FOOD & DINING
A Very British Institution Words by Lynsey Riach
As a proud Brit living abroad, I really know my teas and even more so, I really know my afternoon teas. Perhaps up for debate is how one may ‘take’ their tea (it’s milk first if you’re wondering), but in a city such as Doha with plenty offerings of scones and jam, I’ve managed to track down the very best tea joints and brought them to you warm with a side of clotted cream. A Long Love Affair First of all, let’s discuss the somewhat British obsession with tea. We like it, it cures all stresses and ailments and really a cup of tea can just make everything seem, well better. That’s what we like to believe anyway, ask any British person and they’ll wholeheartedly agree. In fact it’s a common item packed away in our luggage just in case we can’t track it down on holiday. Brand of choice is of course a personal decision but mostly black tea or ‘English breakfast tea’ as it’s more widely known is our first choice of hot beverage. The Brits like it with milk most of the time and that milk should be cold, never hot. When I have family or friends staying they look on with sheer astonishment when I ask for ‘cold milk on the side’.
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One may add sugar if they like. Tea almost always tastes better when drank from a bone china cup and the pinky up cliché is entirely optional. The tradition and ritual of afternoon tea began circa Downton Abbey era, enjoyed mostly by the Lords and Ladies who quaffed tea whilst delicately nibbling on a selection of cucumber and egg and cress sandwiches accompanied by warm scones with jam and clotted cream. It was considered a light meal between larger meals. Nowadays, a formal afternoon tea is more of a special occasion, taken as a treat in a hotel in the late afternoon. Many consider it worthy only of those ‘ladies who lunch’ when in fact the trend is surging amongst couples and friends, rivalling the late night dining scene. An afternoon tea is often served on a tiered stand with many venues now vying to compete for our attention by offering a unique twist on this traditional meal with concoctions raging from cake pops to ice cream.
Where To Go The Ritz Carlton Just like its London counterpart, this is pure tradition. Think giant scones on offer in a beautiful tiered stand complete with gold plated cutlery leaving you feeling rather, Royal. Finger sandwiches are made to crustless perfection just as those offered back in Blighty (Great Britain) and a sumptuous selection of sweet treats are whisked out on a gold trolley for you to take your pick from.. W Café, W Hotel Like the DNA that runs through this iconic hotel brand, you’ll find a bright, modern and bold version
of this classic pastime. Presented in a beautiful white birdcage, pastel coloured macarons meet with gold cookies, mini-baguettes, scotch eggs, croissants stuffed with cheese are neatly nestled next to red velvet cupcakes and spoons scooped full of crème brulee. Café Murano, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl With a tendency for all things chocolate, this award winning café offers up more sweet than savoury as perfect pastries and delicate delicacies sit pretty on your afternoon tea stand. Tiny sandwiches are dwarfed by chunks of cake guaranteed to be enough for all to share. Sarab Lounge, St.Regis With more than 100 teas on offer (the largest in the region), my personal favourite being the TWG coconut tea for a super sweet change, this is without doubt the place to indulge. Just like the daughter of the original St. Regis in New York City did, so-much-so they named it after her. The Lady Caroline Astor tea is wonderful all the way to the waistline. Smoked salmon with cream cheese, roast beef, chicken with tarragon and egg and cress sandwiches are stacked high above a selection of fine tarts, cakes and biscuits. Scones are warm and crumbly, served on the side with a helping of jam. And if we’re feeling really hungry, then why not feast upon a beautiful buffet set-up in the hotel lobby each Saturday with unlimited tea treats set amongst twines and tea pots to give this a quirky yet still traditional feel. Pinky finger up or not – enjoy! n