Review of the High Tea at The Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia
We were recently treated to a sumptuous High Tea at The Cellars-Hohenort that fulfilled every secret cream bun and finger sandwich fantasy we may have been harbouring. After emitting no small sigh of delight and sinking down into an oversized couch in front of a roaring fireplace, we were promptly offered a choice of bubbly, coffee or tea.
Bubbly is indeed a decadent way to start the afternoon’s proceedings! But tea is obviously the appropriate default option and is selected from a range of menu options featuring classics and contemporary tea blends. The selection is so wide it is almost indecision-inducing. But what’s the rush? Take the time to decide what to imbibe. It’s High Tea, after all. The experience needn’t be fast-tracked.
While fastening on your choice of beverage, savour the hotel’s tastefully traditional décor with a contemporary twist that enlivens the historic bones of a building that dates back to the time of Simon van der Stel. There are fresh flowers in stately floral arrangements on the interior and views onto the award-winning gardens that surround the hotel.
The wait staff are attentive in their administrations and the atmosphere is warm and accessible yet exudes an air of understated sophistication. Think Constantia through and through… The Cellars-Hohenort is situated high on Brommersvlei Road with a spectacular outlook that takes in the Table Mountain range, the Constantia Valley and stretches to False Bay.
It’s a wonderful spot to cosy-up in winter when there are inclement conditions, and glorious out on the terrace when the weather is fine. Idle away your Saturday or Sunday afternoon and indulge in a three-tiered cake stand of delectable savouries and sweets.
We started with salmon blinis, bite-size quiche and tiny hand-cut bread squares filled with your classic cucumber and Coronation chicken before moving onto the cakes. And, oh, the cakes. Of course, we are going to wax lyrical here. But before we do, it is important to note that while we opted for the traditional High Tea, we could see fellow patrons enjoying Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free and Low-Carb High Teas, all of which can be ordered in advance if you have special dietary requirements.
The heavy and moist Madagascan chocolate cake and a zingy key lime pie (it definitely was not lemon) quickly cemented themselves as favourites. Tiny eclairs, petite pavlova and miniaturised chocolate brownie morsels also tempted us. Resistance is futile. Do succumb.
