Scones, Storytelling, and Savory Bites: 3 New Afternoon Teas to Experience in the UAE

The 180-year-old art of afternoon tea is receiving a fresh UAE spin this September, with three distinct offerings launching across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Each venue brings its own unique flavor, ranging from innovative taco sliders to immersive storytelling experiences that explore the history of this classic dining tradition.

The Gallery at The Lana, Dorchester Collection, Dubai

Tradition takes center stage at The Gallery, located inside Dorchester Collection’s The Lana. The new Royal Afternoon Tea pairs classic heritage offerings with bespoke storytelling and etiquette pointers, building on the hotel group's longstanding association with the custom. Sister property The Centre, known as The Dorchester in Mayfair, hosts one of London's most renowned afternoon teas, curated by world-renowned pastry chef Angelo Musa.

Guests at The Lana can enjoy finger sandwiches such as coronation chicken on soft curry milk bread, smoked Scottish salmon with asparagus and dill, and a mint cream cheese and yuzu caviar cucumber sandwich. The sweet selection features a Victoria cake, a reimagined Bakewell tart with lemon frangipane and jam, a salted caramel and pecan praline chocolate truffle, and a rose and raspberry religieuse. Diners also learn about the history of afternoon tea through storytelling cards and narrated service, detailing figures like Catherine of Braganza and Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford.

Served daily from 12pm to 6pm; starting from Dh400 per person at The Gallery, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai.

Hawksbill Restaurant at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi

For a more casual affair, Hawksbill Restaurant in Abu Dhabi is launching an afternoon tea that blends classic customs with regional flavours and modern options. Diners can enjoy traditional freshly baked scones and delicate pastries alongside sliders, tacos, smoked salmon blinis, and seafood bites.

Served Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 4pm; starting from Dh120 per person at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

Ginori Terrace at The St Regis Downtown Dubai, Dubai

The St Regis Downtown Dubai is introducing a new afternoon tea against the backdrop of the Dubai Water Canal. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients, beginning with an amuse-bouche of home-made mango ice cream. Savory items include wild smoked salmon and spinach tramezzini, cucumber and chive creme fraiche on lemon bread, and a shrimp cocktail tart.

Handcrafted pastries include a chocolate-hazelnut macaron, fig tartelette, raspberry cheesecake, and peanut delight. Scones are served with Cornish clotted cream and preserves, alongside tableside-prepared cannoncini filled with vanilla cream.

Served daily from 2pm to 6pm; starting from Dh250 per person at Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai.