I received a call today from a girlfriend who really enjoys a catch-up and a chat. The suggestion was to meet at UOB Plaza on the Singapore river at about 3pm. OK, so I thought what am I in for. I arrived on time and to my delight I was instantly escorted to the 60th Floor UOB Plaza One to Si Chuan Dou Hua for an Imperial afternoon tea. It was excellent. At $20++ per head we enjoyed authentic chinese tea paired with a selection of dim sum. You will sit and sip for hours - we certainly did.

The view is brilliant. The aspect is over Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar. Ask for table 82, a cosy corner for two with the best view in the house. You are made to feel welcome in the tea room adjacent to the main restaurant. The lounge only has three or four tables away from the main restauant area so its quiet enough to have a whispered conversation.  The atmosphere is definately relaxing, almost filmic. I felt we were sitting in a set of some extraordinary chinese classic. You can also book a private room for eight at the same $20++ cover or even a larger area for communal tea gatherings with friends this includes a tea preparation demonstration.

This is a must do, especially when you have friends or family in town - even though a cold one down at Harry’s bar afterwards could always be on the cards.