of Afternoon Tea. Avail of the Glam Hatter Afternoon Tea for a truly wonderful time.  I've seen girl friends as well as daters avail of it. Its even great as a family activity.  In fact, during our visit I saw a family having fun with their cute little daughter in a beautiful dress that matched her hat.