Tea Rooms around Town – Cape Town

The British have a wonderful tradition called afternoon tea, and in that vein of excellence and a small nod to our colonial past we’ve rounded up some of the best places to enjoy it in Cape Town.

A note for those who refer to the tea had in the afternoons as “High Tea”. The British practice of High Tea was actually another way of saying dinner, or ‘meat tea’ and what we associate with High Tea, is actually their low tea.

Garden Tea – Vineyard Hotel & Spa
Once, the personal residence of Lady Anne Barnard, the socialite of Cape Town Castle, this historic home was converted into the Vineyard Hotel and Spa; which now offers visitors a timeless yet modern experience. You can enjoy the Lady Anne’s Afternoon Tea which consists of a sumptuous spread of cakes, quiches, sandwiches and scones, along with the wide variety of international teas that are available. You will be served on either the patio or the garden lounge, and whichever area you sit in, you’ll have the beautiful view of Table Mountain and the several-acre-long garden, which is delightful to walk through once you’re done. Price: R100 per person. Tea is served from 15:00.

Graceful Tea – Cape Grace Hotel
A delightful afternoon tea can be had at the Cape Grace Hotel, complete with Macaroons. It is served in an opulent library that is filled with historic works of art, lush décor and stunning views. You can choose what kind of tea experience you’d like by paring any loose-leaf tea with choices such as the Cream Tea option that is served with an array of home-made scones, strawberry jam and cream. The Afternoon Tea comes fresh with savoury or traditional scones, a selection of tasty finger sandwiches and some sweet treats served after; or you could choose the Deluxe Afternoon Tea which is the standard Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine served after. Price: R80 per person, and tea is served from around 15:00.

Signature Tea – Mount Nelson Hotel
This glamorous hotel is one of the most refined settings around, so high tea here is guaranteed to be memorable. The tea is served either outdoors around the garden fountain, in the lounge, or out on the terrace. Tasty finger sandwiches are served and some of the options include roast beef and rocket, smoked salmon, and of course, the traditional cucumber. The sandwiches are followed by a selection of desserts. There are various leaf and flower teas available from all around the world, although their six-blend signature tea smells, and tastes, amazing. Price: R185 per person. Tea is served between 14:30 – 17:30.

Tea by the Sea – 12 Apostles Hotel
The 12 Apostles hotel in Camps Bay is an example of luxury at its peak. The beautiful views from the leopard room encompass the vast ocean, the silver service attention from the waiters is impeccable, and there is no shortage of trimmings. You can buy a stacked three-tiered tray which is topped with finger sandwiches to start you off; the second tier consists of fruit cups, scones, and chocolate éclairs; the final, and bottom, tier contains nutty brownies and macaroons. Price: R195 for two in the Leopard Bar, or R95 per person in the Cafe Grill. You will receive a ‘free’ cup of either tea – or should you prefer something a tad stronger – coffee.

Notable mention:

Ceremonial Tea – Origins, Nigiro
If you’ve ever been curious about what a ceremonial tea involves, then you should stop in at Origins Coffee Shop in De Waterkant, and visit the tea shop within it called Nigiro (which is origin spelled backwards). Here you’ll experience the feeling of a traditional tea house, combined with a modern Zen feel.  You can enjoy a guided Taiwanese High Mountain tea ceremony which enhances the tea’s flavour, as well as learn the ritual behind it so that you can replicate the same taste at home. There are over 100 fine loose-leaf teas available, as well as fruit and herbal infused teas. You’ll leave here feeling refreshed and at peace with the world again. Pricing varies depending on what you order. The shop is open from 07:00 – 17:00 weekdays and 09:00 – 14:00 on weekends.

Share your favourite tea spots with us and let us know what you consider must-have items for a wonderful tea experience!