Civil Engineer Kathireen Kalaivani Rajamanickam shares her love for afternoon tea indulgence at Suffolk House High Tea with SmartDory.
Suffolk House Penang History
A beautiful white house with scenery of greens.
A romantic house with trees whispering cool air and birds chirping love songs.
A house that speaks volumes of history.
It was the home to Penang’s early governors and the scene of many important social and official events.
Nope, this is not a remote area; this is in the heart of George Town.
It’s the restored Suffolk House, the first “Great House of Penang.”
Suffolk House is the purest example of Anglo-Indian architecture outside India, with well-manicured lawns that indicate the beauty of British Indian influences.
It was built on the land owned by Penang’s British Settlement founder, Captain Francis Light.
It was probably named after Captain Light’s hometown, Dalinghoo, Suffolk, England.
Beautifully Restored Suffolk House
I was delighted to be in Suffolk House.
The consultant team that restored this significant heritage site to its glory brilliantly captured the building’s grandeur.
The garden was recreated by sustaining the beautiful old trees.
The view of the Ayer Itam River from the Suffolk House makes the place serene.
It is a perfect place for a cozy, intimate garden wedding.
One can’t believe there is a beautiful place as such in the heart of George Town.
The aura of the place is decidedly British, and their glory is felt here.
The beautiful scenery of the greens, the mansion in white, and the columns and beams in wood colors bring out the building’s character.
It speaks the remarkable taste of our ancestors.
“I felt like the daughter of the governor as I savored the delightful cakes” ~ Kathireen Kalaivani Rajamanickam
Suffolk House High Tea – English Afternoon Tea
Quintessentially English, the custom of drinking tea was introduced to England in the 17th century and quickly became a beloved tradition.
This ritual was popularized in the early 19th century by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford.
Finding herself peckish in the afternoon and unable to wait for dinner, she requested a tray of tea, bread, butter, and cake to be brought to her room.
She soon started inviting friends to join her, turning this afternoon snack into a social event.
This custom of enjoying tea and light refreshments became a fashionable social gathering and is still cherished today as the quintessential English afternoon tea.
I had a wonderful afternoon savoring the English-style High Tea.
The food was amazing.
Thanks to Chef Mathijs Nanne, the scones were one of the best I had in Penang.
The tea was good.
(Forgive me, I’m a coffee lover!)
The cutlery used was simple yet classy.
It was an unforgettable afternoon in the beautiful mansion and garden.
The outstanding, attentive service makes this an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
We enjoyed the Suffolk House High Tea value-for-money sets, quality food in a beautiful and unique restored historic mansion, and the pleasant environment.
Suffolk House Restaurant
250, Jalan Air Hitam,
Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +604-228 3930
GPS: 5.410787, 100.305553
You can enter to view the Suffolk House Penang.
Entrance tickets RM20/pax are redeemable for refreshments or part payment for any meal.
(Children below 12 are free)
Set Lunch 12noon – 2.30 pm
Suffolk House Afternoon Tea Indulgence 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm
Dinner 7.00 pm – 10.30 pm