Looking for luxurious things to do indoors?
One way to spend an afternoon is by booking an afternoon tea (it’s also a good way to indulge in a slice of the high life without having to remortgage).
If you want to treat guests, friends or simply yourself, these eight over-the-top afternoon teas are sure to impress. Pinkies up.
Try these afternoon teas in Dubai
Blüthner Hall afternoon tea
Nothing shouts ‘posh’ louder than a Grand Piano and that’s what you’ll dine beside as you take an afternoon tea at Blüthner Hall, inside Raffles The Palm Dubai. Of course, a live pianist will perform tunes, too. The menu includes foie gras mousse sandwiches, prawn cocktail rolls, meringues with yuzu cream and jelly and scones with clotted cream. When it comes to bougie, this ticks all the boxes.
Prices vary. Open daily, 2pm-6pm. Raffles The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, raffles.com (04 248 8888).
Fouquet’s afternoon tea
Fouquet’s afternoon tea is presented in a luxurious red case, making it super Istagrammable. The restaurant also offers Burj Khalifa views (another tick when wanting to show off the city to visitors ). As for the goodies, expect plain and raisin scones paired with clotted cream and Fouquet’s jam, plus mini pastries and cake. It’s sure to impress.
From Dhs390 (includes hot drinks) Daily 3pm-6pm. Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai. fouquets-dubai.com.
Josette sparkling afternoon tea
DIFC’s Josette offers a traditional high tea (think tiered cake stands and bone china cups) which is simply picture-perfect (alongside the restaurant’s pink decor). With French classical music playing, as you nibble on pastries and sip coffee, it’s definitely sure to be an afternoon to remember when you’re entertaining out-of-towners. Served on Sundays, this afternoon tea includes scones, blueberry caviar and cheesecake Josette alongside croissants, accompanied by custom-blended herbal tea and coffee selection.
Dhs180 (includes hot drinks), Dhs250 (includes one glass of bubbly). Every Sunday, 3.30pm-5.30pm. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC josette.com (04 275 2522).
Le Goŭter Vault afternoon tea
Le Goûter Vault at Bijou Patisserie inside Sofitel The Obelisk is one upmarket affair that screams over-the-top and totally Dubai. You and your guests will be in awe as a vault filled with sweets and savouries is served to your table. Just make sure to get lots of snaps before devouring the meringues, millefeuille, croissants and baguettes.
Dhs195 (tea, coffee and homemade lemonade), Dhs275 (1 glass of soft sparkling grape, unlimited tea, coffee and lemonade), Dhs325 (1 glass of bubbly, tea, coffee and homemade lemonade) Dhs75 (for kids). Daily, 2pm-6pm. Sofitel The Obelisk, Sheikh Rashid Road, WAFI, sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com (04 281 4111).
Mosiaco afternoon tea
This afternoon tea is served on gold-gilded Versace homeware (does it get swisher than that?) at the Palazzo Versace hotel’s Mosiaco Lobby Lounge. layered finger sandwiches, pretty pastries and Dammann Frères tea. With a terrace too, it makes for a great alfresco afternoon tea (when visitors can’t bear to miss a minute of Dubai sunshine). Not that this afternoon tea needs to be booked at least a day in advance.
Dhs378 (per stand). Daily, 10.30am-7pm. Palazzo Versace Dubai, Jaddaf Waterfront, palazzoversace.ae (04 556 8850).
Swissôtel Al Ghurair afternoon tea
Step out on a family date with the little ones over an indulgent afternoon tea experience as Swissotel Al Ghurair partners with Lindt.
While parents relish Swiss rolls, warm scones and empanadas, the children discover a treasure chest of Alpine Macaroni, mini sandwiches, and Lindt chocolates,
Dhs99 (for two people, includes treasure box for kids). Daily, noon-6pm. swissotel-dubai-alghurair.com (04 293 3270).
Turtle Tea afternoon tea
The afternoon tea at Al Mandhar Lounge is called Turtle Tea by Idriss B in tribute to Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary. All the goodies come presented on a chrome turtle statue. Yes, you read that right. With the hotel’s Turtle Lagoon being in the vicinity you can take your visitors to see some real Testudines when you feel like walking off all the cakes, sandwiches and scones from your afternoon tea session. This is a luxe experience at one of the city’s elevated hotels and well worth it for a showy afternoon outing.
Dhs280 (tea and coffee), Dhs320 (including a glass of bubbly). Daily 2.30pm-6.30pm. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (04 432 3232).
SocialBee afternoon tea
This afternoon tea is a serious showstopper with it being presented in a large beehive with drawers filled with savoury and sweet delights. Honey cake made with Hatta honey features as well as scones, quiche, mini croissants and sarnies. It’s truly a magical experience that is sure to go down well with visitors.
Dhs349 (tea, coffee and water), Dhs499(sparkling package). Daily, 2pm-5pm. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah. hilton.com.
Looking for things to do in Dubai?
Dubai ladies’ night deals, offers and discounts
These are too good to miss
55 absolutely brilliant outdoor activities to try in Dubai
Let’s take this outside
Countdown to summer in Dubai: How to enjoy every weekend before the heat hits
There’s still time to enjoy the outdoors
