Celebrate Mother’s Day with High Tea in Cape Town
If you’re staying at one of our beautiful Oyster Collection properties, our dedicated concierge team is here to make sure you experience the very best of the Mother City. And with Mother’s Day around the corner, what better way to celebrate than by treating someone special to an unforgettable high tea in Cape Town?
The tradition of afternoon tea started in the 1840s, when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, decided she couldn’t wait until dinner to eat. She started having tea, bread, and cake around 4 p.m.—and eventually began inviting her friends to join her. It caught on fast.
By the late 1800s, it was a full-blown social event with fancy outfits and a proper spread. Over time, it became more accessible, with music, hotel tea dances, and a growing fan base. These days, it’s more of a treat than a daily habit.
5 Top Venues for High Tea in Cape Town
Cape Town offers plenty of stylish takes on the classic high tea tradition. This May, we’ve rounded up a selection of the city’s most fabulous spots to enjoy a memorable high tea experience.
1. Iconic Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson
High tea at Mount Nelson is a must-do in Cape Town. This historic hotel, known for its iconic pink exterior, has a lavish spread that’s hard to beat. You’ll be treated to towering stands of finger sandwiches, buttery scones served with clotted cream and jam, and beautifully crafted pastries, curated by acclaimed pastry chef Vicky Gurovich.
The seasonal menu keeps things interesting with savoury bites like confit duck sausage rolls and Abalobi West Coast salmon mousse.
Other savoury highlights include finger sandwiches with shrimp cocktail, shredded lettuce, and Marie Rose dressing on brioche. For sweet cravings, try the raspberry and rose macaron, hazelnut and coffee tartlet, or Marula peach tea Choux bun—just a few examples of the tempting treats on offer.
With more than 60 teas, including local favourites like Rooibos and Honeybush, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your afternoon. If the tea menu feels overwhelming, Craig Cupido, South Africa’s first expert-trained tea sommelier, is often around to help you pick the right one to go with your plate of delicious eats.
The vibe? Relaxed but polished. Live piano music floats through the lounge, and you can sit inside or out on the balcony overlooking the gardens. Service is spot-on without being fussy, Vegan and gluten-free menus are available with advanced notice.
Bookings are essential!
Where 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
When Available daily 11 am – 3 pm
Where to Book: Phone +27 (0)21 483 1000
What it Costs R595 per adult, R350 per child under 12
2. Afternoon Tea at Cape Grace
At Cape Grace, afternoon tea is a relaxed, refined affair with one of the best views in Cape Town. Set at the V&A Waterfront, the Heirloom restaurant looks straight onto the marina, with the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop.
You’re welcomed with a glass of Rickety Bridge Brut Cap Classique, setting a celebratory tone from the start. Then the feast begins: a classic spread of savoury bites and exquisitely detailed pastries prepared by Cape Grace’s renowned pastry team.
Savoury highlights include Coronation chicken samosas, spring vegetable tartlets, and classic sandwiches such as smoked salmon with dill and cucumber with cream cheese. Warm, freshly baked scones are served with lemon curd and mascarpone or a savoury cheese scone with wholegrain mustard and thyme.
And then, the sweet treats arrive: delicate pastries like Paris Brest, a hibiscus chocolate cube, and rich macarons.
Tea takes centre stage here, with a strong selection of loose-leaf blends from Nigiro and Cape Grace’s exclusive house tea. Prefer coffee? They’ve got that covered too. Live piano music adds a low-key, elegant soundtrack to the afternoon.
Booking is essential.
Where: V&A Waterfront, W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
When: Thursday to Sunday with seating times at 2:30 pm, 3 pm, and 3:30 pm.
How to Book: Phone: +27 (0)21 410 700
What it Costs: R550 per person.R650 per person, including a glass of Cap Classique.
3. Royal Tea at The Silo Hotel
If you’re looking to add a little extra glamour to Mother’s Day, The Silo’s Royal Tea is a standout. Served in The Granary Café on the sixth floor, it comes with sweeping views of the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, and the city beyond.
The pastry team presents an assortment of delicate sweet and savoury treats on elegant three-tiered stands, showcasing their creativity. Savouries include the rich and flavourful Boerenkaas cheese puff and a delightful offering–the Salmon and beetroot wrap, with its perfectly balanced flavours.
Indulgent treats like mango and passionfruit profiteroles and divine lime, coconut, and white chocolate madeleines are included in the sweet lineup. Another standout is the classic milk tart with a shortbread biscuit, offering a uniquely South African twist to the experience.
