✨ High Tea in Cape Town: A Refined Afternoon at Cellars-Hohenort Hotel ✨

Wayne and I first discovered the ritual of high tea during a Viking Mediterranean Cruise in 2022, and it left such a memorable impression on us. Looking back, high tea might have been offered during my summer study abroad at the Glasgow School of Art in 2004, or even when I visited Belfast, Northern Ireland. If so, I must have missed the moment—though I do recall groups gathered over tea and scones, which must have been high tea.

Fast forward to our travels in South Africa, where we had the chance to experience high tea again, this time at the charming Cellars-Hohenort Hotel. The setting was beautiful: a glass-enclosed garden atrium with natural light spilling in, where guests lingered over conversation and anticipation. Dressed informally but surrounded by formality, each of us was welcomed with a glass of champagne before being seated with a perfect view of the room.

Service was attentive—we had three servers throughout the afternoon—and the courses unfolded like chapters in a story. First came a plate of dainty sandwiches: smoked salmon on a muffin, chicken salad, and the classic cucumber sandwich (not my personal favorite, though Wayne gave it a try). Then came the tea selection—ginger quickly won our hearts.

The next round brought what my grandmother, Beaufort Jackson, might have called “highly decorated hors d'œuvres”—artful bites that looked as delightful as they tasted. What truly caught my eye, however, were the elegant flatware platters they were served on. Soon after, warm biscuits arrived with butter and a wide selection of jams—simple, yet wonderful alongside the ginger tea.

The grand finale was dessert: plates overflowing with puff cremes, mousse-filled pastries, fruit-topped delights, and a chocolate cup filled with peanut butter mousse that Wayne declared his favorite—like an elevated version of a peanut butter cup.

Before we left, we reflected on a common mix-up: many people confuse “high tea” with “afternoon tea.” Historically, high tea was a hearty evening meal for Britain’s working families, served at tall dining tables with meats, breads, and vegetables. Afternoon tea, on the other hand, was the lighter, daintier ritual of finger sandwiches and sweets. Today, hotels and restaurants often blend the two traditions into a refined yet relaxed experience, much like the one we enjoyed in Cape Town.

Our visit to Cellars-Hohenort was filled with peace, harmony, and a taste of tradition. Though we had to say farewell, our journey continues—next stop: the Westin Cape Town Hotel, just a 22-minute drive away. Stay with us as we share our first impressions, experiences, and reflections from this new chapter of our South African adventure.