Classic afternoon tea bites combined with a refined atmosphere when Liz O’Reilly visited Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay.
I have to admit, I’m a big fan of many things traditional and it honestly doesn’t get much more old-school than a classic afternoon tea in a setting with the history of Peacock Alley.
For the uninitiated, the original Waldorf Astoria in New York was, in fact, two neighbouring properties. When they were combined, Peacock Alley was the space that joined them, inheriting the class, elegance and traditions of both. That was in 1897 and, of course, the tradition of afternoon tea goes back even further, with its origins attributed to the British Duchess of Bedford, who introduced the idea 50 years earlier, in 1840.
Since I was lucky enough to be staying at the Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, it seemed the ideal opportunity to check out this legend.
I arrived mid-afternoon and was surprised to find the venue quiet, but within 15 minutes, it was filling up with a mix of locals and expats, chatting and enjoying the atmosphere. It seems Doha has its afternoon tea timing set like clockwork.
Since I was alone, I was happy to stretch out on one of the comfortable sofas with my book and wait for my feast to begin. I didn’t have to wait long. Peacock Alley has many variations of excellent leaf teas and infusions but, as I said, I’m a traditionalist, so English Breakfast was my choice and it was rather excellent, a strong and flavourful brew that pleased even this tea snob.
The afternoon tea stand swiftly followed, looking pretty and loaded with sandwiches, cakes and goodies. I couldn’t wait to tuck in.
The selection of crustless sandwiches was fab, with something to please every taste from different breads to imaginative fillings, each with an inventive topping for extra flavour. The chicken version came on crunchily toasted brown bread with a daub of dressing topped by a salty potato chip – a great combination of tastes and textures that definitely felt like more.
The cucumber sandwich looked beautiful with its deep red beetroot crisp topping. The combination of fresh crunchy cucumber with tart labneh with the texture of cream cheese, was a definite winner. But my favourite was spicy tuna, very lightly toasted with a bright, salty crusting of tobiko and tiny chopped chives. Satisfying and deeply savoury, I really enjoyed this one.
The egg mayo presented a surprising combination topped with grated cheese, edible flower leaves and enoki mushrooms for a light, sweet, earthy tang. And, lastly, grilled vegetable with cheese was filling and comforting – you can’t beat a grilled cheese.
After such an abundance of savouries, my stomach was demanding a break – even though my eyes were fixed on the cakes, which looked like miniature works of art – so I took some time to digest and relish my historical surroundings.
Peacock Alley is fully immersed in the hotel’s gorgeous art deco vibe with pale walls, mirrored surfaces and plush oatmeal coloured seating alongside pale blue velvet stools. Potted orchids pick up the white of the baby grand piano above which an impressive row of chandeliers casts sparkling, fragmented light. And when the piano is silent, gentle background music creates atmosphere without ever imposing on the conversations all around.
Before long I was ready to sample the sweet sensations and my first port of call was the freshly baked scones, wrapped in a pristine white napkin and still warm from the oven. They came, of course, with pots of clotted cream and various homemade jams. Heaven! I went for the almond and vanilla option, the crisp, golden outer crust, topped with toasted almonds, giving way to a light, fluffy interior, absolutely perfect for slathering with the jam and cream.
I could quite easily (and sensibly) have stopped there, but that would have been a disservice to the obvious talents of the pastry chef who had provided a bevvy of delicacies for my delectation. And, oh my, did they delight.
A selection of cakes, maybe three bites apiece, included a delicious rose mousse topped with a ripe strawberry, it was sweet and comforting; an amazing Valrhona brownie, topped with a thin crispy biscuit, was a chocolate lover’s dream, rich, dark and slightly tart; the famed pistachio sphere crowned by a golden tuile presented a nutty, creamy interior that wrapped my tastebuds in happiness; and my favourite, though they were all rather fabulous, was the citrus meringue nest – sweet, crunchy meringue topped by skinless slices of baby orange.
Not surprisingly, I couldn’t finish the whole selection but, since I was staying at the hotel, I cheekily asked for a takeaway box and continued the feast in my room later that evening. A practice I would fully recommend.
My visit to Peacock Alley was an absolute treat. The atmosphere is welcoming but still refined and elegant. The service attentive and welcoming without becoming intrusive and the surroundings are a true reflection of Waldorf Astoria’s long-standing legacy. A return trip is very definitely in order.
For more information or to make a reservation,
please call Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay on 4008 9000.
@waldorfwestbay