Our choice of great places to indulge in high tea with pastries, scones, sandwiches and more. 
High tea at the Oyster Box, Umhlanga
Set in the opulent Palm Court at the heart of this luxurious hotel, the high tea is a lavish buffet spread. The menu changes daily, and can include granadilla cake, gingerbread houses and the evergreen petite vegetable samoosas. R195 a person. www.oysterboxhotel.com Oyster Box is also one of our top 12 curry restaurants in Durban.
High tea at No. 5 Boutique Art Hotel, Port Elizabeth
High tea is arranged in the Champagne Lounge of this art-adorned, five-star Summerstrand hotel. No scones on the menu, but the choux puffs with lavender crème anglaise are sublime. Minimum of eight people per booking. no5boutiquearthotel.com
High tea at The Patisserie, Johannesburg
This popular, pretty Illovo tearoom is known for its macaroons, pies and cocktail salmon fishcakes served on a tiered tray (it’s also one of our top three patisseries in Joburg). The vibe is lively, with tables celebrating events and birthdays. Saturday afternoons and by arrangement. www.thepatisserie.co.za.
High tea at the Mount Nelson, Cape Town
A refined, long-standing daily afternoon tea, served according to tradition. The buffet table was the original Captain’s table on RMS Windsor Castle. Scones with clotted cream and an array of teas remain a highlight. www.mountnelson.co.za
