Mount Nelson afternoon tea: 60 teas and a seat in the Lounge

The classic menu starts with chilled pea soup, smoked snoek pâté on cucumber and a mushroom vol-au-vent. Finger sandwiches lead to scones with cream, jam and cheese, then pastries such as a Valrhona chocolate-and-hazelnut choux bun. Tea is served in the Lounge, with live piano.

Tea sommelier Craig Cupido guides guests through more than 60 loose-leaf varieties. Separate tastings, pairings, masterclasses and traditional tea ceremonies can also be arranged.

The hotel dates its afternoon-tea tradition to 1989 and serves it in the Lounge from the Windsor Table. The published price is R650 for adults and R350 for children under 12, with smart-casual dress. Weekday service begins at 11am; at weekends it begins at noon. Both finish at 4pm.

For 2 adults, the published tea rate comes to R1,300. Add one child under 12 at R350 and the total is R1,650, before any separately ordered extras. Each example adds up the published rates for the people in that party. Give the child’s age when reserving. The classic menu includes a glass of the tea sommelier’s chosen iced tea or L’Ormarins Cap Classique. If you want a Champagne version instead, the menu lists supplements: R400 per person for Moët & Chandon, with higher supplements for the 2 Dom Pérignon options. Ask for the version you actually want when booking.

For a locally inspired blend, the menu’s Mount Nelson 125 Year Blend combines rooibos, honeybush, mesquite and apple, with pink rose petals; it is listed as caffeine-free. The separate Mount Nelson Hotel Blend combines 6 teas from Africa and Asia with the hotel’s rose buds and petals. Tell the tea team whether you prefer a caffeine-free infusion or a tea blend, then ask for their recommendation. For a separate tasting, pairing or tea ceremony, ask the hotel for an appointment and its price.

The savoury selection goes beyond finger sandwiches: the classic menu includes roast beef with mustard aioli on rye and salmon with cottage cheese on seeded bread. The sandwiches themselves include egg mayonnaise, chicken mayonnaise, and cucumber with fennel and cream cheese. After the scones, the sweet selection includes strawberry and basil sablé Breton and a yuzu-and-lemon tartlet. For someone who prefers savoury food, the menu offers both sandwiches and the separate savoury selection. Discuss allergies before reserving; the menu labels gluten, dairy, egg, fish and nuts.

Mount Nelson puts the tea selection and the Lounge at the centre. The Twelve Apostles has Tea by the Sea; One&Only serves afternoon tea with Table Mountain views.