Cape Town is famous for its high tea offerings. Think cucumber sandwiches, petit fours and elegant dainty pastries served with some of the world’s best teas.
Let’s spill the tea on some of Cape Town’s most popular places to enjoy the best high tea experiences.
The Silo Hotel
Get the royal treatment at The Silo Hotel when you experience their indulgent High Tea every Thursday to Sunday from 2:30pm to 5pm at The Granary Café. Guests can enjoy some delicate gateaux and other delicious teatime treats while they feast on some of the most striking views of the V&A Waterfront. They are also halal-friendly.
Location: Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Cost: R425 per person.
Website: www.theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo/experiences/at/royal-tea/
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
Enjoy tea by the sea at The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, a beloved Cape Town gem. Its regal setting and grand views of the Atlantic Ocean make it one of the finest spots for tea. Indulge in sweet, savoury or petit fours, all beautifully displayed on a three-tier stand and paired with an assortment of teas. The 12 Apostles also hosts a vegan High Tea experience and is halal friendly. High Tea takes place daily, from 10am to 12:30pm and 3pm.
Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Cost: R495 per person (weekdays); R525 per person (weekends)
Website: www.12apostleshotel.com
One&Only Cape Town
The Vista Bar and Lounge at One&Only Cape Town is where elegance and opulence reign supreme. Step into a world of grandeur and soak in the incredible views of the city’s famous mountain. Their afternoon tea thrills with sweet and savoury delights. Be sure to try their buttermilk scones guaranteed to satiate guests’ palates. Afternoon tea takes place daily between 2pm and 5pm.
Location: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Cost: R425 to R495 per person
Website: www.oneandonlyresorts.com/cape-town
Mount Nelson
High Tea at Mount Nelson (yes, the famous pink hotel in the Mother City) is a treat for all ages.
Experience old-school splendour with their sweet treat buffet and a varied selection of teas at the iconic lounge that opens to the perfectly manicured garden.
High Tea takes place every Wednesday to Sunday between 12-3pm and offers a menu that boasts a selection of cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches stacked in tiers. The ambience is enhanced with background piano music. The experience is halal and vegetarian friendly.
Location: 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Cost: R495 per adult; R325 for children under the age of 12
Website: www.belmond.com
Cellars Hohenort
Another 5-star location that pulls out all the stops with its High Tea experience is Cellars Hohenort. Guests can indulge in a selection of fragrant teas, coffees, finger sandwiches, savouries, and sweet treats in various picturesque settings.
Tea is served daily in the Greenhouse on the Hohenort Terrace, Greenhouse Bar or the Palm Arch. The menu can be customised for halal and vegetarian guests, but it needs to be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Location: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights, Cape Town
Cost: R425 per person
Website: www.thecellars-hohenorthotel.com
Coco Safar
Coco Safar’s High Tea experience is a multi-sensory culinary journey that will take you around the world, from Cape Town to Paris, Istanbul, Shanghai and back to Cape Town.
The sensory delight will highlight sweet and savoury experiences set to enlighten your taste buds. Paired with a botanical tea or speciality coffee, these food chapters will provide nothing but pure bliss. The high tea is halal and vegetarian friendly.
Locations: Sea Point and V&A Waterfront
Price: R695 per person
Website: www.cocosafar.com/experiences/high-tea/
The Vineyard
The Vineyard in Newlands is the ideal spot for tea if you want to avoid crowds. Sip some as you enjoy the greenery around. Their menu choice includes options of cream and sage cucumber ciabattas and chocolate-crusted whipped ganache tart with hazelnut crème.
After tea, explore the hotel – a famed historic attraction founded by Lady Anne as a country cottage in 1799. Stroll through the hotel’s historic riverside gardens that overlook Table Mountain’s eastern slopes.
Afternoon tea is served from Friday to Sunday from 3:30pm to 5pm. Pre-booking is essential.
Location: Colinton Road, Newlands, Cape Town
Cost: R335 per person
Website: www.vineyard.co.za
Casa Labia
At Casa Labia, teatime is an experience. Pair your selection of teas with savoury and sweet delights like white truffle arancini balls and mini scones with Chantilly cream and homemade berry compote. The tea is served daily from 11am to 5pm. The experience is halal and vegetarian friendly.
Location: 192 Main Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Cost: R395 per person
Website: www.casalabia.com
Did you know?
Traditional High Tea originated among the upper class in England during the 1840’s and is served between 4pm and 6pm to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner which was usually served around 8pm.
