A distinctly English ritual dating back to Victorian times, afternoon tea was conceived in 1840 by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. At four in the afternoon she would become hungry and request a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake.

Today, afternoon tea is a distinguished custom, loved the world over; the elegance of neatly crimped sandwiches, the thrill of picture-perfect pastries, and the unmistakable tinkle as tea pours from polished silverware. From canapés that look too good to eat, to rare teas sourced from India and China, Jumeirah serves award-winning afternoon tea in locations around the world. Here, we reveal where you can experience this most enchanting afternoon affair.

The Afternoon Tea at Sultan’s Lounge, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Queen Victoria was fond of afternoon tea, and at Dubai's Jumeirah Zabeel Saray you can enjoy yours like Arabian royalty in the regal Sultan’s Lounge. Combining regional flavours, such as rose and pistachio, award-winning master pâtissier George Anachorlis’ creations are like works of art. Candied butterflies and sugar cherries teeter on the sweetest Middle Eastern delicacies. Bask in the Ottoman elegance of Sultan’s Lounge and enjoy freshly-ground Turkish coffee or Arabian-inspired teas.

Symphony Afternoon Tea at Chinoiserie, Jumeirah Carlton Tower

Crowned the best place to have afternoon tea in London 2018, the Chinoiserie’s Symphony Afternoon Tea is a concerto of flavour. Expect the best British produce, from Isle of Wight tomato sandwiches and Loch Fyne smoked salmon rolls, to Brocket Hall strawberry jam. The musical afternoon tea comes accompanied by a harpist and is served in the Oriental opulence of Jumeirah Carlton Tower’s Chinoiserie lounge.

Jumeriah Carlton Tower Chinoiserie Afternoon Tea

Vegan Afternoon Tea at Al Samar Lounge, Jumeirah Mina A'Salam

Plant-based eating has never felt more indulgent than at Al Samar Lounge in Dubai. Chia bread bruschetta, raw date truffles and vegan blueberry cheesecake taste so good you wouldn’t know they’re guilt-free. Take your seat in the elegant lounge and relish the arrival of the tall, tiered plates piled high with vegan delights.

6-4 Gallery_Jumeirah Mina A Salam ---Al Samar Lounge Afternoon Tea Restaurant

Tea Time by Chopard at Daefi Lobby Lounge, Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Created in collaboration with luxury jeweller Chopard, Tea Time at Daefi Lobby Lounge in Dubai puts a glittering spin on traditional afternoon tea. Five courses of sweet and savoury treats are presented on bespoke Chopard crockery. Begin with homemade butter scones with zesty lemon curd and clotted cream, followed by delicate Chopard macaroons, Scottish smoked salmon sandwich fingers, and finish with seasonal fruits and berries.

Afternoon Tea at Skyview Bar, Burj Al Arab

There’s nothing quite like taking afternoon tea 200m above sea level in Dubai’s most iconic building, the Burj Al Arab. Marrying warm Arabian hospitality with British heritage, afternoon tea at Skyview Bar is unforgettable. Scones are generously filled with Rodda’s Cornish clotted cream, while dainty pies are bursting with aged John Stone beef from Ireland. The finest Jasmine and Darjeeling teas are sourced from China and India.

Burj Al Arab Skyview bar and restaurant seating