Jubilee jubilation

With an interwoven history, not to mention a shared culture of afternoon tea, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is offering guests the chance to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in a unique and special way, with a historic British spread and a rare viewing of royal artwork and photography.

Endearingly known as Hong Kong’s Sitting Room, the Clipper Lounge is the setting for a Royal Afternoon Tea. Executive chef Uwe Opocensky, creator of the menu, is no stranger to royal feasts, having cooked for the Queen and Prince Philip’s 50th anniversary dinner. Expect Rhug Estate coronation chicken (a dish first served at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation 60 years ago, in 1953), Scottish salmon sandwiches, mini organic pork pies and, naturally, scones with jam and cream, as well as the most royal of cakes, the Victoria sponge.

The Clipper Lounge also serves as the backdrop to 27 artworks from the Royal Collection of Art, in conjunction with the Belgravia Gallery in London. On view are signed lithographs by the Prince of Wales, etchings by Queen Victoria and her beloved husband Prince Albert, and photographs by Lord Snowdon, former partner of the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret. The art is available to purchase, with buyers also receiving the opportunity of attending a guided tour around the Prince of Wales’s private gardens at royal seat Highgrove, followed by a champagne tea service in the Orchard Room.

The afternoon tea and art viewing runs from 27 May to 10 June. Choose the Suite Temptations package for your stay during this celebratory time and you’ll receive a complimentary third night, spa credit, daily breakfast and a special gift.

The Suite Temptations package is HKD 7,800. Make a direct online reservation at www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong, or call +852 2820 4202. For tea reservations, from HKD 288, call +852 2825 4007 or email mohkg-clipperlounge@mohg.com. For information on the art for sale, call +852 9222 7315 or email cailin@belgraviagallery.com