Good food, but spotty service

Cafe: High Tea Address: 53 Constantia Road, Plumstead Contact: 021 797 1421 Hours: Weekdays 9am to 5pm, Saturdays 9am to 2pm Dish Eaten: Toasted ham, cheese and tomato sandwich Price: R48

WENDYL MARTIN

MOTORING down Constantia Road, I swerved into a dusty off road patch, which brought into view the entrance to a pristine garden courtyard.

I walked in, unsure of where I should be sitting.

If you are dining at High Tea, you can only sit on the red chairs in the courtyard, and there aren’t too many, so I sat at a large wooden table inside.

This is where things went a little awry with the service, which I would generously describe as friendly, but inattentive.

The staff seemed to be staring off into the distance at the customers at the outside tables, leaving me unattended.

I waited to be asked to order my food and I had trouble getting attention for a coffee refill.

After I eventually ordered, my food arrived quickly.

Being a little late for breakfast, I ordered a toasted sandwich which is also part of their breakfast menu.

The advantage of lunch is a side salad with your sandwich, and it was worth it.

It had a good mix of everything: peppadews, green and red peppers, feta, cherry tomatoes and various leaves. It was almost yummier than the sandwich.

At my table was a sugar bowl with little specks of coloured sugar.

I people-watched the older women outside, who had gathered for an afternoon, suburban cuppa.

The courtyard had manicured lawns and bushes and two fountains in the courtyard, which added a bubbly soundtrack to my time there.

The managers had a sign up instructing people not to throw coins into them, so don’t try to make any wishes.

On your way out, take a look at the cakes you can buy from High Tea, they had some gluten-free ones the day I was there.

Perhaps the service is better if you’re seated outside.

PICTURE: WENDYL MARTIN HIGH NOON: High Tea in Plumstead provides a tranquil courtyard setting.