Despite its opulent setting and over the top themed glamour - this lavishly decorated hotel’s design was inspired by a Tuscan villa - high tea at the Palazzo Montecasino qualifies as one of Joburg’s best value high teas, at R285 per person. The daily menu, elegantly served, comprises a variety of cakes, petite quiches, assorted sandwiches, scones and a fine selection of single origin Ceylon teas and the selection is always evolving to reflect the seasons as well as any major holidays such as Christmas or Valentines.

The sweet display includes lime cheesecake mousse with raspberry jam, exceptional orange soft cake, dark chocolate berry tart, mango coconut custard choux puffs, colourful macarons and dainty lemon meringue tarts. Savoury treats include smoked salmon and ricotta cheese quiche, mini duck and cherry pies, smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber en croute and grilled halloumi and roasted Mediterranean vegetables on rye.

High tea is served at the hotel’s Medeo Restaurant terrace overlooking a swimming pool that would make any Hollywood starlet feel at home. The hotel gardens are spectacular and flower arrangements indoors are always something to marvel at, making your high tea feel like an extra special occasion.

A special Morning High Tea is also available Monday to Friday (costs R195 per person, served 09:30-11:30) which includes breakfast pannacotta with seasonal fresh fruit, baked cheesecake with spiced blueberry compote, banana bacon doughnut, custard tart, scones, bagels, French toast, Truffle parmesan and scrambled egg croissants, red onion marmalade and goats cheese quiche plus sweet and savoury items from the cake stand and freshly brewed teas and coffee.