We can’t think of a better way to spend a sunny summer afternoon than by treating yourself and your friends to a super-posh high tea. Here’s our pick of the best spots to try!
The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town
Get the girls together for an indulgent afternoon in the Vineyard Hotel’s Garden Lounge. With a view overlooking the well-manicured gardens and the majestic Table Mountain, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Lady Anne’s Afternoon Tea. Sink into the cushions on the wrought-iron patio chairs and enjoy a range of teas, from jasmine and lemon to traditional Rooibos, as well as tasty sweet and savoury treats.
All snacks are served on old-world, three-tiered plates, with more than enough space for the smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, blueberry cheesecake, chocolate tartlets, scones with strawberries and cream, and many more sinful delights. High tea is served daily from 3.30pm to 5.30pm
Visit http://www.vineyard.co.za/ to book.
The Palazzo Hotel, Johannesburg
Hidden in the middle of busy Fourways, lies the peaceful, Mediterranean-style sanctuary of the Palazzo Hotel in the Montecasino Entertainment Complex. What better way to end off a stressful week at work than by treating yourself to high tea in the hotel’s luxurious dining lounge?
Book a table on the terrace and lap up the afternoon sun while you sip on calming camomile tea. Treats are presented on individual three-tiered plates, loaded with cucumber sandwiches, red-velvet cupcakes, fruit tarts and mini-granadilla cheesecakes; scones are served separately with jam, cream and cheese. Be sure to wear something loose, because you’ll be fit to burst by the time you’ve sampled all these delights! High tea is served daily from 2pm to 5pm
Visit http://www.tsogosunhotels.com/deluxe/the-palazzo-montecasino to book.
The Saint James on Venice Luxury Boutique Guesthouse, Durban
Treat yourself to a high tea feast at the four-star boutique hotel, The Saint James on Venice Guesthouse, in upscale Morningside. Tea is served on the private outdoor terrace in the lush gardens.
In this serene setting, beneath the shade of age-old trees (the guesthouse was originally a home built in 1892), you’ll relish treats like lemon meringue tartlets, leek and mushroom quiche, caprice croissants and scones, while tea is served in gorgeous silver teapots. This has become a popular spot with business travellers , so be sure to book a few days in advance. High tea is served daily from 11am to 4pm
Visit http://www.stjamesonvenice.co.za to book.
