Having high tea at The Cellars-Hohenort

On a sunny afternoon in Cape Town, I managed to find my way to one of my favourite establishments. So much so I have visited all three hotels and dined at all their restaurants and you cannot blame me - home to The Green House and under the watchful eye of Farrel Hirsch the The Liz McGrath Collection The Cellars-Hohenort is in a league of its own and now, you can go and have high tea whilst overlooking the impeccable gardens. A fast way to feel very grand and indulge in decadence.

The high tea runs daily from 15h00 to17h00 at R245 per head including coffee or tea. If you are more than 12 people then the offer moves to a buffet-style high tea. The stands are extensive with the perfect journey from savoury to sweet and each bite offering a unique taste sensation. I must confess that I had to have a mouthful of each unique tart, quiche, brownie or macaron. It couldn't be helped and it was well worth it. The quiche won my heart and I will return for it!

It made the perfect girls date with a bestie and loved every moment of sitting outside in the winter sun taking in the views whilst catching up. After high tea taking a stroll through the gardens is a wonderful attempt at burning off the calories consumed. However, not to feel bad because life is full of indulgences and the high tea experience at Cellars should be one of them!

Bookings are essential.

For more information or bookings, contact:

reservations@collectionmcgrath.com | +27(0)21 794 2137

-Melissa

Cellars Hohenort & GreenHouse Restaurant

Picture a five-star oasis tucked away in the forest at the foot of a mountain in one of the oldest suburbs in Cape Town, Constantia. 

That is Cellars Hohenort. Part of the Liz Mcgrath collection this establishment boast one of the top ten restaurants in South Africa - The Green House, a luxurious spa, the Conservatory restaurant and of course, the most exquisite garden towering with giant oaks and lush green vegetation that you have ever seen. Oh and did I mention the cute ducks waddling around? Jemima Puddleduck eat your heart out!

Cellars have created the ultimate getaway experience where you will never want to leave and the best part? It is only a 25-minute drive outside of the Cape Town CBD. 

The hotel offers multiple amenities from guided garden walks, free gym passes, free wifi, airport shuttles, city tours and of course arranging wine tasting at the wonderful wine farms in the area. 

The rooms are large and sophisticated with king size beds. The bathrooms offer a large walk in shower and bath with heated towel rails and all the extras you could need for. My room over looked the lush gardens with a gorgeous balcony where you can sip your morning tea and enjoy the view as the sun rises. Each room has a mini bar and full tea set along with a welcome bottle of wine. Every detail has been thought of to ensure ultimate comfort. 

Dining at Cellars will leave you with several options of breath taking restaurants and bars. The first is the Conservatory. A classic dining experience with local food and flavours that have been elevated to a taste sensation experience brought to you by head chef Paul Nash and Executive chef Peter Templehoff. Perfect for a romantic dinner away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This restaurant over looks the beautiful gardens and has an oak tree encased in the middle as they built around this giant as if to honour it. The food is eclectic and light and is perfectly executed. The menu has local favourites and something for everyone. Make sure you try the Boland cheese souffle with gin sauce! You will never be the same again! 

The pride of the Mcgrath collection is the flagship restaurant, GreenHouse restaurant. Run by Executive Chef Peter Templehoff and Head Chef Ashley Moss. A sleek and modern restaurant on the property that will take you on a taste journey, unlike anything you have experienced before. He combines theatre and art into food with immaculate plating and wonderfully paired wine. The tasting menu at The Green House is one of my favourite local dining experiences and I can see why it has ranked top ten for the last eight years in the prestigious 'Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant awards' 

A wildly talented team that create the perfect bite, every. single. time. 

If you are in the mood for the ultimate relaxation then why not take a leisurely walk post lunch through the gardens at Cellars Hohenort and explore all the corners of the property before you make your way to the spa to get enveloped into the lap of ultimate luxury. 

What ever your needs the friendly and helpful staff will make sure they are filled. Cellars Hohenort is a wonderful establishment to host you all year round in ultimate comfort and sophistication and I for one, cannot wait to return. 

-Melissa 

The Conservatory Cellars Hohenort

I once read a saying, “You don’t have to have a silver spoon in your mouth to enjoy good food”

The last few weeks I have made a commitment to myself. It’s a commitment to start eating at the wonderful places Cape Town has to offer. I am on a food journey and that also means I cannot become a creature of habit, which for me is very easy to do.  I like value for the money I spend, so I tend to eat at the same spots all the time. I also realise that this is a silly habit. Why? Simply because all the odd coffees and random meals quickly add up to being able to eat at some of the best places Cape Town has to offer!

So this is my new adventure, to get out there and try something new.

My first stop was The Conservatory at Cellars Hohenort.

This restaurant is really something special. As you walk into the dining room there is a tree that is over 100 years old in the center of the room in cased by glass walls. You can look in on this majestic giant and the energy it offers the room is peaceful and calming. I really enjoyed sipping on my wine while watching the squirrels dart around on the tree. It feels like Cellars Hohenort has really respected nature and in fact, embraced it. The service is sharp and the dining experience 5 class.

I often get asked about the price of the experience and I must say they are brilliant for the amazing food that gets served up by the phenomenal Peter Tempelhoff and his team! I moved my way through the whole menu and there was not a moment of disappointment! The cheese soufflé (R95) is a must along with the confit duck (R195), which was all washed down with a crisp Chenin Blanc (my favourite.) The desserts were well thought out and the flavours spot on and it all was so well translated in the presentation. I had the banoffie marquis R70 which was not only beautiful to look at but also to eat!

After lunch I took a long slow walk through the gardens. It felt like I was walking with giants and I could not help but wonder the stories they could tell. To see the gardens is a treat and a perfect way to end an experience of world class dining!

So next time you want to spend money on an average take out, think of this; maybe if you save that money just twice you could end up experiencing something not only a different, but also something great!

If you would likt to book (which I recommend) here are the details: Tel: +27 (0) 21 794 2137

-Melissa