The Cellars-Hohenort has reintroduced and relaunched a high tea. We are fortunate that our Food and Beverage team have been energetic and inquisitive into the origins and essences of the teas which are being blended by the tea master Mingwei Tsai. As he has said, ‘the tea moment has come.’
Three distinct teas are used in the blends: black tea, oolong, and green tea, each having its own distinct flavours which need to be carefully balanced with dehydrated herbs and flowers such as rose petals, lavender, fennel, lemon grass and hibiscus, all connecting the individual flavours with the history and energy of the space.
Enjoy High Tea overlooking the Hohenort Lawns.
A selection of the tea blends come from herbs and flowers grown in The Cellars-Hohenort gardens and bring with them an appreciation of the smell, looks and taste of the plants and fruits from which they come.
Mingwei emphasises the exclusivity of each blend as he blends them in with the personalities of the ‘hotel and management team.’ The results are a profound explosion of unique flavours which can only be experienced once you enter the grounds.
The most important aspect of these teas is how the flavours are paired with the high tea itself. Each blend designed to complement savory and sweet courses to delicately enhance the flavours. Each course and each tea offering different facets of connections with flavours, smells, and tastes. Each unique.
Upon entering The Cellars-Hohenort, guests experience an aura of calm. The original rose garden which grows the Liz McGrath signature rose is visually experienced. The beauty creating its own natural currency.
Sweet and savoury delights.
Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens.
From there, guests are escorted to The Greenhouse tea room which overlooks the Hohenort lawns and natural beauty of the property. Guests are welcomed with a glass of L’omarins bubbly as they are seated and provided with expert advice from the staff who have been highly trained to advise each guest about the different teas and combinations which connect with each course. The staff are highly qualified and knowledgeable about the teas and offer good guidance for those unfamiliar with tea blends as well as those who are.
After experiencing high tea at The Cellars-Hohenort, guests will walk away with a different state of mind.
Overlooking the lush gardens.
As Mingwei says, the process of exposing people to the world of tea and all of its varieties and configurations might take ‘one cup at a time.’ And with his 33 years of experience and family knowledge which has been passed through many generations, the high tea blends which he has made are a testimony to his art and skill.
The oldest tea tree in the world is 2700 years old. And as the tea master says, ‘sometimes we have to turn backwards to go forward.’
The 5-star Cellars-Hohenort, part of The Liz McGrath Collection, is situated in the historical Constantia Valley. The Small Luxury Hotels of the World member’s 51 guest rooms and suites boasts breathtaking with views of Table Mountain and the property’s award-winning gardens.
