Palm Court

A colourful yet tranquil spot to enjoy a warm apple muffin and a brew Discuss this article

Many a fine hotel around the world has a Palm Court traditional tea lounge. Often they are grand yet bland. But there is nothing mediocre or muted about this one. The colours are rich: reds, blues, greens and yellows complement the natural bamboo and vivid green palms. Bright, clear light streams in from all sides through floor-to-ceiling glass. The sofas are deep and welcoming. The sounds are traditional: a pianist tinkling the ivories against a backdrop of running water.

Tea itself was traditional in both content and service. The white china with a baby blue design is dainty (though it is not finest of bone china). The linen napkins were immaculately pressed. Our waiter was friendly and methodical. We began with four finger sandwiches, more chunky than those a Victorian lady would have enjoyed, but very tasty. However we were disappointed with the processed cheese — surely real cheddar is not too much to ask for. We enjoyed the moist warm apple muffin. The fruit scones were on the crumbly side but our biggest grumble has to be about the UHT cream served with them. We expected fresh cream when at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Small pieces of Linzer torte and opera cake and mini glazed fruit tarts were a happy finale.

Priced at Dhs45 for one or Dhs80 for two, tea in this Palm Court is good value. We loved the ambience and setting and were impressed that such a very British tradition has been so successfully transplanted into this typically-Dubai setting.

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