What image comes to mind when the phrase "afternoon tea" pops up? Perhaps it is a quaint scene delivered straight from Downton Abbey, in which two Victorian-era socialites make themselves comfortable around a patio table as they discuss the juiciest gossip of the day while having sponge cake. Posh fantasies aside, the fact remains that afternoon tea parties have stood the test of time and been one of the best-known British social customs since the reign of Queen Victoria.

Jump to 2022 and The Langham Jakarta is determined to introduce the Albion's swanky tradition in the heart of the city’s business district with the opening of ALICE. A tea room designed as a grand café, ALICE welcomed its first customers on March 9. Preserving the authenticity of a venerable custom is nice and all, but in the eyes of the people behind ALICE, afternoon tea parties are not exclusively for socialites or governors' wives. After all, this is not a British period piece – this is modern Jakarta, home for some of the most diverse and inquisitive foodies in the country.

"We're open to anyone. Everybody who wants to experience fresh products, natural products and also homemade products," said Alexander Poindl, The Langham Jakarta’s general manager.

My cup of tea: Located on the lobby level of The Langham Jakarta, ALICE offers afternoon tea delights and European pastries. (Courtesy of The Langham Jakarta). (Personal collection/Courtesy of The Langham, Jakarta)

Alice's adventures in Jakarta

The concept of ALICE was inspired by Lewis Carroll's famous English children's novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. According to Alexander, there is an invisible string that connects the novel to the history of The Langham hotels.