Afternoon Tea at the Nellie

Celebrating special moments at Cape Town’s legendary Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

By Bev Hermanson

Before she was born, her destiny was already decided. Right from concept stage, the intention was to make her the best, the most elegant, the most luxurious.

Built by the shipping magnate, Sir Donald Currie, owner of the Union Castle Shipping Line, the Mount Nelson Hotel was designed to provide luxury accommodation for the elite passengers visiting Cape Town from Europe.

Nestling on nine acres beneath the majestic Table Mountain, surrounded by exquisite gardens, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has continued to weave her magic into the fabric of the city for over 125 years.

Along the way, she has welcomed royalty, presidents, celebrities, world travellers – and let’s not forget the newly-weds who have chosen to stay at the hotel for their honeymoon.

BEST HOTEL IN AFRICA

At a glittering ceremony held in November last year at the historic Guildhall in London, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel was lauded as 2024’s Best Hotel in Africa. She was also listed as one of the 50 Best Hotels in the World for 2024. With stiff competition coming from Southeast Asia and Europe, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel achieved a respectable 28th ranking.

Featuring two swimming pools, a luxury spa, tennis courts and an in-house hair salon, along with a fine selection of restaurants, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is indeed a world-class hospitality venue.

TIMELESS AFTERNOON TEA

Of course, a visit to the Nellie, as she’s affectionately nicknamed, would not be complete without indulging in her famous Afternoon Tea. Hosted in the Hotel Lounge, this ‘event’ is an experience that should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list.

Tasty pastries, dainty sandwiches and decadent sweet treats are brought to the tables on tiered stands, while designer cakes are displayed on the centre tables. You can choose from over 60 different teas as well as a selection of coffees, whiskies, cognacs and even some liqueurs.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISES

Did you know that the Nellie serves Afternoon Tea for canine companions too?
Whilst it may seem that the Nellie is too fancy for kiddies, she does in fact welcome families. There’s a Kids’ Club, a babysitting service and there are inter-connecting rooms. Also on offer are family-themed spa treatments and an interactive Chef’s Table experience for families.

But wait, there’s more! You can actually purchase Belmond Gift Cards that you can send to family and friends, so they can also enjoy the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel experience or redeem the vouchers at any of the Belmond facilities worldwide.