THE latest addition to Cape Town’s high tea offerings is the new inner-city option of a continental-style afternoon tea served at Cafe Bailey, Liam Tomlin’s new culinary destination in buzzy Bree Street.
On street-level in a historical building, the classic European-style cafe boasts luxe interiors complete with a show-stopping chandelier, gilt-framed mirrors, marble-topped tables and comfortable booths dressed in emerald-green velvet as backdrop to an indulgent urban high tea.
Prepared by head pastry chef San-Marie Pienaar, Classic Afternoon Tea at Cafe Bailey (R400pp) begins with delicious savoury delights, ranging from salmon blinis with sour cream and caviar, lobster rolls and spiced prawn, to gougères and duck liver parfait with port jelly. A vegetarian alternative is available, featuring spiced avocado, egg roll and caprese crostini, to name but a few delicacies. The gourmet experience continues with sweet treats that include scones and cream, as well as classic French pâtisserie items such as gâteau opéra, mille feuilles, lemon tart and crème brûlée.
The tea selection comprises eight unique and unusual blends. Choose from Irish breakfast tea and mango rosehip rooibos, or Lady Grey with bergamot and pink roses, Gunpower Mint, or liquorice ginger white. Connoisseurs with a deep appreciation for tea may take special delight in The Bailey Exclusive, a rooibos blend with caramel, apple, banana and flowers. The MCC Afternoon Tea option includes a glass of Graham Beck Brut or Brut Rosé (R480pp).
For those with a smaller appetite, Café Bailey also serves a Cream Tea of scones with clotted cream and home-made jams, served with a selection of teas (R120pp).
afternoon tea is served at Cafe Bailey, Mondays to Saturdays 3pm to 5pm and bookings are essential (24-hours in advance).
The Bailey, 91 Bree St Cape Town, trading hours Mondays to Saturdays:
- Cafe Bailey 8am to 9pm
- Brasserie Bailey lunch 12pm to 2.30pm, dinner 6pm to 9pm
- The Old Bailey 3pm to late
- Bookings: Dineplan
- Call 021 773 0440
