A Glittering Affair: The Swarovski Afternoon Tea Experience at The Writer's Bar in Raffles Makati

In yet another masterful collaboration, The Writer's Bar of Raffles Makati presents afternoon tea with a sophisticated twist with Swarovski Afternoon Tea. It's a collaboration that brings together two iconic brands with a shared philosophy on timeless elegance and meticulous detail translated and reinterpreted to a novel afternoon tea experience. Enjoy soothing sips and indulgent bites with a luxurious sparkle from September 28 to November 30 at The Writer's Bar with Swarovski Afternoon Tea...

The elegant lobby at Raffles Makati leading to The Writer's Bar glitters with an elegant glow made even brighter with the exquisite crystal creations of the famed Austrian craftsman. Founded in 1895, Swarovski's lasting and enduring legacy in precision-cut crystal still shines brighter than ever to this day acclaimed all over the world. It's an uncanny similarity echoed with the storied tradition of Raffles established in 1887 with its sterling reputation for personalized service, refined elegance and a touch of sophistication unmatched in its long history. The Swarovski Afternoon Tea experience is a merger of legacies transforming the tea tradition with its intricate weave of style and flavors.

The mood at The Writer's Bar is elegantly transformed becoming the stage for another unique afternoon tea experience...

...with the added sparkle from the iconic and timeless precision-cut crystal of Swarovski. It's a perfect and harmonious fit following the success of previous collabs (for more on past afternoon tea editions, see my post Afternoon Tea and Italian Style: High Fashion and High Tea in an Elegant Weave at #FURLAAfternoonTea in The Writer's Bar at Raffles Makati from late last year).

The exquisite and prestigious collections of Swarovski illuminated the elegant space with its radiant sparkle...

...as the warm glow of the shifting afternoon light draped the interiors with its shimmering brilliance. 

At the launch, guests were treated to an array of interactive activities with Swarovski adding even more sparkling moments to the experience at The Writer's Bar. 

In one afternoon, two distinct yet shared legacies become intertwined in a lavish display of exceptional elegance at the formal launch of Swarovski Afternoon Tea at The Writer's Bar.  

Refreshing libations were served, a sparkling prelude to even more delightful treats at the Swarovski Afternoon Tea launch.

Raffles Makati's Cluster General Manager Bernd Schneider welcomed guests at the formal launch, highlighting the shared legacies of the enduring brands. "The partnership between Raffles Makati and Swarovski is a celebration of history, luxury and innovation. Our shared passion for excellence has resulted in this exquisite afternoon tea experience, a testament to our commitment to creating memorable moments for our discerning guests," explained Bernd Schneider.

This sentiment is emphasized by Raffles Makati Director for Sales and Marketing Eugene Tamesis adding "the Swarovski Afternoon Tea is not just about luxury, but a culinary journey. Our carefully crafted menu mirrors the precision and beauty that Swarovski stands for." 

And it was then time for tea. The Writers Bar offers a wide selection of premium teas including Pink Garden, Moroccan, Genmaicha, Japanese Sencha, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Raffles Makati Tea Blend, Royal Darjeeling, Comptoir Des Indes, Lemon Bush and Pai Mu Tan.

The deep, bold yet soothing notes with subtle fruity hints of the signature Raffles Makati Tea Blend was always my pick at The Writer's Bar...

...and should pair well with the indulgent creations of Executive Chef Bela Rieck. That day, Chef Bela presented an intricate and lavish assortment of sweet and savory treats drawing inspiration from the exquisite crystals and Austrian heritage of its founder. 

With much excitement, the traditional three-tiered tray arrived with the bite-sized indulgences of Chef Bela to begin our Swarovski Afternoon Tea experience. 

Starting from the bottom tier, Chef Bela presented his tasty selection of savory creations including Green Mango Tart with Sea Grapes, Seared Tuna with Mango Cilantro Salsa, Sweet Chicken and Avocado Blinis, Caponata Wrap and Alfalfa Sprouts and Vegan Cheese Bruschetta with Calamansi Pearls.

Each of the savory creations delivered unique and distinct notes, but it's the mildly sweet and sharp hints of the Green Mango Tart with Sea Grapes...

...and the Sweet Chicken and Avocado Blinis that teased my palate with its unexpected burst of flavors. 

Moving up the tier, the first of sweet indulgences tempts the palate with the White Wine Coconut Spritzer, Crystal Glazed Reinvented Raspberry Linzer and Small Rhum Cake or Punshkrapfen.

Each bite is pure decadence, perfectly washed down by the soothing notes of the Raffles Makati Tea Blend.

At the top of the tier, the Cassis Macaron, Crystal Inspired Praline and Cube of Sacher Torte completes the decadent parade of flavors for the Swarovski Afternoon Tea at The Writer's Bar. 

Like the exquisite crystals, the creations of Chef Bela perfectly mirror the intricate and flawless beauty of the iconic brand. A few more sips and bites and the whole concept for the latest edition of afternoon tea at The Writer's Bar becomes an elegantly seamless blend of luxurious flavors. 

In addition, guests and diners were also served Classic Scones and Apple Strudel Scones with jars of honey harvested from the hotel's very own bee farms, clotted cream and jam.

The Swarovski Afternoon Tea which includes the Classic and Apple Strudel Scones, a choice of premium TWG Tea for two and the three-tiered tray of exclusive creations by Chef Bela is priced at P 3,000 and available until November 30. 

The afternoon tea tradition is slowly becoming part of the culinary mainstream, with The Writer's Bar at Raffles Makati leading the way with creative collabs like the Swarovski Afternoon Tea. Spend an afternoon for a relaxing cup of tea and tasty bites, and experience the elegant blend of history, luxury and style with the Swarovski Afternoon Tea experience.