We tried Atlas Bar’s lavish afternoon tea menu

As the team’s resident sweet tooth, I’m always down for a luxurious afternoon tea. Nothing beats catching up with the girlfriends over sweets and savouries as we dish out the hottest tea of the week. 

But so far, none of my experiences have been as grand and memorable as my time at Atlas, the critically acclaimed bar in the iconic Parkview Square tower. As you might know, its accolades include a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, clinching the No. 43 spot in 2024.

With 1,300 gins and rare whiskies in its vault, Atlas is also esteemed for its astounding gin repository.

It’s home to the world’s largest gin collection yet, and the spirits are stored in an impressive, 26-foot gin tower that guests can admire. 

Those visiting Atlas for the first time will be awed, too. Founded in 2017, the bar takes inspiration from the regal Art Deco style of the 1920s.

With its gleaming, life-sized statues and ornate Baroque ceilings, Atlas brings to mind Great Gatsby-esque glamour, all set against a majestic backdrop. 

While bar-hoppers and gin connoisseurs best know of Atlas as a world-class bar for its spirits and splendour, its afternoon tea menu is also deserving of a shout-out. 

Thoughtfully curated, the Atlas afternoon tea (from S$68 per person) is an opulent feast featuring two tiers of handcrafted European pastries, each one as decadent as the last.

Note that the menu rotates every three months or so, and an advanced reservation is required. There are also three seatings available: 3pm, 3:30pm and 4pm. Each session runs for two hours. 

At this time of the day, the vibes at Atlas are slightly more casual — come evening, the bar takes on a swanky, polished charm, with more guests dressed to the nines.

The session begins with your choice of tea, coffee or fruit juice. Each diner gets their own pot and we recommend going for its teas, which come in a myriad of fruity, floral and earthy-hued options. 

The Atlas Art Deco blend is a signature tea here. A black tea incorporated with dry gin botanicals, it’s light and brimming with fragrant floral notes. 

If you’d like to try something unique and refreshing, the decadent milk oolong is perfumed with delicate milky hints, sans the dairy. 

The staff suggests that I dig into its savoury tier first — the gougere (cheese puff) or the tomato basil arancini. 

Of the two, the arancini is my favourite — a bite-sized, deep-fried dish stuffed with cheese and tangy tomato, then elevated with herbaceous hints of basil. 

Moreish and addictive, it set the tone for the delicious meal ahead.

I made a beeline for the coronation egg brioche next. The largest savoury dish among the lot, it’s clad in a tantalising orange-brown shade with creamy egg mayo bursting at the top. 

It’s an egg-based dish inspired by the time-honoured coronation chicken sandwich recipe, created when the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953. 

The coronation egg brioche is now regarded as a staple tea-time delight, and Atlas’ tantalising rendition is one we can’t get enough of.

The smoked salmon rillette is another highlight. A mound of indulgent caviar sits on a flaky, crispy vol-au-vent (a hollow puff pastry) with bits of smoked salmon nestled within.

Chock-full of rich brininess, the pastry tastes as yummy as it looks!

As you move on to the upper tier — the sweets — start with the classic rhum baba. Soaked in rum, this dessert packs quite a boozy punch. 

The cake, soft and fluffy, oozes liquor with each spoonful, so you get a huge dose of its bright, subtly sweet flavours.

Chocolate lovers will relish the indulgent pistachio amaretti bonbons, Atlas’ intriguing spin on the traditional Italian amaretti cookies.

Pop them into your mouth to savour their nutty, roasted nuances. 

I do think the sweets would benefit from a stronger pistachio flavour, as it’s slightly overshadowed by the bolder white chocolate notes. 

Those who gravitate toward tangy, piquant desserts will enjoy the rhubarb tartlet, a vivid, orange-hued treat atop a crunchy tart, and adorned with crunchy cinnamon streusel bits.

It’s a pastry that’s not too sweet, and boasts a nice balance of bite and texture to complement its bright, tart flavours.

Atlas’ afternoon tea menu is reputed for a good reason. I left with a full (and very happy) tummy. 

If you’re looking for an unforgettable afternoon with loved ones, elevated with impeccable service and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, you know where to go.

This was an invited tasting. 

For the latest eats, read about Golden Seed, a gorgeous tea cafe at Millenia Walk and Chu and Co, a hidden artisanal sourdough bakery in Serangoon Garden. Alternatively, check out the newest openings in Singapore here. 

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to Atlas Bar.