The History
Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is often credited with the invention of the traditional afternoon tea in the early 1840s. During this period, dinner was not served until 8.30 or 9.00 in the evening and the Duchess often became hungry, so she ordered a small meal of bread, butter and other small snacks, to be brought secretly to her boudoir.

When she was exposed, she was not ridiculed as she had feared; instead, her habit caught on and the concept of a small meal of niceties such as cakes, tarts, biscuits and tea became popular, and eventually known as Afternoon Tea. 

Traditional Afternoon Tea at Jumeirah Essex House is served from 2.00pm to 6.00pm every day in the Lobby Lounge.