Cape Town is famous for its high tea offerings. Think dainty pastries and sandwiches served with some of the world’s best teas.
High tea, also referred to as afternoon tea, started in England in the 1840s and is typically served in the afternoon.
Let’s spill the tea on some of Cape Town’s most popular places to enjoy a high tea experience.
These include:
The Silo Hotel
Where: Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
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.
Cost: R350 per person. Bookings for up to 6 people can be made via the Dineplan booking button on the website.
Visit: www.theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo/experiences/at/royal-tea/
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
Where: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
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 halaal friendly.
High tea takes place daily, from 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm.
Cost: R425 person.
Website: 12apostleshotel.com
One&Only Cape Town
Where: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
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 2 to 5pm.
Cost: R425 per person.
Website: www.oneandonlyresorts.com/cape-town
Mount Nelson
Where: 76 Orange St, Gardens
High tea at Mount Nelson (yes, the famous pink hotel in the Mother City) is a treat for all ages.
Experience old-school splendor with their sweet treat buffet and a varied selection of teas at the iconic lounge that opens up to the perfectly manicured garden.
Tea takes place every Wednesday to Sunday between 12-2 pm and 3-5 pm and offers a menu that boasts a selection of cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches stacked in tiers. The ambiance is set by background piano music. The experience is halaal and vegetarian friendly.
Cost: R425 per adult, R215 for children under the age of 11.
Website: belmond.com
Cellars Hohenort
Where: 93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia Heights
Another 5-star property that pulls out all the stops with its high tea experience is Cellars Hohenort. From roasted sundried tomato and feta cheese tarts, classic Madagascan chocolate cake to finger sandwiches, Cellars reinvents the high tea experience.
Guests can indulge in a fine selection of fragrant teas and coffees 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 halaal and vegetarian guests, but it needs to be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Cost: R325 per person.
Website: www.thecellars-hohenorthotel.com
The Vineyard
Where: Colinton Rd, Newlands
The Vineyard in Newlands is the ideal spot for tea if you want to avoid the 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 3:30 pm to 5pm.
Pre-booking is essential.
Cost: R295 per person.
Website: vineyard.co.za
Coco Safar
Where: Artem Centre, 277 Main Rd, Sea Point
Coco Safar’s High Tea by Day 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 trip will highlight sweet and savoury experiences set to enlighten your taste buds. Paired with a botanical tea or specialty coffee, the 16 food chapters will provide nothing but pure bliss.
High tea takes place every Friday to Sunday between 2pm and 6pm and is halaal and vegetarian friendly.
Cost: R695 per person.
Website: www.cocosafar.com/experiences/high-tea/
Misfits by Ideas Cartel
Where: 74 Prestwich St, De Waterkant
Misfits by Ideas Cartel aims to add some luxury to your weekend with a sophisticated high tea experience. Hosted every Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 to 3pm, indulge in mouthwatering cakes, pastries, and sandwiches stacked in tiers (perfect for that Instagrammable moment). Pre-booking and a 50 percent deposit is essential upon booking. The experience is halaal and vegetarian friendly.
Cost: High tea experience starts from R295.
Website: www.whyfitin.co.za/
Casa Labia
Where: 192 Main Rd, Muizenberg
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 halaal and vegetarian friendly.
Cost: R395 per person
Website: www.casalabia.com/
Hazendal Wine Estate
Where: Bottelary Rd, Brackenfell South, Stellenbosch
If you do not mind a detour from the city, then a tea ceremony at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is highly recommended.
Hosted in the elegant Tea Room and adorned with hand-painted murals, crystal chandeliers and imported Dulevo porcelain, guests sample imported tea blends from a steaming samovar (Russian urn), served alongside delicate plates of sweet and savoury traditional treats.
The experience takes place from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5pm. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menus are available on request.
Cost: R395 per adult, R255 per child under 12.
