5 Must-Visit High Tea Spots in Cape Town that Aren’t the Mount Nelson
We’ve got great news; afternoon tea (or high tea) is once again on-trend! Which means there are now so many more reason to have your cake and eat it too. Of course, we all know the ‘la-di-da’ of visiting the Mount Nelson for High Tea when someone is getting married or you have some posh relatives in town – but where else can one go in Cape Town for a spot of tea (and cake)? Here are 5 Must-Visit High Tea Spots in Cape Town that aren’t the Mount Nelson. From Chapman’s Peak to Constantia Heights, there are loads of new spots to discover.
1. The 12 Apostles – Camps Bay
Just as posh as the Mount Nelson but with infinitely better views, the 12 Apostles afternoon tea by the sea is a must-try. Nestled below Table Mountain, this exquisite hotel boasts uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and gives you the feeling of being far away from the hubbub of the city.
Enjoy a tea stand for two that includes traditional light bites, finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and freshly baked scones. Who knows, you may even be treated to the pastry team’s latest creative inventions which could be anything from orange-scented cupcakes dipped in ganache to red macaroons with chocolate filling and strawberry mousse. High Tea is served Monday to Sunday from 10:00 – 16:00 and there’s a decadent High Tea buffet every Saturday from 12:00 – 16:00 and Sunday from 14:00 – 16:00. Click here for more information.
Cost: R245 per person.
Contact: 021 437 9000, restaurants@12apostles.co.za | Victoria Road, Camps Bay.
2. Cup & Cake – Eden on the Bay
This quaint and oh-so-adorable spot at Eden on the Bay ensures that you get top class pastries, tea, coffee and service, no matter where you are on the Atlantic Seaboard. With a chic yet country kitchen feel, this cosy café is the ideal place to have a spot of tea and cake.
Although no high tea is currently on the menu, the lit-up glass counters are teaming with Italian cannoli’s with fresh ricotta, custard and coconut cake, lemon meringue as well as the highly popular Oreo, cupcake and Zoo biscuit milkshakes. As for the teapot collection, it is very much like Cup & Cake, one of a kind. Ordering tea at this special spot will have you feeling you like have been transported to a manor in the picturesque countryside, if only for a moment. Once you are done with your tea, take a stroll along Eden on the Bay’s breathtaking promenade and soak up the fresh sea air.
Cost: A la carte menu.
Contact: 021 554 9728 | Corner Otto du Plessis & Sir David Baird Drive, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town.
3. The One & Only Cape Town – V&A Waterfront
Luxury is the order of the day at The One & Only and there’s no doubt that The One & Only’s afternoon tea at Vista Bar & Lounge offers something a little bit different. With tea and coffee lovers in mind, the hotel has teamed up with Truth Coffee to design a pairing menu to match specific pastries with specific brews. This highlights the unique flavours of both the pastry and tea. The afternoon tea takes place every weekday from 14:30 – 17:30. The Vista Bar & Lounge also offers weekend morning tea on weekends from 09:00 – 12:00.
Expect traditional favourites like black forest cake, lemon meringue, koeksisters, as well as caramel and gold leaf éclairs, tea loaf, macaroons, tea sandwiches and fine buttermilk scones. You can even dunk strawberries into a variety of melted Lindt chocolate fondues. Look out for the latest themed afternoon teas as they are constantly changing and evolving.
Cost: Weekend Morning Tea is R195 and Afternoon Tea is R295.
Contact: 021 431 4511, restaurant.reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com | One&Only, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront.
4. Low Carb High Tea At The Cellars-Hohenort – Constantia
Of course, there are days when you want to take it a little easy on the sweet stuff so for a high tea that won’t have you busting out of your slacks, try the Low Carb High Tea at the Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia. This traditional English afternoon tea with a twist has received the nod from Professor Tim Noakes and still remains indulgent whilst using healthier substitutes. The Low Carb High Tea is available Monday – Sunday between 15:00 and 17:00.
Expect bitesize dark-chocolate-and-beetroot cupcakes, crispy prawn Vietnamese rice-paper rolls with a dipping sauce, fresh fruit sugar-free pavlovas and red pepper and goat’s cheese tartlets, just to name a few. Don’t leave without a stroll through the beautiful gardens and avenue of centuries-old camphor trees. An a la carte high tea is also available daily between 11:00 – 17:00 every day.
Cost: R195 per person.
Contact: 021 794 2137, gm@cellars-hohenort.co.za | 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights.
5. Lady Ann Afternoon Tea at The Vineyard Hotel – Newlands
For a serene and relaxed setting, visit The Vineyard Hotel for the sophisticated Lady Ann afternoon tea. Here you can while away the hours enjoying delicious eats and treats while you drink in the views of Table Mountain. Afternoon tea takes place Monday – Sunday between 15.30pm and 17.30.
The afternoon tea at The Vineyard Hotel includes an assortment of miniature cakes, pastries, sandwiches and savoury bites. After tea, take a stroll around the rolling lawns to catch a glimpse of the resident tortoises and walk off all that cake you’ve just indulged in.
Cost: R165 per person.
Contact: 021 657 4500, eat@vineyard.co.za | Colinton Road (off Protea Road), Newlands.