As a traveller with a penchant for all things delightful and indulgent, I couldn’t resist visiting world-class couture designer and my best friend, Stephen van Eeden’s atelier. After playing dress-up for far too long we set out to the picturesque Cellars-Hohenhort Hotel during my recent trip to Cape Town. The hotel, nestled amid the lush Constantia Valley, is home to The Greenhouse, where I was invited to experience their sumptuous high tea by none other than my best friend, the renowned couture fashion designer Stephen van Eeden, and his partner, my dear friend Wayne Tucker. Being food and high tea connoisseurs, we were excited to embark on a tea-licious journey together.
The Art of Sandwiches and Bubbles: The First Course of The Greenhouse High Tea
The Greenhouse’s high tea is served in four exquisite courses, each designed to make you feel like royalty. As we settled into our elegant surroundings, we raised a toast with a glass of MCC before diving into the first course. A delectable selection of tea sandwiches graced our table, featuring cucumber and herb cream cheese, roast beef and pickled red onion, open sandwich roasted chicken and rocket, as well as basil pesto, bocconcini, and sundried tomato. Needless to say, we were off to a tea-lightful start!
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a glass of sparkling MCC, the perfect prelude to the first course of high tea. As the effervescent bubbles danced on my tongue, I eagerly anticipated the delightful array of tea sandwiches that were about to grace my plate.
The first of these was a cucumber and herb cream cheese sandwich, a classic choice with a contemporary twist. The crisp, refreshing cucumber slices were beautifully complemented by the rich, creamy herb cheese spread, all nestled between delicate slices of bread. This light and delicate sandwich set the tone for a truly exquisite high tea experience.
Next came the roast beef and pickled red onion sandwich. A symphony of flavours, it featured succulent roast beef, perfectly cooked and paired with tangy pickled red onions. The marriage of savoury meat and zesty onions created a delightful contrast, both in flavour and texture, that tantalized my taste buds.
The open sandwich of roasted chicken and rocket was an elegant addition to the selection. The tender, juicy chicken was seasoned to perfection, while the peppery rocket leaves added a touch of spice that elevated the dish. Served atop a slice of artisanal bread, this sandwich was a testament to the art of simplicity and balance in culinary creations.
No high tea experience would be complete without a nod to Italian cuisine, and the basil pesto, bocconcini, and sundried tomato sandwich did not disappoint. The vibrant flavours of fresh basil pesto mingled with the creamy bocconcini, while the sweetness of the sundried tomatoes added a depth of flavour that left me craving more.
As I savoured each delectable bite of these sandwiches, it became clear that the first course of The Greenhouse high tea was designed to showcase the beauty of simple yet sophisticated ingredients. Each sandwich offered a unique and tantalizing taste, perfectly paired with the celebratory bubbles of the MCC.
For those in search of a truly memorable culinary experience in Cape Town, the high tea at The Greenhouse is an absolute must. From the first sip of MCC to the last bite of their scrumptious sandwiches, this enchanting affair will leave you with a longing to return for more.
The Second Course of The Greenhouse High Tea
For the second course, we brewed our first pot of tea. All three of us opted for the Cellars-Hohenhort exclusive rooibos-flavoured tea, their flagship blend that infused our senses with its rich aroma. The savoury course was a feast for the eyes and the palate, featuring goat’s cheese mousse with textures of beetroot, smoked salmon and lemon gougers, mildly spiced bunny chow, biltong cornets, and mushroom and herb quiche. We savoured every bite and sipped our tea with contentment.
The second course began with the brewing of our first pot of tea. We decided to indulge in the Cellars-Hohenhort exclusive rooibos-flavoured tea, which also happens to be their flagship blend. The rich, earthy aroma of the rooibos filled the air, while its deep, amber hue glistened in our teacups. The flavour was a delightful balance of the natural sweetness and subtle nuttiness characteristic of rooibos, making it the perfect accompaniment for the savoury bites that awaited us.
The first dish in the second course was the goat’s cheese mousse with textures of beetroot. This beautifully presented creation featured a velvety goat’s cheese mousse, its tangy flavour harmoniously paired with the earthy sweetness of the beetroot elements. The combination of textures – from the smooth mousse to the crunchy beet crisps – was a true delight to the senses.
