Dining out in Cape Town, is a treasured privilege, made all the more rewarding when the restaurants chosen flavors become a memorable taste adventure on their own.

There have been a fair few Cape Town haunts, which have been celebrated season after season for their High Tea, but do not actually provide Afternoon Tea guests with their money’s worth.

Afternoon Tea, colloquially referred to as High Tea, is a centuries-old Western tradition, birthed from European high society ladies wanting to sate their munchies between Breakfast and Lunch – subsequently doing so, in spectacular fashion!

Some Afternoon Tea spots and tea cafes, fall disappointingly short, while today’s foodie escapade location rose to the occasion admirably.

Welcome, to The Conservatory, at Cellars-Hohenort.

Now, you may not get a glass dome flooding the Afternoon Tea lounge with natural light, while you nibble on delicate pastries…but I enjoyed the historical estates warming and welcoming alternative.

“Guests may choose from three special locations – the main dining section, with stunning views of our historical garden with its ancient Camphor trees; the ‘breakfast room’; and the terrace overlooking the garden.” – The Conservatory at Cellars-Hohenort

R245.00c per person, including tea or coffee
(available from 15h00 – 17h00)

The Afternoon Tea’s price is reasonable enough, in part, due to the muted decor and simplified china, where finery (like bone china and silver spoons) wont render some visitors nervous at the airs of formality.

I am religious about my teas, leading me to often ensuring an establishment uses the right tea sets, as well as high quality tea bags, or fine loose tea like JING teas.

Due to the enhanced flavor that oil from Bergamot orange rinds provides, my favorite tea – Earl Grey – has a sweet and refreshing disposition , with the Ceylon leaf providing structured tenacity in every sip.

One cannot simply be served a tiered cake stand populated with delicious scones, finger sandwiches, and signature cakes(Dear Lord! The Carrot Cake people!), without having an impeccably steeped cuppa.

My actual tea at The Conservatory was not perfect, but it did do the minimum of momentarily placating the tea connoisseur in me.

Guests can choose from a R40.00c Tea Selection, which includes Darjeeling, Red Berries tea, and even some basic English Tea.

I thoroughly enjoyed: the delicate sweet pastries,Textures of Chocolate,  the tower of savory delights(the Smoked Salmon Blini & Chive Cream Cheese is delectable), spoonfuls of fresh fruit pavlovas, and the most scrumptious varied cheese board accompanied by bread sticks and flattened carbs.

The restaurants Blue Cheese alone, is worth me returning!

The Conservatory actually does well to incorporate their own gardens fresh produce, like local fynbos, in making their divine savories.

Catering to vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diners etc. can be exhaustive, but Cellars-Hohenort’s Conservatory, takes your dietary requirements in stride – asking only for enough notice, to create your High Tea delights.

The Conservatory can make the hallowed Afternoon Tea experience extra special, with the addition of: alcoholic or non-alcoholic bubbly, some spiked Hot Chocolate, or keep it simple with water, soft drinks or coffee.

If the location doesn’t get you to the daily Afternoon Tea at The Conservatory, then let the following draw you in: the price, the menu, the respectable service, and the decor.

 “…our High Tea is perfect for a wide range of special occasions, from birthdays, hen parties, baby showers and ‘Sip & See’ meet-the-new-baby afternoons, to corporate events.” – The Conservatory at Cellars-Hohenort

You’ll never be mad at The Conservatory‘s soundtrack – a little nature, the fire crackling softly, as well as melodious gentle chatter.

Visit Cellars-Hohenort, to indulge in one of the best priced high teas that gives diners opulent & decadent quality for a bargain!

The Conservatory | Cellars-Hohenort

93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Email: reservations@collectionmcgrath.com

Tel: +27 (0) 21 794 2137