When it comes to indulging in a good afternoon tea, Doha is packed with beautiful choices. However, it takes something extra special to draw our attention and this month we’ve got just the right midday treat for you to savour. Take a seat for the elegant High Tea in Caramel Lobby Lounge at the centrally located City Centre Rotana…

How do you take your tea – green, black, sugar and milk? FACT’s recent visit to experience the High Tea at City Centre Rotana’s cosy Caramel Lobby Lounge was just what the foodie within us was crying out for. Afternoon tea has long been the tradition of ladies who lunch, brunch and spend leisurely days catching up with friends. It’s a tradition that has taken over the world and in Doha, especially; a good afternoon tea can be the high of someone’s week. So, entering Caramel Lobby Lounge is a reminder of what we love so much about the Rotana brand; it’s warm, inviting and, more importantly, accessible. The atmosphere is abuzz with businesspeople, small groups of friends, intimate meetings and it gives the general vibe of being relaxed and open to anyone who needs to take a breather and sip on a tasty liquid concoction or treat themselves to a quality light bite.

Caramel Lobby Lounge is just the type of delectable gourmet coffee shop that you would expect from a 5-star hotel. It carries an effortless casual charm and offers up an assortment of espresso, coffee and tea selections, fresh bakery items and speciality sandwiches and salads. The culinary selection has something for every palate, including a “make your own quiche” menu which is a pleasant surprise.

We’re here to work our way through three tiers of utter perfection that is The Caramel Special High Tea. What makes this afternoon tea experience stand out? With dedication to capturing the essence of a centuries-old tradition and making sure that it’s as tasty and classic as it is enticing and innovative, we’re faced with three sophisticated tiers to tackle. Turning things upside down, and being lovers of all things warm and delicious, we start off with the homemade scones and smother each half with a generous helping of clotted cream – the real deal – and yummy jam. There’s a light-hearted discussion about what goes on first – cream or jam? We’ll let you decide. Either way, every bite of the scones is exactly what we hoped for accompanied by a classic English breakfast tea, it’s like being back in a quaint London café.

Once this is devoured, we really get going. Standout mini sandwiches include the Truffle hens’ egg on brown bread with lush, subtle flavours, and the Coronation chicken with green apple and slightly curried mayo on a brioche bun – this is the one you’ll want more of! A lovely selection of chef’s choice pastries is a hit too (chocolate cake, anyone?)

Ready for the surprise? The Caramel Special High Tea is not your usual set up. Things get a little more interesting and out of the box when we see the friendly chef roll out a notorious Carving Trolley. Your options are: Slow cooked Beef Wellington with mushroom duxelle, served with potato purée and rosemary jus, and warm ratatouille tart with goat cheese covered with puff pastry – or – Salmon Wellington served with potato puree and lemon dill sauce, and warm ratatouille tart with goat cheese covered with puff pastry.

This is an incredibly unusual afternoon tea addition; however, it is a great reminder of how the Rotana team keeps their offerings exciting and unique. Plus, more mouthwatering food, we really can’t complain. The dishes remind us of all the best things about good comfort food! Ending on a high, this is when you’ll want to get your phone out and take some insta-worthy shots.

A breathtaking presentation of Liquid nitrogen apple pie and vanilla Dilmah tea infused meringue and passion fruit sauce is a medley made of delectable dessert dreams. We can’t think of a better way to finish off a traditional meets modern afternoon tea experience, where quality ingredients and consistent presentation takes centre stage. Highly, highly recommended! ✤

GO: SERVED EVERY THURSDAY, FROM 3PM TO 7PM, QR139 PER PERSON. CALL 4445 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.