High Tea was originally created in Britain as the bridge between morning and evening meals in an era when eating twice a day was practice. The name takes its inspiration from the height on which the light snacks were served. It wasn’t long before what was simply something to tide the hungry over until supper became a ritual, that centered on entertainment.
There is nothing better to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon ( or any afternoon for that matter) than a deliciously decadent High Tea at The Table Bay Hotel. Sat in the lounge at one of the top 5 star luxury hotels in Cape Town, sipping on a cup of creamy Vanilla Bourbon TWG and enjoying the panoramic views of Table Mountain as the wind brought in a blanket of mist on this chilly afternoon.
A first course of salmon and cream cheese sandwiches with a vegetarian wrap, three different quiches and of course the good old cucumber sandwich at its best. Accompanied by any hot drink you choose, though I would recommend trying as many different TWG teas as you can.
Once finished, everything is elegantly snapped up and replaced with a hot new brew, cranberry and raisin scones plus the ever famous buttermilk scones. Served with a generous side portion of gooseberry jam, strawberry jam, lemon curd and the finest clotted cream!! In my opinion, bite sized scones and clotted cream complete a High Tea and make it just what it is… delectable!!
Once everything was cleared for a second time and we ordered our dessert tea, we took awhile to prep ourselves for pudding as we had already been delighted with an elegant sufficiency! But how could we possibly say “no” to a table filled from head to tail with delectable sweet treats and a butler waiting on our every whim . Choosing from triple chocolate brownies, chocolate puffs with hazelnut cream, peach and white chocolate gateau, cappuccino caramel Swiss roll, vanilla and lavender pannacotta, sharing the stage with cakes such as, black forest, honey and almond, ginger and orange, the mojito lime and mint cake, and the famous rainbow cheese cake. I’ll have one of each please… On a wintery day opt for either the rice pudding with berry compote or a traditional malva pudding and custard.
With the classical piano soothing your soul (and extended belly), a 5 star hotel with impeccable service, scrumptious treats and finest teas… What more could you possibly want for the perfect date, girly catch up, 21st birthday, anniversary celebration or just an excuse to get out and people watch?!
