A revered ritual since 1989, Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town continues to enchant guests with its unparalleled selection – it’s renowned worldwide as one of the most exceptional tea experiences and is nothing short of legendary. Continuously finding new ways to surprise and delight, the experience is elevated further this season with the addition of 14 new teas, carefully curated under the expert guidance of Craig Cupido, South Africa’s first certified tea sommelier.
The refreshed menu enhances the sumptuous array of sweet and savoury treats, featuring a commemorative tea blend by Mingwei Tsai of Nigiro, created in celebration of Mount Nelson’s 125th anniversary. The entire experience honours tradition while embracing innovation.
Afternoon Tea at ‘The Nellie’
Cupido’s mastery of tea is as deep as his passion for the craft. Over the past two decades, he has nurtured and evolved Mount Nelson’s tea offering, drawing from the generational knowledge gained through a decade of mentorship under a tea master. Today, the hotel’s extensive menu boasts 75 meticulously selected teas, offering indulgence and education.
“I love listening to our guests and understanding their flavour preferences,” says Cupido. “Tea is deeply personal – it evokes comfort, connection and often a sense of nostalgia. I’ve seen people moved by a tea they never knew existed, yet it instantly transports them back to a long-forgotten flavour. Through this menu, we’re committed to creating more of those moments while also broadening their horizons through an expanded Afternoon Tea experience.”
A sensory celebration, the new selection brings together teas from across the globe, celebrating cultural heritage and reflecting Mount Nelson’s commitment to slow, thoughtful luxury experiences. Cupido’s recent journey to Taiwan’s revered tea-growing regions deepened his knowledge and appreciation for this time-honoured craft, immersing him in the artistry of terroir, technique and tradition.
He travelled extensively, spending time with tea masters and delving into craftsmanship alongside the sensory perception and aesthetics of tea. “You can taste the sincerity, complexity and depth of the people in their tea,” he reflects. “The farmers we met became friends.” Inspired by this experience, Cupido worked alongside artisans to design bespoke handcrafted teapots and packaging for Mount Nelson’s signature blends, infusing the hotel’s signature rose-tinted charm into each brew.
Among the newly introduced teas, guests will discover an array of black, red and herbal infusions. Connoisseurs can savour a selection of purple Kenyan teas, a South American Mesquite tea with creamy roasted notes, and a vibrant Butterfly Pea Flower infusion with a striking purple hue.
The menu also includes Mount Nelson’s 125-year tea blend, which is a playful yet refined tribute to South African botanicals, skillfully combining Rooibos, Honeybush, Mesquite and Apple, finished with fragrant pink rose petals that echo the hotel’s heritage.
Beyond the tea itself, Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson is an immersive sensory experience – a moment to pause, savour and discover. Cupido has collaborated closely with Matthew Paulsen of Mount Nelson’s pastry department under the guidance of executive sous chef Vicky Gurovich and executive chef Luke Barry, to craft thoughtful pairings for the hotel’s decadent selection of pastries and savouries.
“When a table of guests enjoys different teas,” Cupido explains, “they are not just tasting a single cup, but exploring a symphony of flavour combinations through the food pairing – turning Afternoon Tea into a journey of discovery.” The tea menu works in perfect harmony with a decadent array of cakes, delicate tarts and freshly baked loaves that grace the famed hotel’s lounge.
More than just a tradition, Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson is a celebration of craftsmanship, connection and indulgence. Whether you’re a devoted tea connoisseur or simply seeking a luxurious escape, it remains one of the most treasured offerings for guests.
For reservations and more information, contact +27 21 483-100 or send an email.
