Penrose Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre Presents the Perfect Place for Any Occasion

Penrose Lounge, the contemporary and elegant dining destination at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), welcomes an elegant new afternoon tea to its light fare menu, along with table-side finished desserts to create perfect moments for a special event, a quick catch up or a business meeting over excellent food.

Located on the podium lobby level, with an outdoor terrace and exceptional views of the Burj Khalifa, Penrose Lounge offers the ultimate location to enjoy a coffee, a glass of grape or a light meal. Popular for mezze and a sophisticated new dessert selection, the lounge is chic and intimate, featuring a custom-made geometric chandelier, gold mirror-faceted bookshelves and an elegant bar to take guests from day to night.

Complementing Penrose’s interior design by New York-based Adam Tihany, the afternoon tea is visually and gastronomically interesting, reflecting the look and feel of this beautiful Dubai lounge-dining space. More than a typical afternoon tea, Penrose presents a unique four-tiered stand, complete with every element to satisfy flavour cravings.

Comprising a selection of the highest quality savoury and sweet delights by dynamic duo Executive Chef Matthew Dahlkemper and Pastry Chef Sanchit Datta, the afternoon tea comes served with an assortment of Jing teas or bubbly. Savoury highlights are reminiscent of Dahlkemper’s years growing up in the USA and include the New York-style salmon bagel and Maine lobster rolls, without forgetting the foie gras mousse (which he recommends “should partially be saved for accompanying the scones”). The sweets are plentiful and substantial with spotlight items in the form of a raspberry financier and chocolate marquis. This decadent tea is complete with three unusual flavours of scone: cheddar cheese, walnut and orange honey, all served with Devonshire clotted cream, homemade jam and orange butter.

Datta (previously at Hakkasan London and Dubai) comments that the Tihany design certainly encouraged them to think outside of the traditional afternoon tea box. “The lounge has so many areas of interest from an interiors perspective, which gave us the inspiration for the final presentation, incorporating colour, texture and taste in equal priority and proportion.” The tea stand itself is designed by the team and takes stimulus from the chandelier, although some guests may also notice a likening to the city’s most striking building, when lined up against the spectacular view. One thing that is most certainly consistent with all afternoon teas around the world: the endless photo opportunities and sound of diners’ glee.

Penrose Lounge Details

• Mezze: hot and cold, served 7:00 am to 1:00 am daily – view menu
• Table-side desserts: available 11:00 am to 1:00 am daily
• Afternoon Tea is priced at: AED 160 per person inclusive of Jing tea selection; AED 230 per person inclusive of Jing tea selection and Italian bubbles, and AED 255 inclusive of Jing tea selection and French bubbles; served daily 3:00-6:00 pm
• For reservations: call Penrose on 04 506 0200 or email; penrose.dubaidifc@fourseasons.com