The sacred ritual of afternoon tea with cakes, finger sandwiches and scones is taken to dizzying new heights in Dubai.
The sacred ritual of afternoon tea with cakes, finger sandwiches and scones has — of course – been taken one step further in Dubai.
Well aware of the city’s obsession with fashion, the Raffles Hotel in Oud Metha, an area close to Dubai Creek, changes its afternoon tea menu twice a year to coincide with the autumn/winter and spring/summer fashion weeks; its cakes and sandwiches inspired by the season’s latest looks. Even the most weight-conscious fashionista will fall for the delicious and painstakingly-made creations in the current menu, from the new “it-bag”-shaped cherry shortbread to a fruit-based “lipstick” to a miniature solid chocolate stiletto.
If catwalk-themed confection is not enough, then try the world’s highest afternoon tea at At.mosphere, located on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower at 828m. Enjoy delicate slithers of sophisticated sandwiches, delectable French fancies and endless scones while gazing out over the city almost half a kilometre below. The prices may be sky high, but the view is absolutely priceless. On a clear day you can see out to the ill-fated The World development of islands (of which only one island is finished despite a completion date of 2009), glimpse the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel and spy the cluster of skyscrapers at Dubai Marina, 20km away.
The Collection, Afternoon Tea by Raffles Dubai, served daily between 2 pm and 7 pm, is 199 dirhams for two with tea, or 399 dirhams for two with one glass of Champagne. Call 971-4-324-8888 to book a table. Afternoon tea at At.mosphere, served daily, is Dhs290 for mocktails and tea or Dhs360 with one glass of Champagne. Call 971-4-888-3444 to book a table.
Georgina Wilson-Powell is the Dubai Localite for BBC Travel. She also writes the hotel review blog sogoodtogetoutofthecity.wordpress.com