High Tea at Lanzerac’s Striking Manor Kitchen

Lanzerac is famed for many things – a stupendous view-drenched spa, breathtaking vineyard and mountain vistas, and being the home of the world’s first bottled Pinotage (1959). Its striking restaurant – the elegant Manor Kitchen – also deserves special mention. One of four restaurants on the estate, it dazzles with eye-catching chandeliers, large windows and a bright, airy space beautifully adorned in soft pink, olive green and slate grey.

The Tea

As you’d expect from a winelands high tea, Lanzerac’s offering is a decidedly decadent and sophisticated affair. We were greeted with a glass of MCC, followed by a choice of two TWG teas each to be enjoyed with our treats. Between us, we picked the Grand Wedding Tea, Moroccan Mint (perfect for cutting through the sweetness of the petit fours and gâteau), Silver Moon, and 1837 Black Tea (the most divine blend of berries, anise, and caramel).

Our sweet and savoury treats were served buffet-style, and looked fit for a grand banquet. The mouthwatering savoury selection included classic chicken finger sandwiches; prawn cocktail, dill and avocado en croûte; Parmesan biscuit with goat’s cheese, asparagus salad and edible flowers; and whipped egg pastry cups with cress and cured mustard seeds.

The delightful and colourful sweet selection at the other end of the table included almond profiteroles with rose-water cream; baked cheesecake bites with lemon zest and strawberries; raspberry mini Battenberg; and macarons. Every morsel was fresh and flavourful, and almost too good to eat!

The details

Good to know: The service is impeccable – friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and you’ll want for nothing except perhaps a loose-fitting frock!

Cost:
R280 in 2019

Opening times:
Saturdays, 2pm – 5pm

Contact:
021 887 1132, restaurants@lanzerac.co.za

Where to find it:
1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

First published on The Inside Guide (January 2019)