High Tea at De Hoek Was looking forward to celebrating a special birthday with an outdoor high tea at this beautiful venue. As we were a big group with various dietary requirements (gluten free vegan, Banting) there were numerous calls with Lilian to verify dietary requirements and a follow-up email to ensure that we were catered for. Upon arrival at the reservation time, we were asked to wait for close on 20mins until the table was activated. We were not attended to during this time. When we got to the table it was in the exact same condition as when we arrived with leaves and debris from the trees above. Nonetheless we were there for an experience. About 15 minutes later a plate of heaped sandwiches arrived followed by sushi, slices of cake, etc. All served together and not grouped according to dietary requirements. After much back and forth and what can be best described as a farce with the explanations from the chef being ridiculous and the cluelessness of the F&B manager Vusi, it was clear that this is what it is. We decided to make the best of the experience since there was not much on offer for the special dietary requirements due to lack of preparation and understanding. The items that could be eaten were sadly well below average for a 5 star venue. We were served tea over an hour later. Unfortunately the bad attitude, lack of accountability and integrity can only lead to things getting worse at this wonderful venue. Raising concerns to management at De Hoek falls on deaf ears. Rather escalate to info@letsema.co.za. If you have any specific requirements dietary or other, stay away from this place, the lack of attentiveness means that it can only end in a disaster. Really not worth the drive out.

No wonder Michael Holenstein continues to rate in SA's Top Ten chefs year in, year out. His food is superb. Beautifully cooked, unpretentious, imaginative and daring. Served by attentive staff in a lovely country setting, you won't find much better fare than this.

I was lucky to have a fabulous day at De Hoek. Mostly, I remember the fabulous high tea, the teeny slices of carrot and chocolate cake, the fresh scones, perfectly cut cucumber sandwiches, and an amazing selection of herbal teas.
Dinner was pretty good too, a long table in the main dining area, several courses that went from good to fantastic, beautifully paired wine, great service.
And let me not forget the bar with a bar-tender who remembered exactly what I like to drink.
Excellent!

Hi, Went there on the 20th Jan 2013. Sorry to say, worst service I really ever experienced. Had a set menu, and some things on menu were conveniently 'forgotten' by staff. Bread basket was not cleared, wine was not topped up, nor our water, could not find a waiter when needed, really really bad. Starter soup was tasteless - except for truffle oil that gave it flavour, mains were disappointing. The card machines did not work. This should be a 2 or 3 star place. Will definitely not be back ever.

Had Sunday lunch at De Hoek yesterday on a beautiful summers day in Magaliesburg. As always the setting of De Hoek nearly makes the entire meal - but then there was the best seafood risotto ever and fantastic rack of lamb and all washed down with wines from a small, but very exclusive and interesting selection. Well done De Hoek - we had a great time and cant wait to go back!