The Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, is a revered five-star haven that blends nature’s serenity with the pulsating rhythm of a city. Within its elegant realm, echoes of clinking teacups and happy chatter interweave with an exquisite ballet of flavours and textures.
‘Tea at the Nellie’ is a testament to the enchantment and timeless joy found in the simple pleasure of sharing a cup of tea, a coffee or a glass of pink fizz with a companion.
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In the year 1840, the 7th Duchess of Bedford breathed life into a ritual that forever altered the course of afternoon reveries. Tired of the lull that befell her during the long stretch between lunch and dinner, she made a request that would set in motion a delightful transformation.
At 4pm, she summoned a tray adorned with treasures: tea, bread, butter and cake. Little did she know that this seemingly innocuous act would become a catalyst for an evolution in the art of hospitality.
The duchess’s habit piqued the social elite’s interest and imagination. The allure of this newfound form of entertainment drew friends and acquaintances to her. Thus, in 1989, the tradition of afternoon tea made its grand debut at the Mount Nelson.
The Mount Nelson’s Afternoon Tea has evolved into a treasured Cape Town ritual beloved by locals and visitors alike, intertwining historical threads with modern elegance. It’s a combination of flavours, textures and conversations that have been expertly curated to delight the senses and nourish the soul.
Your glass is graciously filled with a complimentary splash of pink champagne as you take your seat in the tea room, hinting at the array of treats that await.
As the seasons transition, so does the Nellie’s culinary repertoire, ensuring that every visit brings forth a new experience of taste sensations. The savoury course, created by The Mount Nelson’s executive chef George Jardine, demonstrates a passion for South African provenance and seasonal fine dining in each bite-sized creation, from duck liver and truffle parfait to spinach tartlets with whipped feta to mushroom tartlets and soy-cured salmon on seed loaf.
Each morsel is meticulously sculpted, a miniature masterpiece that reveals Chef Jardine’s artistry and dedication. His culinary creations go beyond mere nourishment, becoming a journey of discovery and an ode to the seasons.
After the first course has satisfied your every salt, umami and acid craving, your attentive waiter stands ready to whisk away the empty savoury stands and replace them with a basket filled with warm scones. And there’s more: three tiers of sweet temptations so beautiful that biting into them seems almost sacrilegious.
Vicky Gurovich, a renowned pastry virtuoso, creates masterpieces that are resplendent with the vibrant hues of fruits and delicate mousses.
Gurovich has mastered the quintessential companion to a perfect afternoon tea: fluffy scones. Also included in the sweet course are vanilla and salted caramel mousses, raspberry, litchi and rose eclairs, macadamia nut tartlets, spiced chantilly Rooibos and apricot delices, chocolate roulades, butternut mousses and roasted vanilla custard treats.
And what is the essence of afternoon tea if not the aromatic brews that accompany it?
Allow South Africa’s pioneering tea sommelier, Craig Cupido, to guide you in elevating your tea experience to new heights. With his profound knowledge and refined palate, he stands ready to unlock the secrets and nuances of the Nellie’s extensive tea selection.
Join him in tasting sessions where you’ll learn the harmonious marriage of tea and food through expertly curated pairings; test your mettle in a masterclass where the art of tea brewing unfolds before your eyes; or partake in traditional tea ceremonies where ancient rituals intertwine with modern sensibilities.
Enter a world where tea reigns supreme, offering a selection of over 60 premium loose-leaf and flowering teas. Traverse the landscapes of tea cultivation, from the foothills of mountains to the fertile valleys, as you partake in the essence of nature’s bounty. Delight in the earthy richness of buchu, a local infusion that whispers tales of the South African soil. Surrender to the comforting embrace of rooibos, which embodies the spirit of the land. And let the mellowness of honeybush transport you to a realm of tranquilly and serenity.
For the roasted bean devotees, the Mount Nelson’s resident barista hand-selects the best single-origin coffees from Ethiopia and Rwanda, which are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Should your cravings yearn for a bolder journey, the Afternoon Tea menu offers multiple libations such as premium whiskies, cognacs or liqueurs.
Afternoon Tea at the Mount Nelson is a gastronomic delight combined with tea-infused bliss. Chef George Jardine’s culinary prowess will nourish you, Vicky Gurovich’s sweet creations will indulge you and Craig Cupido’s knowledge and passion will educate you.
Details
- Location: 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
- Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm or 3pm
- Cost: R495 per adult, R325 per child under 12
- Book: 021 483 1000 | [email protected]
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Picture: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel / Facebook