A favourite foodie thing that the little one and I like to do : afternoon tea in Dubai. So when a dear friend got in touch to catch up over tea, I had a browse through online and found one of a few that I haven’t actually been to : Penrose Lounge in Four Seasons DIFC. Now, I know I know……. DIFC and babies don’t always go hand in hand. But…. afternoon tea does? Right? Please don’t ban us from DIFC!

Off we went to the Four Seasons, got my car valeted, took the munchkin out and strapped her into her pram. She was in her best afternoon tea attire : a floral dress, blue bow in her hair, and I had already given her a talk about putting on her “afternoon tea in DIFC behaviour”. *Fingers crossed*

So, how was the afternoon tea at the Penrose Lounge? How is the place like? 

As this was a work day, there were a few people in there having, what seemed like business meetings (including a chap who was evidently very upset at someone on his cellphone as he stormed out of the lounge, ha). The lounge uses tones of blue, beige and gold throughout, seems to be a similar theme with their bar on the top floor (click here for review of Luna Sky Bar, which I do recommend).

As part of the festive afternoon tea set, you get a selection of warm scones – orange, cheddar and walnut. Savoury and sweets are presented in their own tier – replicating the building’s structure. Unique I’ll say, though be careful with the magnets upon which the food is placed on, especially if you have little hands around.

From chef Michael Mina’s creations – my favourites (as with my friend’s) were the lobster toast, and truffled beef tartare. The truffled beef tartare felt like an entire meal made into a perfect bite-size. I would return to the afternoon tea just to have more of these!

Keeping in the festive theme, there was a chestnut capuccino – sweet at first look but savoury in taste – got me by surprise. For those who love foie gras (very sorry but not me), there is one here as well – a foie gras mousse  with cider gelee.

We were both stuffed that we never even got to sweets, which is supposedly the best bit isn’t it! I had to take them home, to share with G of course. Loved the dark chocolate yule log and ginger-bread macaroon. 

With drinks, instead of the usual tea and coffee (you get a Jing tea selection) – I went for the iced Matcha Mint blend instead. Beautifully served with one of those glasses that usually come with lattes (I want one of those!) – it would have been perfect with a bit more sweetness. On hindsight I should’ve just asked for some syrup.

Priced at 190 aed for the jing tea pairing or hot chocolate, it is of similar price to the afternoon teas in the Madinat. The view is there – of the Burj Khalifa, and you are trying out chef Michael Mina’s creations.

It would probably be better if we could choose more than one selection of tea or coffee over the afternoon (similar to the Madinat’s Afternoon Tea selections), as I always think just one cup is never enough over 3 hours. Would suggest if this could be considered, maybe? 🙂

If you don’t want to splurge, take note that it is in the your handy 241 app right now, so give it a try anyhow with that. Keen on checking out the rest of the chef’s creations – at the Firebird Diner next door!

Many thanks to all the staff who served us yesterday, and for keeping the little one entertained. I apologize again for her mess! Note to others : I would suggest to come by here in the weekends if you have little people, as it did seem like the lounge is used for business meet-ups on weekdays 😉

• Afternoon Tea at Penrose Lounge 
• Festive Afternoon Tea 2:00 – 6:00 pm
• 190 AED for Jing Tea Pairing or Hot Chocolate (Tip : Use your 241!)

Disclaimer : We were guests of Four Seasons DIFC for the afternoon tea. Thoughts are our own, though it is entirely up to you to judge.