Chocolate Inspired Afternoon Tea | Observation Deck at 300

“Our exclusive “Chocolate Afternoon Tea” showcases the versatility of chocolate in its indulging and many different forms.” Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

If you are a self-confessed chocoholic, gather your like minded friends and head to Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers to enjoy their indulgent Chocolate Inspired Afternoon Tea. The cocoa inspired sweet and savoury feast is available at both the hotel’s Observation Deck at 300 and the Lobby Lounge on the ground floor.

We choose the higher option that’s reached via an ear-popping elevator ride to the 74th floor of the iconic hotel. With 360° views of the capital’s skyline, the Observation Deck at 300 is an impressive spot for afternoon tea (Or is it? Read more below). The tea, which showcases the versatility of chocolate, is served on individual tiered cake stands featuring an assortment of savoury bites, miniature cakes, desserts and scones. Free-flowing teas of many varieties, coffee, fruity mocktails and water are also included.

These days afternoon tea can be hit-or-miss, sometimes the more traditional elements are missing and replaced by the addition of displeasing variants. Personally I’m a fan of the more customary, a menu of finger sandwiches rather than the fancier savoury bites that mostly miss the mark. This tea had a bit of both, there were some tasty items like a mini goats cheese & red onion tart and a cream cheese & cucumber roll with a hint of chocolate. The not so inviting cauliflower on toast was a poor menu choice.

I had the vegetarian tea option which had one tiny cheese and tomato finger sandwich, When I requested more I was informed they were not available, I found it surprising that a hotel of this caliber would not replenish the simplest item. We were however offered extra cauliflower toasts which we declined!

Highlights of the dessert selection was the dark chocolate mille feuille and the guanaja chocolate raspberry tart. The triple chocolate and plain scones were served at the start so were cold when we were ready for them, but they were still tasty and accompanied with cream, strawberry jam and a tangy lemon curd.

This afternoon tea is an elegant affair with a price tag to match but unfortunately the experience was marred by an influx of sightseers who literally pushed past our table and food to see the views. The lack of manners and common sense was unbelievable and the staff did nothing to stop it, add in unruly, unsupervised children and the five-star tea became exactly the opposite. The Observation Deck is understandably a tourist hotspot but there should be sectioned areas so the two experiences can operate in harmony without disturbing one-another.

The service, apart from the lack of crowd control and sandwich refills, was friendly and attentive but not overbearing. Drinks were topped up regularly and plates refreshed when required. Overall I enjoyed the occasion but the unsupervised tourists would deter me from paying the extra to dine at the Observation Deck when you can enjoy the same menu in the Lobby Lounge with no disturbances. I do question the lack of flexibility on sandwiches, surely a chef could have rustled up some more from one of the hotel’s many kitchens? The vegetarian tea would have been so much more enjoyable with more finger sandwiches, where was the egg mayo I wonder?

Observation Deck at 300

Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche Road

Website: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/auhetci-conrad-abu-dhabi-etihad-towers/

Telephone: 02 811 5666

Time: 2pm – 6pm

Cost: AED 260 per person (AED 230 in the lobby Lounge, Children’s Afternoon Tea AED 85)

Book online HERE