Johannesburg

Joburg's best high teas

07 Sep 2023

From the lightest and fluffiest buttery scones with clotted cream and preserves to dainty tea served to the sounds of a live pianist, Joburgers love to take time out for afternoon tea. Here's our pick of some of the best Afternoon and High Teas this city has to offer.

Hotels and restaurants

54 on Bath

It's hard to beat the freshly made scones and homemade jam from 54 on Bath. Photo: 54 on Bath.

For those who love a glass of bubbles as much as a cup of tea... plus five-star luxury. 


You’ll be lucky to find a table for their Saturday afternoon tea buffet. This is the go-to for high-flying Joburgers who love five-star hotel service along with some of the best pâtisserie in town. And did we say buffet? Yes, you’ll eat your heart out! Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles at the terrace upon arrival, then indulge in an abundant display of the finest high tea treats, from sushi to freshly baked scones, and pâte to panna cotta, all while listening to resident pianist, Will Sibeko. Highlights include some of the best miniature quiches we’ve had the privilege of tasting, fantastic pistachio macarons, exquisite miniature carrot cakes and salted caramel choux buns to die for. TWG loose-leaf blends are served in delicate glass teapots and kept warm with mini-burners to ensure every cup is just right. Plus, you can enjoy your tea outdoors on the sun-dappled terrace, in the slightly more formal restaurant setting on cooler days, and even in the luxury of the plush lobby if you prefer the comfort of a four-seater couch whilst swilling your cup. They also offer a plated, midweek Afternoon Tea on weekday afternoons between 14:30 – 16:30 starting at just R345 p.p.
Price: R495 p.p.
When: High Tea is served Sat 13:30 –16:30. Booking is essential.
 

Da Vinci Hotel

Tantalising treats from the Da Vinci High Tea buffet. Photo: Da Vinci Hotel.

For those who just want to sit back, relax and not take life too seriously.

Tucked away from the buzz of Sandton Central you'll find the Da Vinci Lounge at the Da Vinci Hotel, a relaxed space in a private courtyard with a small pool, where an urban High Tea is served buffet-style. Start with a homemade lemonade welcome drink before exploring the buffet tables that include savoury treats such as smoked salmon, sandwiches and filled croissants, as well as a variety of dips and breads and hot savoury items including cheese and jalapeno rissoles or chicken pinchos. For those with a sweet tooth, imagine a table piled high with Nuttikrust truffles, scones, and of course, what is a High Tea without a slice of cake – mango and coconut gateaux to be exact. 
Price: R425 per person   
When: High Tea is served Sat 14:00 –16:00. Booking is essential.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

A setting to match the serving at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel. Photo: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel.

For those needing a reset close to the city or bridal shower heaven.

Enjoy a leisurely high tea at this luxurious boutique hotel tucked into quiet Morningside, five minutes from central Sandton. The setting is the gorgeous Manor House Bistro overlooking the hotel gardens, or weather permitting, you can take tea on the terrace. The style is classic English afternoon tea with a choice of inventive savoury options like their truffle, mushroom and goat's cheese vol au vent and scrumptious duck and sour cherry pies, accompanied by a towering stand of cakes, fluffy scones and generous cups of loose-leaf tea. There is also the option to enjoy a glass of bubbly with your High Tea (available by the glass). 

Price: Morning Tea R320 p.p; Afternoon Tea R425 p.p.
When: High Tea is available in the morning and afternoon from Mon – Thu only. Bookings must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Call +27 11 8042540 or email reservations@fairlawns.co.za

Olives & Plates

Gorgeous table settings at Olives & Plates at Wits Club. Photo: Olives & Plates.

For those who are serious about the setting, and want the perfect spot for tea with your mother-in-law.

Located on the Wits campus in a historic Dutch house canopied by oak trees, Olives & Plates at Wits Club is one of Joburg’s true hidden treasures. Olives & Plates are known for their bountiful cake displays and generous servings with OTT (over-the-top) presentation, but did you know they also offer a picture-perfect High Tea on the first weekend of every month? It all begins with a glass of bubbles in a crystal Marie Antoinette glass paired with a vanilla macaron and berry panna cotta. Then you’ll get stuck into a menagerie of mini-cakes and savouries, that include sumptuous salmon bagels, spinach and feta roses, exquisitely presented deluxe cucumber and egg sandwiches, and some of the best mini-lemon meringues, white chocolate salted caramel cheesecakes and coconut cakes we’ve ever tasted, all on a gorgeous, tiered cake stand.
Price: R640 p.p. 
When: High Tea is served on the first weekend of every month. Booking is essential; call +27 11 717 9365 or email club@olivesandplates.co.za

The Palazzo Montecasino

High Tea at The Palazzo Monetcasino. Photo: The Palazzo.

For those who love a bargain as much as a good spoil.

