Best High Teas in Johannesburg

From cloud-like buttery scones piled high with clotted cream and jam to elegant teapots, tiered cake stands and pianists quietly minding the mood, Joburg knows how to do tea with flair. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, plotting a glamorous catch-up, impressing a mother-in-law, or simply craving cake, the city has a High Tea with your name on it. From five-star hotel splendour to leafy garden hideaways, here are some of the best High Teas Johannesburg has to offer.

High Tea prices typically range from R450 – R800 p.p. For exact pricing and more details, please contact the relevant establishment directly.

1. 54 on Bath

It's hard to beat the freshly made scones and home-made jam from **54 on Bath**. Photo: Supplied.

For those who love a glass of bubbles as much as a cup of tea... plus five-star luxury.

You’ll be lucky to find a table for 54 on Bath 's Saturday afternoon High Tea buffet at Level Four Restaurant and Terrace . This is the go-to for high-flying Joburgers who love five-star hotel service with some of the best pâtisserie in town. And did we say buffet? Yes, you’ll eat your heart out! Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles on the terrace upon arrival, then indulge in the abundant display of the finest High Tea treats, all to the sounds of a pianist. TWG Tea loose-leaf blends are served in delicate, glass teapots and kept warm with mini-burners to ensure every cup is just right.

When: Served Sat from 13:30 – 16:00 . They also offer a plated, midweek Afternoon Tea on weekday afternoons from Sun – Fri 14:30 – 16:30 . Booking is essential. Call +27 11 344 8442 or email LevelFour.Restaurant@southernsun.com. Bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

2. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

A setting to match the serving at **Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa**. Photo: Supplied.

For those needing a reset close to the city, or for a fabulous bridal shower treat.

Enjoy a leisurely "Alice in the Woods"-themed afternoon High Tea at the luxurious Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, situated in quiet Morningside and five minutes from Sandton Central. The hotel's setting is the gorgeous Manor House Bistro, which overlooks the hotel gardens, where, weather permitting, you can take tea on the terrace. The style is classic English afternoon tea with a choice of inventive savoury options like their truffle, mushroom and goat's cheese vol-au-vent and scrumptious duck and sour cherry pies, accompanied by a towering stand of cakes, fluffy scones and generous cups of loose-leaf tea. You will also be offered a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival, accompanied by a "shrinking potion" – in true Alice fashion.

When: Afternoon High Tea is served daily from 14:00 – 16:00. There's also a Morning Tea offering served daily from 09:30 – 11:30, and Tea in the Garden is served daily from 12:00 onwards. Bookings are essential. Call +27 11 804 2540 or email reservations@fairlawns.co.za

3. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is the ultimate in luxury. Photo: Flames Restaurant via Instagram.

For those looking for a High Tea, and a view, to write home about.

High Tea at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is a cherished, timeless tradition. Set against the forest backdrop of Joburg's tree-lined suburbs, the tea includes delicate sweet and savoury treats, a selection of the finest loose-leaf teas and a glass of bubbly. The delicacies on offer range from egg mayo sandwiches, beef shortrib amagwinya / vetkoek, mushroom empanada and chicken coronation tartlets to citrus and blueberry tart, scones and hazelnut and blueberry financier. They also cater for vegetarians, so you have no excuse not to treat yourself.

When: Served on Fri – Sun at 12:00 or 15:00. Bookings are essential. Call +27 11 418 6000 or email reservations.johannesburg@fourseasons.com

4. Liberté Restaurant

High Tea is served at **Liberté Restaurant** in Craighall. Photo: Johanneburg In Your Pocket.

For those looking for Friday afternoon indulgence.

In a world where the four-day week is always a hot topic, Liberté Restaurant's French-inspired High Tea offering fits in perfectly with its Friday High Tea. The tea is served in a cast-iron pot, which we love, as it keeps the brew at an optimal temperature for longer. The teatime treats are served on two elegant, silver multi-tiered stands, the first bearing the savoury selection, and the second the sweet. You can look forward to vol-au-vent puff pastry cases, roasted zucchini strips with halloumi, flatbreads, olives and a selection of sliced cheeses. The portions are well thought through, and altogether it’s a satisfying High Tea for two. The setting is laid-back, and the whole experience suggests the start of a good weekend. A lovely option for catching up with friends in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Read our review here.

When: Served on Fri from 11:00 – 15:00. High Tea is available for group bookings of 10 or more any day of the week. Bookings essential. Call +27 10 824 5791 or email bookings@liberte.com