SPAR Savour sampled some of the best tea spots in Cape Town to help you plan the perfect afternoon treat.

Cape Grace 

Cape Grace exudes serenity and warmth.

The staff are friendly and the setting is superb. Situated at the V&A Waterfront, the hotel overlooks a yacht basin and has views of Table Mountain.

Afternoon tea reflects the tone of the surroundings. Every sandwich, scone or sweet treat has been made to perfection and to be utterly memorable . Whether a cream-cheese cucumber sandwich, a savoury scone with Dijon mustard baked inside, or an exquisite banoffee and mango-flavoured macaroon.

Finish off with a chocolate lamington or a profiterole and sink into a feeling of heavenly delight.

Your three-tier platter is served with a good selection of teas, including the aromatic house Cape Grace blend, the cherry on top of a truly relaxing afternoon.
 

Price: R70 per person for cream tea, R125 per person for afternoon tea or R180 per person for deluxe afternoon tea

Served daily from noon until 18:00

For reservations, call +27 (0) 21 410 7100 or

email signal@capegrace.com

 

At One and Only’s Vista and Bar lounge, the buffet of delectable treats will not disappoint.

From mini chicken-mushroom pies to baked vanilla-bean cheesecakes, it is well worth the experience. The hotel also provides some local delicacies with interesting twists, such as cinnamon-infused koeksisters and corn samoosas. A lavish selection of tea is on offer to complement the heavenly sweet and savoury bites. 

The service is impeccable,and guests are sure to feel pampered with serving staff on call ensuring first-class comfort.

The high ceilings, dark wooden décor, and majestic Table Mountain views also makes for an elegant atmosphere. This classic décor may particularly appeal to the male teagoer.

A final note – the caramel and gold leaf éclairs are not to be missed.

Price: R165 per person

Served daily from 14:30 until 17:30

For reservations, call +27 21 431 5888 or email restaurant.reservations@

oneandonlycapetown.com

 

I’ve never been to a high tea and I didn’t know what it was. But after experiencing the 12 Apostles High Tea - I’m a strong advocate for more scones and the like. As I entered, porter Faried Hendricks and doorman Eddy Berejena

made me feel like a king or a CEO of a JSE listed company; like a boss. Everywhere I looked there was jewelry, paintings and tapestry; the most I’ve seen in my life. 

The high tea was served in “The Leopard Room,” which as the name suggests, was full of leopards; in bronze, painting and photographic form. If you like leopards, you’ll like The Leopard Room. My waiter was Sibusiso Gqotso and his service was excellent.

Executive Chef Christo Pretorius and Pastry Sous Chef Nathan Jacobs whipped up a “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” themed high tea; complete with macaroons, meringue lollipops covered in white chocolate, white chocolate truffle balls, dark chocolate squirrel acorns, delicate chocolate sponge cake, cupcakes with grass-styled icing, 12 Apostles’ special shortbread,scones with cream and strawberry jam, eclairs, brownies with strawberry droplets, and an assortment of bite-sized sandwiches. My tastebuds were having a party! 

I would strongly encourage you to try the 12 Apostles High Tea, you’ll not feel the need to go anywhere else. Ever.
 

Price: R290 per stand (for two people) High Tea Stand in the Leopard Bar or Conservatory or R145 per person High Tea Buffet in The Café Grill

Served daily from 14:00 until 17:00

For reservations, call +27 (0) 21 437 9029 or email restaurants@12apostles.co.za

 

The chink of fine china and the melodic tones of a grand piano are two sounds that signal high tea at The Table Bay. Guests are treated to three delicious courses that start with quiche and sandwiches, followed by scones, jam and all the trimmings. For the final course you are let loose on the buffet table, which boasts a grand selection of cakes and desserts. At each stage you are invited to choose from an incredible variety of teas. Sourced from luxury tea company

TWG, the selection includes some of the finest and rarest available anywhere in the world.

High Tea at the Table Bay is as elegant as it is enjoyable. Come thirsty as well as hungry.
 

Price: R185 per person

Served daily from 14:30 to 17:30

For reservations call +27 (0) 21 406 5988

 

There are few places in Cape Town that can rival the magnificent gardens that the Vineyard Hotel boasts. Greeted by a smiling waitress we chose our spot with a view of Table Mountain, an opulent water fountain and the resident tortoise - who has been branded with the hotel’s number should he find himself in foreign territory. 

First was the selection of Toni Glass teas. I opted for the pomegranate oolong blend, which complemented the savoury and sweet selection served on the cake stand. Cucumber and salmon sandwiches along with a quiche tartlet and delectable spinach and feta spring roll were served as savoury bites followed by a melt-inyour-mouth scone with vanilla bean cream, strawberry jam and cheese. A superbly made passion-fruit cheesecake, rich Lindt chocolate cake and a pavlova followed. 

I will be going back to the Vineyard for an afternoon tea very soon.

Price: R120 per person

Served daily from 15:00 until 17:30

For reservations, call + 27 (0) 21 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za