She requested to do one of the Emirates' hotels' famous afternoon teas which I gladly obliged. Who doesn't love an excuse to spend the latter part of an afternoon grazing on delectable mini sarnies, scones and sweets?
It had been a while since I had indulged of the sort, so did some quick research courtesy of Time Out Dubai who featured reviews on the city's top ten afternoon teas and the new Waldorf Astoria hotel on Palm Jumeirah seemed top, both for quality and value. I loved the description: "if this afternoon tea were a film, it would be: My Fair Lady"...seemed ideal as it's one of my favourite films.
I really love this hotel. It is crisp, clean and classic. A lot of Dubai's hotels go overboard when it comes to their interior, but the WA keeps things understated (by Dubai's standard's, anyhow!). Afternoon tea was served in Peacock Alley, a lovely sweeping lounge area that overlooks the hotel pool. We sat in lovely grey high-back armchairs which added a sense of privacy to our arvo-soiree.
There are two types of afternoon tea - the 'London' or the 'Parisian', the difference only being the savoury sandwiches. We both opted for the London - think roast beef, smoked salmon and cucumber and cream cheese and you're getting the gist. The Parisian features goat's cheese and foi gras amongst others.
The trays were beautifully presented - 3 tiers of savoury, scones and desserts. It was a accompanied by condiments of clotted cream, strawberry jam, creamy lemon curd and possibly the nicest non-bitter marmalade I have ever had. A small but perfectly formed tropical fruit salad was a lovely touch too, something to cleanse the palette. We also both chose a pot of loose-leafed tea (my mum had Jasmine tea which had real Jasmine flowers inside), which looked super authentic in delicate glass teapots. We could have accompanied with a glass of bubbles, but we opted for tea as it would have doubled the price per person. An added bonus was that they refilled your pot for free. This is a novelty here in Dubai as some hotels will charge you.
(Note to hotels: if you are thinking of charging me for hot water, just remember - I will judge you)
My favourites were the smoked salmon open sandwich and the strawberry and pistachio tart. However, best in show goes to THE SCONES. I was blown away by the scones! It's a rare thing to find a light, buttery scone which isn't dry and mealy. I would return for the scones alone.
Highly recommend if you are thinking of treating yourself to an afternoon tea. It is worth taking the drive all the way around the Palm.
London Afternoon Tea: 150 aed each
Parsian Afternoon Tea: 165 aed each
Glass of champagne: 150 aed each
There are two types of afternoon tea - the 'London' or the 'Parisian', the difference only being the savoury sandwiches. We both opted for the London - think roast beef, smoked salmon and cucumber and cream cheese and you're getting the gist. The Parisian features goat's cheese and foi gras amongst others.
The trays were beautifully presented - 3 tiers of savoury, scones and desserts. It was a accompanied by condiments of clotted cream, strawberry jam, creamy lemon curd and possibly the nicest non-bitter marmalade I have ever had. A small but perfectly formed tropical fruit salad was a lovely touch too, something to cleanse the palette. We also both chose a pot of loose-leafed tea (my mum had Jasmine tea which had real Jasmine flowers inside), which looked super authentic in delicate glass teapots. We could have accompanied with a glass of bubbles, but we opted for tea as it would have doubled the price per person. An added bonus was that they refilled your pot for free. This is a novelty here in Dubai as some hotels will charge you.
(Note to hotels: if you are thinking of charging me for hot water, just remember - I will judge you)
My favourites were the smoked salmon open sandwich and the strawberry and pistachio tart. However, best in show goes to THE SCONES. I was blown away by the scones! It's a rare thing to find a light, buttery scone which isn't dry and mealy. I would return for the scones alone.
Highly recommend if you are thinking of treating yourself to an afternoon tea. It is worth taking the drive all the way around the Palm.
London Afternoon Tea: 150 aed each
Parsian Afternoon Tea: 165 aed each
Glass of champagne: 150 aed each
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