Time for Tea

The notion of a grand afternoon High Tea is outdated to some. But how could you not love a sumptuous spread of cakes, pastries and biscuits? These five venues are renowned for the indulgent afternoon teas.

Oyster Box Hotel – Umhlanga

The opulent Oyster Box Hotel is one of Umhlanga’s most celebrated establishments, and its luxuriance is reflected in the legendary High Tea it hosts every afternoon. Inside the Palm Court – a magnificent courtyard with chandeliers and large palm trees – guests are treated to tablefuls of scones, pastries, cakes, sandwiches and savoury goods, beautifully prepared and presented by executive chef Joanita Venter and her team. The hotel likes the event to be a leisurely affair, with relaxing piano music adding to the atmosphere.

Saxon Hotel – Johannesburg

At the luxurious Saxon Hotel in Saxonwold, morning and afternoon High Teas are a celebrated ritual. Once you’ve seen the spread here, you’ll understand why this is one of this excellent hotel’s specialities. Every one of the numerous mouth-watering items are handcrafted to the chef team’s exceptionally high standards, using the finest imported and local ingredients. Presentation is given as much important as the taste, with the array of colours bound to leave you salivating. The teas are served every day, with a pianist entertaining guests on Saturdays.

River Meadow Manor – Centurion

This boutique hotel in Centurion is renowned for its outstanding fine dining menus, regularly updated by innovative head chef Ntombi Kanye. The High Tea menu includes three different options, including a Mini, Maxi and Exclusive High Tea. Highlights on the menu include carrot, chocolate and cheese cakes, pavlovas, lemon tarts and brownies, while those without a sweet tooth can dig into savoury treats such as quiches, finger sandwiches and onion tarts. Bookings are essential as tables are booked out quickly.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa – Franschhoek

If you’re looking for an afternoon High Tea in the Winelands, then Le Franschhoek is the place to go. The delectable High Tea is served every weekend on the terrace, where you’re treated to a spectacular view over rolling lawns and Franschhoek’s iconic mountains. On Saturdays, you’ll be poiled with tiered platters of delicate sweets and savoury canapés. The hotel takes things up another notch on Sunday, offering a full High Tea buffet brimming with goodies to suit all taste buds. Bookings are essential, and full pre-payment is required to secure your reservation.

Belmond Cape Nelson – Cape Town

Long regarded as one of Cape Town’s top five star hotels, the Belmond Cape Nelson at the foot of Table Mountain serves the finest High Tea in the city. You can expect finger sandwiches filled with roast beef and rocket, smoked salmon and sweets such as dark chocolate cake, lemon meringue, milk tart and freshly baked scones. The hotel adds a selection of warm delicacies to the menu in winter months, including mushroom empanadas, chicken pies and tomato tarts. Wash down the feast with the signature Mount Nelson Tea, brewed from six different tea types and rose petals from the gorgeous gardens.

*This article was written by a TWNA journalist, Dale Hes for The Traveller magazine.