Elegant colonnades, palms in huge urns, black and gold zebra stripe upholstery and a harpist, all against a backdrop of cream marble, make this the le plus chic tea lounge in Dubai. Plenty of natural light streams in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, making Al Murjan bright and welcoming. It is a few steps below the level of the hotel concourse, which also gives it a cosy and intimate ambience. The ladies in their full length black dresses with gold embroidery moved silently and elegantly as they served our tea.

We sat around a long low table and watched an ample spread appear before us. We began with an attractive looking selection of sandwiches, but once we bit into them we were less enchanted; the bread was unconditionally dry. We realised why this was when, later, we saw platters of sandwiches standing desiccating in the top of the patisserie display fridge. Next we moved on to mini fruit scones served with strawberry jam, marmalade and the same UHT cream that we have despised wherever we have had it. Lastly we had a plate of cakes including éclairs, a glazed pear flan, strawberry tart, pistachio torte and American chocolate cake. It was not a particularly high note on which to end.

The tea itself was carefully brewed and we were given strict instructions not to pour any until it had been given sufficient time to draw. It was worth waiting those few extra minutes for a great cuppa. The service was genteel and the ambience demure. Al Murjan is a good venue for a classic afternoon tea experience but give yourself time and ask for your food to be freshly prepared.