Sunday morning saw us at the Oasis at Mount Nelson for Morning Tea (high tea). The pathway to the lounge area where high tea is served was along some of the most beautiful scenery you could enjoy in the middle of the CBD. The lush gardens with neat hedges and the sound of the fountain set the mood for something relaxing and indulgent โ and we received nothing less.

It’s a lovely terrace with covered and open seating. We were served by a polite lady who took the time to explain how the Morning Tea is served and gave us the opportunity to experience “tea”: it was made in front of us with the fragrant tea leaves.

There’s such a wide variety of special teas that we were undecided for some time. I opted for the vanilla with strawberry which turned out delicious. Our two-tiered stand was mesmerising. Scrumptious eats at the bottom and a mini heaven for me the sweet-toothed at the top. We also received a little basket with chocolate cookies, chocolate croissants and scones. I haven’t received this many edibles at a high tea before and even though we arrived hungry, we still didn’t manage to taste every single item we were served.


Oh, and apparently the Morning Tea option is a ‘toned down’ version of the Afternoon Tea.
Mount Nelson is quite a hospitable venue. When we called to make a booking, we were offered the halal option before even asking โ I love that this was an automatic response to hearing our names.

Watch out Mount Nelson… We’ll be returning for round #2 soon!
Arins
This is beautiful! Cakes/pastries look so delectable! We have to do this the next time I visit CT ๐
Saajida
Definitely! Wish we went when you were here. Never mind, the next time ๐
Seshni
This looks AMAZING!! Makes me want to plan a CT trip ๐
Saajida
You should! I haven’t seen you in… years ๐
Saints
Will definitely have to try this in August when we pass through Cape Town again. A friend recommended tea at the Mount Nelson to us a few days ago, so this was really interesting. Good pictures ๐
Saajida
Oh that’s definitely a sign for you now – you just have to go! ๐
We heard that Mount Nelson’s high tea is better than 12 Apostles Hotel’s and since we did 12 Apostles last year and LOVED it, we simply had to try out MN. I have to say… It’s a tough choice as to which one is better. I’m on the fence at the moment.
Thanks!
Saints
Right, well didn’t realise there was 12 Apostles tea too – will have to carry out a proper tea test between the two now ๐
Saajida
Indeed! And blog about it too so I get to know of your experience ๐
Glass
Been here, glad they have that garden to explore, you just have to walk off the meal.
Saajida
Very true! Perhaps that was part of the strategy behind the design! ๐
The Tezzy Files
WOW! Absolutely stunning pix!
Saajida
Thank you ๐
Harlequin Tea Set
How lovely! Looks beautiful, I’m envious!
Saajida
Pop by when you’re around and experience it for yourself. The pics don’t do justice!
Ray
This looks lovely! I’ve been struggling to find a halaal high tea venue! What are their prices like?
Saajida
Hi Ray. Yes, it isnโt so easy to find a fully halal high tea place. I think it was around R400+ for my husband and I at Mount Nelson. It cost more than the halal-friendly (veg substitutes) at the 12 Apostlesโ high tea. Thereโs a cosy halal high tea place called High Tea Tighty in Claremont if youโre interested. Apparently the Table Bay Hotel has a halal high tea option thatโs good (Iโve personally havenโt tried it though). I hope you find something good. Let me know what you try โ Iโm always looking for new halal, highly rated places to try out. ๐
Nikhat
One of my daily pastimes since moving to Cape Town from Durban this year has been researching halaal spots to eat. So glad that I can put high tea at Mount Nelson on my list of places to try ๐ Thanks for the overview!
Saajida
I hope you get to try it out soon – it really was so worth it ๐
Nathima
Mount Nelsons Afternoon High Tea I think is the best in Cape Town. Have been to 12A & Table Bay’s.