Where French patisserie artistry meets Dubai’s most elegant lobby setting
The Gallery represents Dubai’s answer to the world’s finest afternoon tea destinations, combining the elegance of traditional service with the innovation that defines the emirate’s culinary scene. Located within The Lana Hotel, part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection, this venue captures the essence of Dubai’s sophisticated hospitality while honouring the timeless traditions of afternoon tea.
The setting immediately commands attention with its dramatic floral arrangements that rival botanical gardens in their scale and artistry. Natural light floods the space through expansive windows overlooking Marasi Bay Marina, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand. The venue strikes an elegant balance between contemporary Dubai glamour and classic afternoon tea traditions, with clean lines and sophisticated palette providing the perfect backdrop for culinary indulgence.
The theatrical presentation
Rather than conventional single-tier stand delivery, The Gallery presents afternoon tea as a carefully choreographed culinary journey. Each course arrives at precisely the right moment, accompanied by detailed explanations from knowledgeable staff who understand both the provenance of ingredients and the reasoning behind each pairing. This attention to detail transforms the meal into an educational experience about flavour profiles and culinary craftsmanship.
The progression begins with lighter, more neutral tea blends that allow the delicate flavours of the savoury course to take centre stage. Staff take genuine pleasure in explaining the origins of each tea and its specific role within the overall composition of the meal. This level of service elevates the experience beyond mere consumption to genuine appreciation of the craft involved.
The venue’s commitment to theatrical presentation extends to every aspect of service, including the distinctive top-hat-wearing doorman who sets expectations for the sophisticated nature of what follows. Live grand piano accompaniment creates an atmosphere of refined elegance that enhances rather than overwhelms conversation.
Savoury excellence
The sandwich selection demonstrates remarkable attention to ingredient quality and flavour balance. Slow-roasted wagyu beef with caramelised shallot offers rich, umami-driven satisfaction, while smoked Scottish salmon paired with honey and lemon cream provides a lighter counterpoint that cleanses the palate. Each sandwich showcases different textures and flavour profiles, ensuring variety without overwhelming the senses.
The bread itself deserves recognition for its perfect balance of structure and softness, providing an ideal vehicle for the carefully composed fillings. The portion sizes are judged to perfection, substantial enough to satisfy without compromising appetite for the courses that follow.
Angelo Musa’s French patisserie artistry
Angelo Musa’s reputation as one of the world’s finest pastry chefs becomes immediately apparent in the sweet course. The award-winning chef, recognised with the coveted title of ‘World’s Best Pastry Chef’, brings his exceptional skills to Dubai through this collaboration with The Gallery. Despite the French influence, traditional English afternoon tea elements remain present, with freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam maintaining their rightful place on the menu.
The dessert selection showcases Musa’s technical prowess through pieces like the laminated coffee brioche, which demonstrates perfect layering and moisture balance. The ruby grapefruit and strawberry cheesecake provides bright acidity that cuts through the richness of preceding courses, while the chouquettes filled with chocolate cream offer pure indulgence in bite-sized form.
The coffee and mandarin roll cake serves as a fitting finale to the sweet course, its delicate sponge and subtle flavouring providing gentle closure to this section of the meal. Each dessert is presented with the visual appeal one expects from a chef of Musa’s calibre, almost too beautiful to disturb.
Signature tea blends and pairings
The Gallery’s bespoke afternoon tea blend, incorporating royal keemun black tea, lemon peel, and bergamot oil, provides the perfect accompaniment to the sweet course. The blend demonstrates sophisticated understanding of how tea can enhance rather than compete with food flavours. Alternative options include tropical green tea for those seeking something lighter as the meal progresses.
The careful consideration given to tea pairings reflects the venue’s commitment to creating a cohesive experience where every element contributes to the overall enjoyment. Staff knowledge extends beyond mere service to genuine expertise in flavour combinations and brewing techniques.
The grand finale
The experience concludes with genuine theatrical flair as a dessert cart arrives tableside for the final course preparation. Fresh yoghurt with bee pollen, Madagascan honey, and lime provides a refreshing end to the meal, its clean flavours and light texture offering perfect contrast to the richness that preceded it. This live preparation adds an element of performance that delights without feeling contrived.
The venue’s terrace seating option allows guests to extend their experience while taking advantage of Dubai’s climate and the spectacular views over the marina. This flexibility adds value to the overall proposition, allowing visitors to maximise their time in this exceptional setting while watching the Burj Khalifa sparkle in the distance.
A destination worthy of Dubai
The Gallery succeeds in creating an afternoon tea experience that honours tradition while embracing contemporary luxury. Angelo Musa’s influence ensures culinary excellence, while the setting and service create an atmosphere worthy of the food being served. The venue positions itself as Dubai’s answer to the world’s finest afternoon tea destinations, combining international standards with local hospitality.
The combination of exceptional ingredients, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that captures the essence of Dubai’s sophisticated hospitality scene makes The Gallery a standout destination. This venue demonstrates how traditional afternoon tea can be elevated to meet the expectations of the world’s most discerning diners while maintaining the essential character that makes the ritual so enduringly popular.