Pinktober at Pavilions Lounge, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, few properties hold their poise quite like the Sheraton Imperial. Built nearly three decades ago, the hotel still exudes that classic international grandeur — marble floors polished to memory, soft jazz in the background, and a sense of rhythm that feels distinctly old-world.

This October, that timeless calm turns rosy with Pinktober at Pavilions Lounge — a delicate, beautifully composed afternoon tea crafted in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA).It’s an experience that goes beyond indulgence; it’s one of quiet celebration, designed to raise awareness while serving beauty by the tier.

The Setting: Timeless Kuala Lumpur Glamour

Stepping into the Pavilions Lounge feels a bit like slipping into a bygone era of hospitality — plush armchairs, high ceilings, and warm afternoon light filtering through the tall windows.Despite the hotel’s age, there’s a remarkable freshness to its upkeep. The 27-year-old building wears its history gracefully — like an heirloom polished with care, every corner whispering stories of old brunches, new beginnings, and countless afternoon teas before this one.

The staff move with effortless warmth — friendly, attentive, and genuinely proud of the Pinktober collaboration. Their ease complements the elegance of the space, creating an atmosphere that’s both grand and grounded.

The Pinktober Spread: A Celebration in Layers

Presented in a birdcage-style stand, the afternoon tea is a visual delight — playful yet polished, every detail pink-tinged in spirit and design.At RM158 for two, it’s a well-balanced offering of sweets and savouries that showcase the kitchen’s versatility without ever overwhelming the palate.

Sweets — The Whimsical Finale

• Coconut & Raspberry Pannacotta — light, silky, and tropical, with a whisper of tartness that cuts through perfectly.

• Milk Chocolate Mousse Tartlet — indulgent, glossy, and elegant; a bite-sized nod to Paris.

• Cherry & Chantilly Craquelin — airy, fragrant, and delightfully feminine.

• Rose Macaron with Lychee Cream — a standout; floral and fruit-forward, the kind of delicate sweetness that lingers.

Each dessert balances precision and playfulness, maintaining a steady hand on sugar — rare in themed teas, where visual theatrics often outpace flavour.

Sandwiches — Refined Classics, Cleverly Reimagined

• Tomato Focaccia with Buffalo Mozzarella & Heirloom Tomato

• Beetroot Bagel with Smoked Duck & Arugula

• Chicken & Cranberry Pinwheel Sandwich

• Caramelised Onion & Goat Cheese Slider

Each sandwich feels intentional, built for contrast. The beetroot bagel — gently sweet against smoky duck — stands out as the most memorable. The focaccia is pillowy and fragrant, a fine base for the fresh mozzarella.

Savoury Highlights — A Nod to Local Luxury

• Cured Salmon Cornetto with Crème Fraîche

• Avocado & Prawn Pai Tee

• Seared Tuna Tataki with Sesame on Rice Cracker

• Nasi Lemak & Beef Rendang ‘Arancini’

These savouries are where the Pinktober set truly shines.The salmon cornetto is crisp, elegant, and balanced with creamy acidity, while the nasi lemak arancini — playful and Malaysian to its core — steals hearts and appetites alike. There’s wit here, and cultural respect.

Scones — Tradition Perfected

Served warm, the plain and mixed berry scones arrive with artisan butter, clotted cream, and strawberry jam — all classic, all excellent. The crumb is tender, the crust just golden.

They may be the quietest part of the experience, but they’re also its soul.

The Experience: Polished, Purposeful, Pink

Afternoon tea is often a theatre of refinement — but Pinktober at Pavilions manages to make it feel human. Between the pastel tiers and the genuine warmth of the team, there’s a deeper narrative: that elegance can have empathy, and indulgence can have intention.

It’s also a reminder of what the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel still does best: blending legacy hospitality with modern relevance.

Verdict: A Toast to Timelessness

At RM158 for two, Pinktober at Pavilions Lounge delivers tremendous value — not just in food, but in feeling. The experience is layered with thoughtfulness: from the charitable collaboration to the culinary craftsmanship and the attentiveness of the staff.

The flavours are consistent, the presentation striking, and the service genuinely kind — a trio that, in today’s dining scene, is far rarer than it should be.

For an afternoon of conversation, calm, and a cause worth supporting, few settings do it better.

Final Thoughts

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur continues to prove that age can be an asset when paired with care. In the glow of Pinktober, its classic interiors take on new colour — not just in palette, but in purpose.

Great building. Great people. Great afternoon tea.

Sometimes, that’s all you need.