54 ON BATH
At this stylish Rosebank hotel, its pretty garden terrace or the Level Four restaurant is a perfect location for polishing off an afternoon with tea and cake. The cake stand comes stocked with a generous selection of savoury treats and a range of delicate pastries, cakes and fluffy scones, all to be enjoyed with a fine loose leaf tea selection. Service is polished and friendly.
Best for: a romantic tea for two or celebrating with a small crowd.
CAFÉ HEMINGWAY’S
A high tea heaven tucked into a Kyalami strip mall the kitchen here regularly creates show-stoppingly lavish tea affairs. The fantastically decorated cakes are a standout feature, all light, spongy and layered with butter cream, and bear enchanting names. Look out for the Fluttershy Unicorn. It's also an essential book club experience as literary references abound. Taste the genius creations that Terry Pratchett or JK Rowling might have dreamed up if not busy writing bestsellers and pair them with gourmet cocktails.
Best for: a magnificent heaving table for groups of six, eight or even 60.
THE CRABTREE & EVELYN TEA ROOM
This casual cosy tea room decorated in botanical prints is accessed by a stairwell in the Crabtree & Evelyn store. Book in advance (50% deposit to secure booking) for ‘A grand high tea’: a balance of sweet and savoury items, among them crustless cucumber sandwiches and light-as-a-feather tartlets, served with a range of teas or coffee. End with a cake slice accompanied by a glass of bubbly or cordial: the egg-free chocolate cake deserves high praise.
Best for: a small baby shower, birthday celebration or cosy tea for two.
DE HOEK COUNTRY HOTEL
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.
Best for: as an escape from the city.
FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA
Enjoy a leisurely high tea at this luxurious boutique hotel tucked into quiet Morningside, five minutes from central Sandton. The setting is the pretty Manor House Bistro, a petite tea room with tall French windows overlooking peaceful gardens and filled with a quirky antique porcelain collection and beautiful flower arrangements. Weather permitting, take tea on the terrace. The style is classic English afternoon tea with a choice of smoked salmon, egg mayonnaise and, of course, cucumber ribbon sandwiches accompanied by a superb and towering stand of cakes, scones and plenty of tea.
Best for: those who enjoy a traditional English countryside setting.
THE PALAZZO MONTECASINO
High tea at the Palazzo Montecasino is served at the hotel’s Medeo Restaurant terrace which overlooks a swimming pool that would make any Hollywood starlet feel at home. You might also get to spot an international celebrity or two in the lobby as this is a popular hotel for music stars performing at the nearby Ticketpro Dome. The daily menu, presented with elegance, comprises a variety of cakes, petite quiches, assorted sandwiches and a fine selection of single origin Ceylon teas.
Best for: celebrating a special occasion in opulent surroundings.
THE SAXON HOTEL, VILLAS & SPA
One of Joburg's most luxurious and private hotels, The Saxon's high tea is served in the intimate lounge where you get to relax on a sofa. The Classic Tea perfectly balances savoury and sweet treats with finger sandwiches served on artisanal seed-filled bread, a crispy southern fried chicken mini-wrap and an innovative warm lamb curry pie pot. The beautifully presented sweets include lots of creamy white chocolate tastes cut through with zingy fresh fruit flavours. Service is relaxed and flawless. Enjoy the flavoured coffees or strong selection of classic teas.
Best for: lots of time on your hands so you can relax and settle into your lavish surroundings.
THE VICTORIAN SECRET
If you have time to travel further afield visit The Victorian Secret Artisan Bakery and Patisserie in Benoni (a 30 minute drive from Johannesburg city centre) where you can enjoy high tea with perfectly crustless cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches plus a selection of pastries, all beautifully served in late Victorian heritage building.
Best for: a quaint setting that's a short drive from O R Tambo International Airport.
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