High Tea Heaven

There’s something about experiencing a high tea… Those dainty little delicacies, the very ‘proper’ feel of the experience, tea in a REAL tea cup and saucer! For anyone who knows me, I drink my tea by the MUG…and a LOT of it, but there is just something really royal about sipping tea the way my Grandmother used to do it. And those delicacies I briefly alluded to earlier…… macaroons, cupcakes, little mini milktarts, exquisite finger sandwiches stuffed with delectable fillings, quiches and freshly bakes scones….Chocolate Fudge Cake?!?! The offerings are endless and for someone who has a very small appetite, choosing what to enjoy is a challenge. Regardless, its a challenge I am happy to have to take on 🙂

At The Oyster Box High Tea…..what a treat! Deeeevvvinnnneee!!!!

Today we share some of our Thompsons Africa favorite High Tea experiences. Since we are a proudly Durban company, we simply HAVE to mention our very special favorite, The Oyster Box…

THE OYSTER BOX

Inspired by the hotel’s original, colonial architecture and resplendent with chandeliers purchased from the Savoy Hotel in London, High Tea at The Oyster Box is a lengthy, leisurely affair. Tea at The Oyster Box is taken from Royal Albert china. The range used at the hotel is called ‘FRIENDSHIP’, designed by famous British designer Miranda Kerr. Live piano music provides the perfect backdrop and adds a personal element to the beautiful Palm Court, softening the atmosphere and putting guests at ease.

The Oyster Box’s high tea table is legendary… laden with sumptuous treats, from freshly baked scones, pastries, quiches and cakes, to finger sandwiches and savouries. The menu changes regularly to suit seasonal availability and specialities but the following is always to be found on the tea table: cake of the day (chocolate gateaux, fresh cream and strawberry, chocolate fudge, lemon cream), a selection of loaves (lemon sponge, walnut and carrot, almond and seed), berry pannacotta, seasonal fruit tartlets with a custard base, coffee and caramel éclairs, chocolate éclairs, peppermint crisp and chocolate mousse squares, berry mousse squares, mini lemon meringues, chilled coconut rice pudding, assorted cupcakes, scones, shortbread fingers, Lindt chocolate brownies, ginger biscuits, oatmeal crunchies as well as assorted muffins and sandwiches. All patisserie, confectionary and breads are made daily in our own kitchens by executive pastry chef Joanita Venter and her team.

Tea begins at 14h30 and ends at 17h00 and booking is essential, especially on weekends.

BELMOND MOUNT NELSON – CAPE TOWN

Make sure your trip to the Mother City is complete and experience the best afternoon tea Cape Town has to offer. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches filled with rare roast beef and rocket, smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise or cucumber. Follow with a delectable dark chocolate cake, lemon meringue and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves.

Adding a special local flavour is a typical South African milk tart, called “melktert” in Afrikaans.

During the winter months you can also enjoy a selection of warm treats. Expect mushroom empanadas, tomato tarts and chicken pies.

The signature Mount Nelson Tea has been expertly blended from six teas: Darjeeling, Kenya, Assam, Keemun, Yunnan, Ceylon, and rose petals from our garden. In addition, we offer an array of leaf and flowering teas.

Morning, Afternoon and Evening Tea are served in the lounge, on the terrace or around the garden fountain.

Morning Tea
A lighter version of Afternoon Tea is served every morning, and is perfect for an informal business meeting or a get-together with friends.
Served from 9:30am–12pm

Afternoon Tea
Seating times are available 1:30–3:30pm and 3:30–5:30pm

Evening Tea
Served daily from 6–8:30pm

FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA – JOHANNESBURG

Enthused Senses…. enjoy high tea at The Fairlawns where a choice of several varieties of tea, finely cut sandwiches,freshly baked scones, strawberry Conserves, Devonshire clotted cream and a range of delicate tea pastries are served to help create an unforgettable afternoon!