Capetonians and visitors alike know the Mount Nelson Hotel as a sophisticated oasis in the heart of town. With an olde worlde feel, friendly staff awaiting on your every whim and plenty of dining options, the ‘Nellie’, as it is affectionately known, is always there for you.

Called ‘The Best Tea in the World’ by the UK based Michael Winner’s Winner’s Dinners Awards, the longstanding tradition of tea time at the Mount Nelson is always a grand affair, and now with the appointment of new pastry chef, Samantha Waring, it has been given an extra boost.

Trained at the Silwood Kitchen, Samantha has travelled extensively, honing her craft, and recently underwent a stint lecturing at the the SA Chefs Academy. “When I work with pastry, I come alive,” she says.

Samantha plans to provide smaller bites of existing and new cakes, tarts and savoury goodies. But dont worry, one of the favourites, the Flourless chocolate and almond cake, will continue to make its grand entrance.

The idea is that one can’t fit in huge slices of all the available treats, so smaller sizes will afford you the oppportunity to try more.

Samantha calls it a “new fresher, lighter and eat-friendly approach”. Look forward to new table centrepieces too.

Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel
Afternoon Tea at the Mount Nelson consists of an array of superlative tea choices, including Earl Grey, Darjeeling, English Breakfast and Lapsang Souchong. Along with this comes traditional savoury options such as Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Finger Sandwiches, Quiches, Basil Pesto Twists and dainty Chicken Pies. Mountains of fresh berries are consumed along with Mille Feuilles, Chocolate Éclairs and Petit Four, and silver cake stands offer utter decadence in the form of cheesecakes, flourless chocolate cake, the Battenburg Loaf and Strawberry Marbled Fridge Tart (and more). Of course, you need to experience it for yourself to take in all the treats on offer.

Tea is served daily from 2.30pm to 5.30pm and is priced at R135 per person.

The Mount Nelson Hotel
76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Call 021-483 1850