A New TWG at ION: Smug Service, but I’m a Sucker for the Tea

We have wanted to try the high tea at TWG but always miss out as we are there well before 3pm. It seems worthwhile. But now that I’ve tried it I’m not so sure. All the items are so tiny. I thought the sandwiches would be a lot more substantial and the salad was quite pathetic. Service was horrendous at the new branch at the open area at ION. We came here because the closed one at the floor above was so full. The waiter was sullen and smug faced. I felt that he had the attitude that it was beneath him to serve anyone. Is that what the owners of TWG want to promote? I know, I know. I am a sucker because I keep coming back. But I love the tea. Well as my partner says, the fragrance more than the tea itself. He thinks the tea is nothing special but the fragrance is lovely.

They also have a great way of preparing the tea so that the leaves don’t soak in there and get bitter after a while. The leaves are removed. They control the temperates with fancy equipment just like at fancy coffee joints. So they do have that going for them and I am impressed by the pretty crockery. The macarons here are the best I’ve had as well.

Yeah, the main thing that spoils it is the horrible rude snotty service. Hope one of the owners reads this and decides to train their staff properly or look into their hiring process. Just had to say my peace, because I really like pretty salons where you can have tea, conveniently located in a mall. For those unplanned times when you can convince your partner to have tea. Convinced my cousin this time even though she’s not fond of this place. She likes trying out new places but indulged me.

A pot of tea for S$11 and macarons for S$2 was not too bad. It’s a similar price as the less swanky places. So I’d say stick with the ala carte menu. The brunch menu is also better than the high tea set.

D liked her creme brulee but thought the one at Paul was better. And much more substantial for a lower price. Here there were two flavours to try so I guess that was the edge.

The scones came with a tea jelly and clotted cream. Not bad I would say.

Wish I could come here just for the tea. But maybe that’s why they have such aloof, inattentive, snooty staff to discourage you from ordering too little.

Quick shots of the menu.

They really need to buck up on service. This blogger was treated worse than I was.

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
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14 Responses to A New TWG at ION: Smug Service, but I’m a Sucker for the Tea

  1. Claudia Chia says:

    I hate rude services too!!

    • bookjunkie says:

      It’s terrible huh? I am such a idiot for patronizing the place so many times. But I just love the tea and macarons.

  2. AXY says:

    Aren’t the wait staff at TWG ALL foreign workers? If they are, they should be thankful they have a well paid job compared to their home country where they would be paid meagre salaries or no job at all. No need for that snotty attitude.

    • bookjunkie says:

      Wish customer service could improve here. Perhaps a tipping system would be better. I never experienced such bad service when I’m abroad. Usually it’s service with a smile.

  3. Sam says:

    I don’t know what they are snobby over. Their tea is an obvious rip off of Mariage Freres, less the quality. Twg tea is okay,certainly not superior or as good as the former for the price they charge. What TWG is great at is marketing. If you ever have a chance to try the tea from Mariage Freres, you will be able to taste the difference.

    • bookjunkie says:

      Where can I get that tea you mention? Wish they could open a salon here.

      Thanks for sharing Sam 🙂

      • Sam says:

        My friend buys the tea for me from Paris. Think it’s also available in Japan and MAYBE hong kong. Twg hijacked their design and concept left, right and centre but have to give it credit for branding.

  4. LL says:

    This looks lovely. I might need to go treat myself to a tea place soon and indulge in some macaroons and creme brulee while sipping tea and reading my kindle (or play Draw Something). Nice post! =)

  5. I’ve tried the TWG salon at ION once too and wasn’t overly impressed but they do have an extremely wide selection of tea and tasty desserts.

    • bookjunkie says:

      I like their quiche, macarons and creme brulee tart. But I wish they could work on their service. I feel like an idiot going back a couple of times even after much dissatisfaction with the service. Just putting this out there so that they will improve.

  6. Claire says:

    Have to agree that TWG seems like a big rip-off of Mariage Freres! Style of the tea salons and even the tea containers look the same. And I hate rude, snotty service — why can’t management emphasize that on their staff? Isn’t it part or hiring and training? They are, after all, in the service, industry. I hope the owner of TWG reads your posts and the comments section!

    Been reading your blog for quite some time. Love your candid musings, always! Keep it up! 🙂

    • bookjunkie says:

      Awww, thanks so much Claire. You made my Sunday 🙂 Always wonder if I’m being too snarky or harsh but I guess candid is good 😉

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