On my last trip to Durban, I popped into the Tea-room at The Botanical Gardens to see – or rather to taste – what all the fuss was about. I’ve heard so much about the crumpets served at this historical landmark, so I headed straight there.

The tea-room is delightfully old-fashioned. It’s nestled between magnificent trees and overlooks the Gardens’ manicured lawns. And the crumpets are airy, light and delicious. Smiling ladies fill teapots to the brim and pile plates with just-made, warm crumpets drizzled with golden syrup, with a jug of cream on the side. I’m sure this is one of the best-kept secrets in Durbs, but I do love spreading the word about my finds.

When I’m not scouting around for a new restaurant, my favourite pastime is picking roses (the ones that smell like real roses) at Chart Farm in Wynberg, Cape Town. The tea-room there is one of my favourites and my best-kept secret in Cape Town, well not anymore, I suppose! If you need a piece of cake, nothing fancy, but something just plain yummy, you’ll find it at The Coffee Terrace. Chocolate sponge, carrot, apple pie or lemon meringue – take your pick. The breakfasts are good too, the tomato is perfectly fried and I have yet to find a better iced coffee.

See you in the rose garden or, better still, over a pot of tea!
Abigail