The Peninsula’s afternoon tea tradition is rooted in British heritage, dating back to 1830 when The Duchess of Bedford popularised the fashion of afternoon tea as a refined way to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. Over time, this elegant ritual evolved to include delicate china, impressive cake stands, fine silverware, and embroidered linens, becoming a cherished social occasion across the British Empire.

In 1924, Managing Director James Taggart introduced afternoon tea dances at the Astor House Hotel in Shanghai, one of the most luxurious hotels of its time and a property under our company’s wing. Guests gathered to dance the Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Charleston to live music, creating a lively and elegant social scene. This vibrant tradition soon spread to other Shanghai hotels. When The Peninsula Hong Kong opened in 1928, it swiftly established itself as the city’s premier social hub, where guests enjoyed afternoon teas served on fine china while dancing — a luxurious mid-afternoon feast that earned it the reputation as "The Meeting Point of Hong Kong Society."

Today, the tradition of afternoon tea continues at The Peninsula, remaining a beloved ritual that celebrates elegance and social connection across generations.