High tea? Yes please.
There’s something fabulous about sipping tea out of dainty crockery while nibbling on cute sandwiches and petite pastries.
The ritual of afternoon tea owes its origins to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. In the early 1800s, it was common to eat only two main meals a day, with breakfast early in the morning and dinner late in the evening. But Anna got so hungry that she decided to schedule tea and a snack in the afternoon. At first in private and then it caught on.
Afternoon tea, traditionally, was typically a more elite social gathering, generally for ladies. It was served in the mid-afternoon. Afternoon Tea was taken whilst seating in low, comfortable chairs or sofas. High Tea, historically, was served after working hours and included a heavy meal to fill the tummies of working class folk. Of course, soon after, the upper classes developed their own variation and also called it ‘high tea’.
Whether you call it High Tea or Afternoon Tea, it doesn’t matter. Drinking tea in an elegant lounge and eating sumptious treats is life’s simplest pleasures.
Belmont Mount Nelson Hotel or otherwise known as Nellie is known for their delicious and decadent High Teas. It is set at the foot of Table Mountain and just a stone throw from the Company Gardens.
As you walk in the door, you are greeted with opulent décor, plush furniture, elegant chandeliers and flowers everywhere. Graceful notes from the piano add to the ambiance. The centrepiece of the room is the buffet table laid out with confectionary delights waiting to be indulged.
An array of finest loose leaf teas are available. Anything from white tea from China, red teas, rooibos to herbal infusions, Russian blend and the popular Belmond Mount Nelson blend flavoured with buds and petals from their signature pink roses.
If tea is not your thing, then there is bottomless coffee and hot chocolate available. Why not enjoy a glass of Champagne or MCC with your High Tea?
There are three sittings available – Morning, Afternoon and Evening – you are assured of a delectable high tea experience, no matter what time you choose to visit.
MORNING TEA
A lighter version of Afternoon tea and is perfect for an informal business meeting or a get-together with friends.
•Served from 9:30 – 11:30am
AFTERNOON TEA
Savoury selections and delicate finger sandwiches are brought to the table on a tiered stand as well as freshly baked scones and preserves.
The Lounge Buffet is laden with sweet confections.
• Served from 13:00 – 15:00 and 15:30 – 17:30
EVENING TEA
Savoury selections and delicate finger sandwiches are brought to the table on a tiered stand as well as freshly baked scones and preserves.
Included is a selection of local and international cheeses served with homemade breads.
• Served from 18:00 – 19:30
The High Tea at The Nellie is a sensory feast and is great to enjoy at anytime of the day.
BOOKINGS:
Tel: +27 21 483 1000
Email: restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com
Categories: Cape Town, CBD, Region
Your photos of this afternoon tea are stunning and are making my mouth water!
Thanks. They were delicious for sure! 🙂
I have a gift voucher for high tea….about 2 years old. Do they expire?
Hi Marilyn. I received the following information from Mount Nelson – “Unfortunately Restaurant Reservations does not issue or process vouchers, so we cannot help. The only way we can check the expiry date, is if the guest sends a copy of the voucher and we can forward on to our finance department and they can verify the validity.”
Hope this helps! 🙂