by Helen Ong

Enjoy the fresh air and scenery, and get far from the madding crowd

Indulge in a bit of English tradition at David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces on Penang Hill. Named after the English nutmeg merchant who built a tea house on the site, this place on the Upper Station was renovated in 2007 at great cost, and now offers people the opportunity to dine alfresco “in the clouds”. It’s really quite serene and calming, and definitely worth the trip up.

Although the ambient temperature is only 3-5 degrees cooler, there’s a distinct English country house feel to the place; the pretty garden, the house and its furnishings and fireplace have all been designed to simulate that experience.

The pork-free menu is primarily English too, with interesting names like Mulligatawny Soup, “Angels on Horseback” (Grilled Mushrooms on Toast), and pies, roasts and old favourites like Beef Wellington and Fish ‘n Chips. There are some local specialities like Kari Kapitan, Spring Rolls and Roti Ayam.

They’re currently offering a special “BBQ for 2” which will be cooked for you a table. At RM150+, it includes a soup and salad, juice and dessert. Pre-order is advisable.

Tuck into their home-made, still-hot scones straight from the oven, with strawberry jam made with Cameron Highlands fruits, and lashings of whipped cream – it’s sinfully delicious.

Although the funicular railway is being upgraded at the moment and therefore out of service until at least September 2010, transport by four-wheel drive to the top can be arranged.

David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terraces
Strawberry Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Ayer Itam,
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: 604-828 8337
Fax: 604-826 6337
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Opens: 9am to 9pm daily