British heritage in Cameron Highlands stretches beyond tea and architectural monuments. Since colonial time, this area is getting such devastating transformations, but not all bad. One bright example is afternoon tea at the Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands. Here is our Smokehouse afternoon tea review for all tea lovers.
The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant in Cameron Highlands used to be Ye Olde Smokehouse.
Smokehouse Ambiance
From a distance, one can appreciate the traditional English Tudor design from 1937. Really, the Smokehouse hotel couldn’t be more British, and yet it somehow fits in the Malaysian Highlands. Longtime present British influence in this area deserves a monument like this. Also, the neighboring golf course only intensifies the feeling of landing into the British bubble.
Are we in England? No, this is Cameron Highlands.
In 1937 hotel opened its doors during the Christmas holidays and has been in the hospitality business ever since.
The overgrown exterior of the Smokehouse is a living carpet behind the blossoming garden.
No wonder British expatriates took refuge at the Smokehouse when their homesickness became overbearing. We bet that blossoming garden and cozy indoors with dark wooden beams swept away heartfelt longings.
Overgrown ivy shields the porch from wind and unwanted looks.
Sitting area in front of the reception.
Moving into the original building, you’ll notice many antiques, not just furniture and carpets, but also porcelain and copper tableware. Some of its charms are also present in the extension where we had our afternoon tea. Sadly, the metal greenhouse with ugly terracotta tiles is an undeniable failure in this head to toe heritage place.
Antique furniture has an authentic feel, but the flooring is killing the old charm.
Therefore, we urge you to enjoy the beautiful outdoor area with a handful of tables surrounded by countless fragrant flowers. Just keep in mind that the weather can be British as well.
Charm filled living room is perfect for rainy days like ours.
Drinks
Every afternoon tea set at the Smokehouse restaurant comes with a local black tea. In case you want alternative tea or coffee, you’ll get it for an additional 0,70 USD or so.
Heritage lovers will get excited over authenticity present everywhere.
We kept the original offer and were eager to try local tea from Cameron Highlands that wasn’t from the famous BOH tea plantation. For a change, we got to taste the Cameron Valley loose black tea. Therefore, we can confirm that we noticed the fine mouthfeel and complex flavor.
Traditional tea picking. Just kidding, we found this guy by luck... It turns out he is making the best coffee in Cameron Highlands.
Cameron highlands become famous for its fertile ground during the British colonial era.
Tudor architecture is known for the use of heavy timber and leaded glass windows under the steeply pitched gable roof.
Scone and Cream
Rustic beauty had a firm crust that crumbled away in our mouths while the interior maintained the desired moisture. We were happy with a pleasant flavor that indicated home cooking without powdery shortcuts. Topping still warm scone with homemade strawberry jam and thick Devonshire cream was an absolute joy.
The afternoon tea set at the Smokehouse is only for one person.
You rang m'lord?
Afternoon Tea Bites
We will remember Smokehouse afternoon tea after a taste of homemade cooking embraced with old school charm. Here we are talking about the classic finger sandwiches that tasted fresh and delicious. The same goes for a fruit cake slice, which had only one flaw; it was too small. We can see the point of keeping the tea set as traditional as possible, but one more treat for the sugar maniacs wouldn’t hurt.
Smoked salmon with cream cheese and cucumbers tasted fresh and so did the fruitcake.
Smokehouse Sundae
Since the Smokehouse afternoon tea set is short of sweets, we couldn’t resist the extra strawberry sundae. Righteously so, since it was a mouthwatering combination of fresh strawberries, homemade strawberry syrup, and vanilla ice cream.
Our addition to the Smokehouse high tea set was the strawberry sundae.
Final Thought
We can see why Smokehouse is a popular place for high tea occasions. The experience of an old school English bubble in Malaysia is more real than we thought.
If anyone is wondering the antique rocking horse is not for the use.
However, all this might be true if you are enjoying your high tea outside. Once inside, this romantic vibe isn’t that strong anymore. There are too many things cluttering the space, and if we add the darkness...
Restaurant at the Smokehouse is meant for heavier meals and not the afternoon tea.
The food at the Smokehouse afternoon tea was lovely to be fair, and we wouldn't mind some extra sweet bites.
Cameron Highlands Smokehouse Afternoon Tea Review Card
- ATMOSPHERE – 8.2/108.2/10
- SERVICE – 7.3/107.3/10
- TEA SELECTION – 6.0/106.0/10
- PRESENTATION – 3.0/103.0/10
- BITES – 8.9/108.9/10
- VALUE – 7.9/107.9/10
Price and Location
Smokehouse afternoon tea for one comes at almost 11 USD, while strawberry sundae costs a bit under 5 USD. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation.
You'll find many antiques around the place, including outdated furniture.