IS there anything more civilised than afternoon tea? Yes, morning tea. Same with naps; traditionally they are taken in the afternoon but I am a strong supporter of the morning nap.Not as a replacement, but a supplement. Mail me for more advice.
At The Cellars-Hohenort, you can now enjoy a deliciously indulgent high tea, morning and/or afternoon. You can nap too, if you have a room. These things are frowned upon in public areas, and that includes the exquisite gardens. These have to be mentioned because your tea menu is a pamphlet that you can take with you; it has a map of the gardens so you can explore before or after your scones. There’s also the option of a walk guided by a human; it takes about an hour and a half and you need to book in advance.
But let’s talk about the high tea, created by executive chef Tronette Dippenaar and her team, from scratch, every day. It is taken in The Greenhouse, and includes a glass of L’Ormarins Brut Classique Rosé (or non-alcoholic sparkling wine) to set the mood. The tableware is utterly gorgeous. Jenna Clifford designed The Wavy Rose bone china crockery by Lavish’d – a visual feast for the eyes that also brings the hotel’s glorious gardens indoors. I thought it all rather whimsical and suitable for the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
On to the sweet side of things, a basket of scones – essential at any good tea – and banana bread was served, with butter, cream and strawberry jam naturally. Apricot jam is an option but only with grated mature cheddar. I don’t make the rules. The fourth course came almost at the same time, tiers of cakes including key lime pie which was my favourite, coffee and chocolate opera cake, walnut carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, mini milk tarts, and a roll of matcha with lemon, honey and white chocolate. Pop on over to my Instagram for more pics of all this.
The tea is presented in clear glass pots placed over a, well, tea light candle. A timer is provided for the correct brewing time, to ensure maximum enjoyment of optimal flavour.
Tea at The Greenhouse is an elegant affair, so do try not to knock your bubbly all over the man sitting next to you, like I did, and the most perfect way to while away a few hours during the chilly winter months. Served Wednesdays to Sundays 11am to 1pm, and 2pm to 4pm, it costs R395 for adults and R195 for children (4 – 11 years). Booking is essential.
Call +27 21 794 2137
Email functions@cellars-hohenort.co.za
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