Afternoon tea – that quintessentially English ritual of elegance, refinement, and prestige – represents a timeless tradition that signifies a certain air of sophistication; a cherished moment where conversation, culinary artistry, and leisure come together in perfect harmony. In Dubai, a city renowned for its cosmopolitan allure, this enchanting custom has been masterfully reimagined for a global audience through the timeless hospitality of Four Seasons.
From the meticulously curated selection of teas to the delicate pastries and handcrafted finger sandwiches, the legendary warmth of the world’s most iconic hospitality brand offers an experience reserved for those who seek the finest in culinary luxury and cultural refinement. Read on to discover all about the exquisite Four Seasons Dubai afternoon tea experiences.
Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre
Served daily from 2 pm to 7 pm, afternoon tea at the Penrose Lounge is more like a serene afternoon spent in your own elegant sitting room, where sophistication and comfort coexist effortlessly. This chic lounge functions as a sanctuary of quiet luxury, where guests can drift into a leisurely trance, surrounded by bookshelves, soft seating, and the aroma of fine teas.
EARTH, as this exceptional afternoon tea experience is known, represents a refined nod to nature's rhythm and purity, with a carefully crafted menu boasting seasonal, sustainable ingredients which, when blended, create a symphony for the senses. Free from artificial components, the fare is as authentic as it is mindful, with guests able to select a range of savouries and desserts.
The Raspberry Foie Gras stands out for its harmonious balance of rich, velvety textures and the vibrant, tangy sweetness of fresh raspberries, creating a flavour experience that is both lavish and unforgettable. The Chocolate Coffe Choux from the Sweet Delights menu is a decadent masterpiece, so exquisitely rich and flavorful that discerning guests savour every bite without a second thought for how many steps they might need to do to compensate. Both menus feature additional dishes, each as decadent as the last.
Additionally, vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. For the environmentally conscious guest, Four Seasons’ commitment to sustainability is also on display at Penrose Lounge, with a menu crafted from sustainable meats, cage-free eggs and responsibly sourced seafood.
Afternoon tea at the Penrose Lounge is priced at AED 290 for two, or AED 325 for the champagne package.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Located in the Shai Salon of the Four Seasons’ coastal Jumeirah property, afternoon tea at this exquisite address benefits from chef Nicolas Lambert’s more than 10-year culinary journey through places like Hong Kong, St. Petersburg and currently, Dubai. Now Senior Executive Pastry Chef, Lambert’s distinguishable style has brought him plentiful recognition during his career to date, with the Frenchman earning a slew of awards, such as Asia’s Best Pastry Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2018.
Now a 10-year veteran of the Four Seasons, Lambert finds himself front and centre of Jumeirah’s afternoon tea operation, which boasts some truly exquisite creations. The Alizee Cheesecake represents a decadent dance through the chef’s travels thus far, complemented by a delectable yuzu ganache, jasmine tea gel and fresh citrus. For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Caprice stands as the star of the show; an extravagant blend of white chocolate brownie, with croustillant cocoa, namelaka cream and whipped ganache crowning the creation.
Guests are greeted with a welcome drink of Hojicha Sparkling Tea before moving on to the second sequence, which presents options such as the Sous Vide Organic Chicken Breast and Artichoke Tartlet or the Free Range Egg and Black Truffle. The third sequence, or ‘pre-dessert’ to the aficionado, brings a sumptuous Fra-Sia “Vacherin” to the table – an exquisite French Meringue, Strawberry and Basil Sorbet, Yuzu Crèmeux and Basil Chantilly drizzled in Fresh Strawberry Juice. Next comes dessert, where Lambert’s aforementioned sweet creations come into play as the penultimate expression of culinary artistry, bridging the gap between indulgence and innovation. The experience concludes with the Le Clafoutis de Jeannot, a Fresh Blueberry dessert from the Limousin region served with Tahitian Vanilla “Crème Fraîche” – a truly elevated experience.
The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach experience is available for an extremely reasonable AED 260 and comes inclusive of tea and coffee.
The History of Afternoon Tea
According to the British Museum, this most quintessentially English of pursuits was popularised by one Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford – a close personal friend of England’s second-longest-serving monarch in history, Queen Victoria.
As legend has it, Russell was becoming increasingly perplexed at the length of time between lunch and dinner, thanks in large part to the elongation of the working day across the nation during the heady days of the Industrial Revolution. As a result, she decided to act, demanding bread, butter and cake be brought to her rooms at some point during the late afternoon, and just like that, an afternoon ritual became woven into the very fabric of what it meant to be English.
These days, the practice serves less of a functional purpose and more of a cultural nod to English heritage, with sophisticated citizens the world over indulging in a late afternoon treat as a symbol of leisure, refinement and tradition.
Four Seasons Dubai offers some of the most elegant afternoon tea options this side of London. In both properties, time slows to the graceful pace of Victorian high society as English tradition merges with the modern sophistication of Dubai. Whether you happen to be looking for a romantic afternoon out with your partner, a social gathering with friends, or simply a place to unwind solo in the comfort of a good book, afternoon tea at the Four Seasons has everything to suit your needs.
