12 Apostles Hotel, Cape Town

Again it’s a stormy day in the Cape, and The Leopard Bar at the 12 Apostles has a fire going. You’re away from the hustle and bustle of the city here, with the mountain behind you and the normally azure Atlantic Ocean between Sea Point and Hout Bay ahead.

The tea surprises in terms of the highly personalised and engaging service: we are greeted with a welcome plate and an opera-singer-cumwaiter, who tells us all about the hotel. The 12 Apostles is part of the Red Carnation Group, so we talk about cofounder Bea Tollman, whose excellent recipes infuse the offering.

It is presented on a striking three-tier stand filled with sweet and savoury treats. As is often the case in high-end experiences, the delicacies look too good to eat — they’re delectable — and the relatively small room sets the scene for an urban chic yet intimate experience.

The cakes are not overly sweet but abundant in flavour. The “Tea by the Sea” option has an exceptional berry and frangipane, pecan nut and dark chocolate torte, and cheese scones with jam and cream. Traditional treats such as sandwiches are on the menu, and we love Bea’s cheesecake. All come in mini versions, so things aren’t overdone.

Teas are gracefully presented and you get to choose from a selection of bottomless loose-leaf teas and speciality coffee.