Next up were the smoked salmon and lemon gougers, a delicate and airy choux pastry filled with luscious smoked salmon and lemon cream. The smoky richness of the salmon, combined with the zesty freshness of the lemon, created a symphony of flavours that danced on the palate.
The mildly spiced bunny chow was a nod to South African cuisine and added a touch of local flavour to the high tea experience. This miniature version of the popular street food featured a hollowed-out bread roll filled with a fragrant curry. The spicy kick of the curry was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the bread, making it an irresistible bite.
The biltong cornets, my favourite bite of the day, were a culinary masterpiece. These delicate, crispy pastry cones were filled with a rich, creamy biltong mousse, the combination of textures providing a delightful contrast. The bold, savoury flavour of the biltong was enhanced by the lightness of the pastry, resulting in a truly exceptional mouthful.
Finally, the mushroom and herb quiche rounded off the second course. The buttery, flaky crust was filled with a luxurious mixture of mushrooms, herbs, and creamy custard. Each bite was a harmonious blend of earthy, aromatic flavours that perfectly complemented the accompanying rooibos tea.
The second course of The Greenhouse high tea was an ode to the art of flavour and texture pairing. Each dish was meticulously crafted, offering a unique and tantalizing taste experience. With its flagship rooibos tea and its innovative savoury bites, The Greenhouse has set the bar high for culinary excellence in Cape Town.
A Tea-mpting Trio and Scrumptious Scones
As the third course arrived, we were treated to warm, freshly baked scones, accompanied by butter, strawberry jam, and Chantilly cream. It was time for our second pot of tea, and we each decided to try something new. I chose the mango fruit infusion, Stephen went for the vanilla cocoa rose-scented and flavoured black tea, and Wayne opted for the Earl Grey Darjeeling scented and flavoured black tea. The scones and tea pairing left us in a state of scone-tentment.
The third course began with the brewing of our second pot of tea, each of us opting for a different blend to suit our tastes. I chose the mango fruit infusion, a bright and refreshing blend that burst with the tropical flavours of ripe mangoes. The fruity aroma and natural sweetness made it the perfect companion for the warm scones that awaited us.
Stephen decided on the Vanilla Cocoa Rose scented and flavoured black tea, a luxurious blend that combined the warmth of cocoa, the sweetness of vanilla, and the delicate floral notes of rose. This tea was like sipping on a bouquet of flowers with a hint of indulgence, the flavours melding together in perfect harmony.
Wayne opted for the Earl Grey Darjeeling scented and flavoured black tea, a sophisticated choice that featured the classic bergamot notes of Earl Grey alongside the delicate and floral nuances of Darjeeling. This elegant blend was both refreshing and invigorating, a tea lover’s dream come true.
As we sipped our fragrant teas, the warm, freshly baked scones arrived, filling the air with their irresistible aroma. These golden beauties were served with a generous dollop of butter, a helping of sweet strawberry jam, and a cloud of Chantilly cream. The delicate crumb of the scones was the perfect canvas for the rich butter, the fruity jam, and the light and airy cream, creating a symphony of flavours and textures that left us absolutely tea-lighted.
The third course of The Greenhouse high tea was a testament to the power of pairing. The diverse selection of teas, each with its own unique flavour profile, perfectly complemented the warmth and sweetness of the scones. The combination of these tea-riffic blends and the delectable scones was the epitome of high tea indulgence, leaving us steeped in satisfaction.
A Sweet Finale: Decadent Desserts and Delightful
Finally, the grand finale of our high tea adventure: dessert. The platter was a symphony of sweet treats, including citrus cheesecake, white chocolate and raspberry gateau, tiramisu, vanilla sponge rooibos candied lemon, and passion fruit cremeux with a black sesame tuile. We indulged in every decadent morsel, savouring the exquisite flavours, and concluded our high tea experience on a sweet note.
Each course of the high tea was a gastronomic delight, culminating in a delectable array of desserts that left us craving for more.
The dessert course began with a citrus cheesecake, a refreshing and tangy creation that awakened our palates. The creamy, smooth texture of the cheesecake was balanced by the zesty citrus notes, creating a symphony of flavours that was music to our taste buds.
