The Verandah - Relaxed refinement from a more genteel age

1/F The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 2315 3166

FARE International. AMBIENCE Like the Peninsula itself, The Verandah retains an old-world, colonial feeling of relaxed refinement. Sitting amid the white linen tablecloth-covered tables under the lazily spinning ceiling fans, it's easy to imagine that you are back in a more genteel age. COST The popular buffet dinner (which includes a choice of soups and main courses, plus an appetizer and dessert buffet) is HK$468 (plus 10 per cent service). A la carte diners should budget about HK$600 per person, not including service or drinks. WHO TO BRING The variety of cuisines on offer, setting and attention to detail make this a safe choice for entertaining visiting relatives/parents, while oenophiles will rejoice at the extensive (and we mean extensive) wine list. TURN-ONS A buffet lives or dies on the quality of its ingredients and The Verandah scores highly in this department, with a fresh and varied spread of seafood, cold cuts, salads and sushi. The saucier also deserves praise while the supremely light mango souffle is worthy of a mention too. TURN-OFFS The service, while friendly and efficient, didn't quite match the expectations we had of one of the world's best hotels. DRINKS A wine list that will delight or mystify, depending on your level of wine knowledge (mercifully, there's a shortened version for the casual drinker), is a matter of pride here, while a range of signature cocktails/long drinks make tempting sundowners.