High Tea at The Palazzo Montecasino is served at the hotel’s Medeo Restaurant terrace, overlooking a pool that would make any Hollywood starlet feel at home. For groups, you can also arrange High Tea in the pretty rose garden of the hotel's private Rosa venue. The generous High Tea menu, presented with elegance, comprises a variety of extravagantly decorated little cakes, tarts and pastries, colourful macarons, petite quiches, assorted sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones and a fine selection of single-origin Ceylon teas.

Price: R385 p.p. 
When:
 High Tea is served daily from 14:00 – 17:00, booking is essential. Call +27 11 510 3000 or email Palazzo.dining@tsogosun.com

The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

Serious spoils at The Saxon's Signature High Tea. Photo: The Saxon Hotel.

For those looking for the ultimate indulgence, in absolute privacy.
 

One of South Africa's most luxurious hotels, The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa hosts indulgent Morning and Afternoon High Teas in truly opulent surroundings. The Saxon High Tea is an elegant and traditionally styled High Tea served in the Piano Lounge where the hotel's resident pianist will be tinkling the ivories to set the mood. Expect savoury delights like their miniature egg florentine with toasted dombolo, sous-vide egg yolk, sautéed spinach and hollandaise sauce, and poached prawn and avocado verrine with a tomato and tabasco foam, and sweets that will simply take your breath away. Their chocolate éclair with nyangbo chocolate and vanilla chantilly is hard to beat. Paired with exceptional Ronnedfeldt teas and the very best service, this is an experience you won't forget. 

Price: R600 p.p on weekdays, R650 p.p. on weekends.   
When: Morning Tea is served 09:30 –11:30, Mon – Sat, and Afternoon Tea 13:00 –15:00, Mon – Sun. Morning Tea is not available on Sundays. Call +27 11 292 6000, email reservations@saxon.co.za or book online.

Bakeries and pâtisseries

Just Teddy

High Tea at Just Teddy in a decadent affair. Photo: Just Teddy.

For those with limited time or looking for decadence with convenience.

From competing in the Great South African Bake Off  to running a market stall, in 2020 Ted Zaki of Just Teddy Pâtisserie moved to one of Joburg's most upmarket malls, Hyde Park Corner, and its incredible popularity has only continued to grow. During lockdown, Just Teddy pioneered the High Tea in Box, which you can enjoy at home (still available via their website) or you can enjoy High Tea at their pâtisseries in Hyde Park and Sandton. The menu is a delightful array of the day's selection of French pâtisserie, Middle Eastern-inspired savouries like Lebanese spinach pies and topping off the three tiers, fresh scones with cream and jam.

Price: From R300 p.p.  
When: High Tea is available daily at their Hyde Park branch, and daily from 14.00 – 16.00 at their Sandton branch. To book call +27 10 203 9038 or email events@justteddy.co.za (Just Teddy Hyde Park); +27 64 971 2210, email info@justteddy.co.za (Just Teddy Sandton)

Shazmin’s Pâtisserie

Pretty in pink at Shazmin's. Photo: Shazmin's Pâtisserie.

For office parties, kiddies' parties and selfie snaps galore.

First they brought the cupcake and ice-cream macaron ATMs to Sandton City, and soon after opened their wonderfully floral, pink sanctuary of sweet treats and baked delights on the first floor of Sandton Square. Started by husband and wife team, Ziyaad and Shazmin Mahomed, Shazmin’s Pâtisserie is bold, bright, funky and feminine, and it’s also child-friendly and certified Halaal. Enjoy a selection of fun and unique High Teas including a ‘High Chai’ which includes a modern twist on traditional Indian sweets, as well as a kiddies’ Disney-themed High Tea, a Barbie-themed tea, and Breakfast and Afternoon teas. Expect an unapologetic explosion of glitter and colour, with fanciful macarons and fabulous petit fours, along with their signature baby pancake stacks. All are served with a selection of delicious Luna Lumie teas, pinkacinos or hot cocoas.

Price: From R330 per adult and R180 per child.   
When: Available daily, booking is essential' WhatsApp 0645112658 or email info@shazmins.co.za

Out of town

De Hoek Country Hotel

High Tea in the tranquil setting of De Hoek will melt your cares away. Photo: De Hoek Country Hotel.

For a weekend away, or those looking for an escape.

The hour's drive from Joburg to this luxury boutique hotel is worth it for tea served in a lush country garden. The seasonal menu has a generous and tasty selection of finger sandwiches and sweet and savoury pastries, scones are top-notch, and tea includes a glass of bubbles. A nice option if you are spending the day in the Magaliesberg countryside.

Price: R410 p.p. 
When: High Tea is served Sat 13:00 – 17:00, booking is essential. Call +27 14 577 9600 or email info@dehoek.com, prior payment is essential to secure your booking.

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