Planters Lounge at the Eastern & Oriental‘s sixth floor was the place to get in for coffee or tea all day and that is where they had their happy hour at 17:00 daily.

It also had dining options, I believe. Not sure about the lunch options.

Overlooking Penang Strait, it sure was a beautiful view.

The child and I came here thrice during our stay, two days for their happy hour, and one morning for their breakfast.

The breakfast was a continental offering, with bread, croissants, juices, coffees, teas, fresh fruits, preserved fruits, dried fruits, nuts, cereals, milk, muffins, pastries and such. Plenty for the meat eaters as well.

I relished the lychees, dried apricots, and mangoes. Sipped on espresso and mint tea. The child got himself some toast, muffin and crackers but barely ate anything. He was enjoying playing with truck and bus and hopping and skipping around.

The lounge inside seating of the lounge is a mix of sleek and classic look, unlike the overall hotel look and feel, which is more British / colonial/classic looking.

The happy hour consisted of wines, gin, whiskey, vodka, juices, crudites, desserts, nuts and a spicy mixture of gram flour, nuts and such (in India, we call it chivda).

I stuck to wine one day, and whiskey the next.

They had simple cheese sandwich bites too. On confirming if the cheese was vegetarian (without rennet), the manager said he’ll make a vegetarian one for us. What he got us was a sad and dry ‘club’ sandwich with salad greens, tomatoes, and pickles.

The child happily danced and pranced around, while I chatted with the nicest of an elderly couple – old enough to be my parents’ age. I managed to get Aunty’s blessings and off I went after the child’s playing was done.

The next day for the happy hour, I requested him for something vegetarian that wasn’t a sandwich, and he was kind enough to get us spring rolls.