Next up was the white chocolate and raspberry gateau, a heavenly combination of rich white chocolate and tart raspberries. This indulgent dessert was beautifully presented, the contrasting colours of the velvety chocolate and vibrant raspberries creating a visual feast that was every bit as captivating as the flavours themselves.
The tiramisu was a classic delight that transported us to the cobblestone streets of Italy. The layers of coffee-soaked sponge, luscious mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa created a harmony of flavours and textures that proved irresistible. It was amore at first bite!
The vanilla sponge rooibos candied lemon cake was a nod to local flavours, with the South African rooibos adding depth to the sweet, delicate vanilla sponge. The candied lemon provided a burst of tangy sweetness, making this dessert a perfect fusion of flavours that left us steeped in pleasure.
The passion fruit cremeux with black sesame tuile was a tropical paradise in dessert form. The velvety cremeux, bursting with the exotic flavour of passion fruit, was beautifully complemented by the nutty, crunchy black sesame tuile. This dessert was a masterful combination of flavours and textures that left us weak in the knees.
As we savoured the last bites of these exquisite desserts, we were pleasantly surprised by a parting gift from The Greenhouse – a delicate rose macaron to take home. This thoughtful gesture was the cherry on top of a truly memorable high tea experience.
The final course of The Greenhouse high tea was a sweet and indulgent adventure that satisfied our cravings and left us with a sugar-coated sense of contentment. For those seeking a truly exceptional culinary experience in Cape Town, The Greenhouse high tea is a must-try – it’s the pièce de résistance of high tea indulgence, where every course is a piece of cake.
Our time at The Greenhouse for high tea was truly an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, delicious food, and tea puns that kept us steeped in joy. The Cellars-Hohenhort Hotel’s high tea is a must-try for anyone visiting Cape Town and looking for an unparalleled afternoon of indulgence. Trust me, it’s tea-ruly exceptional!
The Rich History of The Cellars-Hohenhort Hotel
Nestled within the heart of the verdant Constantia Valley, this luxurious hotel boasts a rich history that dates back to the late 17th century, making it a captivating destination for history buffs and discerning travellers alike.
The story of The Cellars-Hohenhort began in 1693 when the estate was granted to a German immigrant named Hendrik Hohenort. He named his newly-acquired land Bosch-en-Hoven, which later evolved into the name “Hohenhort.” Over the centuries, the estate has passed through various hands, each leaving their unique mark on its rich history.
One such individual was the famed botanist and horticulturist, Henry Price. In 1906, Price purchased the estate and transformed it into a world-renowned botanical paradise. His passion for gardening led to the creation of the enchanting gardens that still grace the grounds of the hotel today. These meticulously maintained gardens boast over 2500 species of indigenous flora, a testament to Price’s dedication and vision.
The estate took another significant turn in 1952 when it was sold to the McAlpine family. The family transformed the property into a luxurious hotel, naming it The Cellars due to the old wine cellars on the estate. In 1991, the hotel merged with the neighbouring Hohenhort estate, creating the sprawling and opulent retreat that is now known as The Cellars-Hohenhort Hotel.
Today, The Cellars-Hohenhort offers its guests a seamless blend of history and modern luxury. The hotel is home to several historical buildings, each with its own unique story to tell. Among these are the original wine cellars, which date back to the early 18th century, and the Hohenort Manor House, an elegant Cape Dutch-style building that exudes old-world charm.
The hotel’s rich history is evident in its beautifully appointed rooms and suites, which are named after the various individuals who have played a role in the estate’s storied past. From the Hendrik Suite, named after the original owner Hendrik Hohenort, to the Price Suite, honouring the legendary botanist Henry Price, each accommodation offers a glimpse into the hotel’s fascinating history.
The Cellars-Hohenhort also pays tribute to its roots through its culinary offerings, with The Greenhouse restaurant serving up innovative dishes that celebrate the flavours and ingredients of the Cape. The Conservatory, another dining option on the property, is set within the original wine cellars, allowing guests to dine in a space steeped in history.
For those in search of a unique travel experience that combines historical charm with modern luxury, The Cellars-Hohenhort Hotel is the perfect destination. With its enchanting gardens, captivating history, and luxurious accommodations, this Cape Town gem offers an unforgettable journey through time that will leave you longing to return for more.
My Dandelion Soul 