Tea at The Silo is an integral part of the experience. Instead of sticking to one variety, guests are encouraged to explore different blends throughout the afternoon, from timeless classics to more local, fragrant infusions. Of course, scones make an appearance, but with the modern flair that defines this extraordinary tea service.
The Silo’s dramatic interiors, with copper-topped tables, rich leather seating and iconic pillowed-glass windows, add to the occasion. It’s a tea experience that feels indulgent, artistic, and rooted in Cape Town’s stylish heart.
The Royal Tea is halaal-friendly, with kosher options available if booked 48 hours in advance. Served Thursday to Sunday, with bookings essential.
This surcharge applies to dietary requirements due to the sourcing of specialised ingredients.
Where The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
When Thursday – Sunday, 2.30 pm – 5 pm (last seating 3.30 pm)
Where to Book: +27 (0)21 670 0511
What it Costs: R575 per person. R650 (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free)
4. Classic High Tea at The Cellars-Hohenort
The Cellars-Hohenort lies in the heart of Constantia’s historic wine valley, This venue offers high tea surrounded by one of South Africa’s most celebrated gardens. The property’s nine acres of manicured lawns, ancient trees, and more than 2,500 rose bushes create a setting that’s as impressive as the tea itself.
High tea is served in the Greenhouse restaurant, on the sun-drenched Hohenort Terrace, or in the elegant Greenhouse Bar, depending on the weather. Each space offers sweeping views of the gardens and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
The menu features a crafted selection of savoury and sweet treats. Expect delicate bites of braised lamb tartlet, olive tapenade with feta crumble, smoked snoek terrine, and baked cranberry & brie phyllo with pistachio mousse.
Sweet highlights include raspberry and pistachio Swiss rolls, dark chocolate and honeycomb tart , and traditional baked scones served with whipped butter, jam, and Chantilly cream. A wide selection of fine teas and coffees complements the menu. For those marking a special occasion, a glass of bubbly can be added.
Bookings are essential at least 48 hours in advance, and vegetarian or halal options can be arranged on request. Please note that Cellars-Hohenort is a cashless establishment.
Where 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights
When every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm
Where to Book: +27 (0) 21 794 2137
What it Costs R455 per adult R235 per child 12
5. Afternoon High Tea at Chart Farm
Chart Farm in Wynberg offers a rare combination: panoramic views over the Constantia Valley, the chance to pick your own roses and grapes in season, and a relaxed, farm-style tea experience just minutes from Cape Town’s city centre.
The farm has been family-owned since 1934 and stretches across 12 hectares of roses, vineyards, lemon trees, and rolling green lawns. After spending time in the rose garden (the only one in the Cape Peninsula where you can pick your blooms) or exploring the farm, head to the Chart Farm Café for a leisurely afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea at Chart Farm is a relaxed, generous affair of fresh, simple, and delicious flavours. It’s about good food at great value, with options like smoked salmon rosti, spinach and feta quiche, and bruschetta topped with sun-dried tomato, cottage cheese, and pesto.
For something sweet, the spread includes red velvet cupcakes, carrot cake slices, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a freshly baked scone served with jam and cream. All of this is paired with a selection of teas, coffee, and a jug of refreshing orange juice. If you’re feeling indulgent, why not add a glass of mimosa?
Enjoy your tea on the sunny terrace, with uninterrupted views of False Bay, or cosy up inside by the fireplace when the weather turns cooler. Vegetarian options are available on request.
Rose and grape picking are seasonal highlights, so it’s worth timing your visit if you want to combine the two experiences. Either way, Chart Farm offers an authentic slice of countryside life.
Where: Klaassens Road Wynberg Park
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1 pm to 4 pm
Where to Book: +27 (0)21 762 0067
What it Costs: R325 per person
Book Your Stay to Celebrate Mother’s Day
If you plan to spoil someone special, why not turn high tea into a full weekend escape? Stay at Blackheath Lodge, where warm service, thoughtful design, and a central location make it easy to enjoy Cape Town’s best high tea spots.
Prefer something a little more private? One of our exclusive villas might be just the thing. Our two self-catering villas — Villa Gareloch and Villa Lauren — are just next door to the lodge and ideal for families or small groups.
Each villa offers a full kitchen, comfortable living areas, and a private outdoor space. You’ll still enjoy breakfast at the lodge, and our concierge team is always available to help plan your day or arrange special experiences.
Wherever you stay, we’ll make sure your Mother’s Day — or any special occasion — is as memorable as it should be.