Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, has introduced a refreshed Afternoon Tea menu featuring 14 new teas curated by Craig Cupido, South Africa’s first certified Tea Sommelier. The update includes a wide selection of teas and an assortment of sweet and savoury items developed in collaboration with Pastry Chef Matthew Paulsen.
Afternoon Tea has been a regular offering at Mount Nelson since 1989, making it one of South Africa’s longest-standing tea experiences. The current menu includes 75 teas, selected to cater to a range of flavour profiles and preferences.
Cupido, who has overseen the tea programme for over 20 years, recently travelled to Taiwan to study local tea-growing methods and techniques. This research trip informed the latest tea selection and led to the creation of custom teapots and packaging for Mount Nelson’s signature blends.
The updated menu includes:
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Purple tea from Kenya
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Mesquite tea from South America with roasted flavour notes
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Butterfly Pea Flower infusion with a natural purple colour
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A 125-year anniversary blend combining rooibos, honeybush, mesquite, apple, and rose petals
Each tea is paired with items from the Afternoon Tea menu, including a range of cakes, pastries, tarts, and loaves, prepared by Paulsen and his team. The tea pairings are designed to offer guests a broader tasting experience.
