Mount Nelson - 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town,

Cape Town’s Iconic Pink Lady is offering the ultimate spoil for Humans and Dog alike

From training to become a member of K9SARA to getting ready for his date, Cobalt had a very eventful day.

We picked up Coco and her chaperone (Jeanine) at 14:00. Cobalt and Coco were both dressed for the occasion, Coco in a funky little denim dress and Cobalt with his bowtie and matching top hat. Upon arriving at Mount Nelson, we were welcomed in the foyer and escorted to our table on the Terrace. Our very friendly waiter came and introduced himself, and poured some bubbly before going to fetch Cobalt and Coco 2 lush dog beds from Chommies, 2 water bowls filled with not just any water but bottled water. Once the dogs were sorted, our waiter explained how the High Tea works.  The High tea comes out in 4 sections. First, we will be receiving our Savoury tray, followed by a basket of Scones, then comes the sweet stuff and if we still have space left over, we can explore the Cake Table.

Out came our first selection consisting of Finger Sandwiches (the cucumber was our favourite) and a selection of savoury treats from Smoked Salmon and confit Duck to Rare roasted beef. While our waiter explained what we were getting the Dog’s waiter came out with their first course which was Beef Consommé jelly, rare roast beef and marrow. Coco’s bowl did not even reach the ground before she started enjoying her meal. Cobalt at least gave me a few seconds for a photo (but refused to stop glaring at me for taking so long🤣).

While enjoying our savoury snacks and bubbles, we looked at the very extensive tea menu. I decided on the Black Rooibos vanilla-flavoured tea, but after asking our waiter for his opinion he called the tea sommelier, Craig Cupido.  Craig has a real passion for tea, after explaining what kind of tea I like (Black Rooibos no sugar), he immediately recommended 3 teas that I would enjoy. I went with his first choice which was an African Pride Honeybush flavoured with marula and caramel.  Craig recommended a Pu-erh Royal 2009 for Jeanine who wanted something completely different to any normal tea. He also insisted that we try a Green Rooibos which he explained is like no green tea we have ever experienced. After we received our tea he took us through the tasting experience. The Green tea had such a great unique taste it is something I would be able to drink the whole day hot or cold over a couple of ice cubes.

Next came the basket of homemade Scones with Vanilla cream, Strawberry Jam, Cheese and Clotted Cream. The doggies received the most artistic meal next, homemade meat Loaf and savoury rice. Coco could not believe her eyes, the dogs getting a second meal. Cobalt decided he did not like the garnish and very quickly picked it off and put it to the side before enjoying his meal. After the Scones both Humans and Doggies were comfortably full, enjoying the fantastic background classical music and wondering if some of the sun loungers on the lawn were available.

Next (not yet lastly) came the sweet selection which was 4 levels of different homemade cakes, brownies, choux bun and yoghurt slices. The doggies each received 3 homemade peanut butter biscuits.  We had to wake them up for this because they had both passed out on their posh beds.

Jeanine and I could hardly move after the sweet selection, but Craig told us about the most amazing cheesecake, so we had to go have a look at the cake selection inside. Everything looked mouth-watering and if I had more space, I would have loved to try the delicate red velvet cake and chocolate cake but only managed to squeeze in some award-winning cheesecake.

Every time a waiter came to our table the dogs started thinking it was for them. They very quickly picked up on the pattern. Taking them to a normal restaurant after this spoil is going to be a challenge don’t think Cobalt will be posing anymore if he doesn’t get treats.

The entire High Tea experience takes a minimum of 2 hours. If you plan on visiting Mount Nelson, put at least 2,5 hours aside for it, and don’t plan a long drive home afterwards.

Now that we had finished eating, we decided to take a stroll through the magnificent garden with the dogs before driving home.  The garden is amazing, we did not spend enough time enjoying the beautiful peaceful garden and need to come back again soon just to admire it. We walked down to the tennis court, admiring the trees along the way and then to the Oasis pool on the other side. We were very tempted to phone the men at home and say we were renting a room for the night, everything was very tranquil, there was even a family of Egyptian geese enjoying the heated pool.

We made our way back to reception to thank our waiter and Craig the tea sommelier for making this the most amazing experience before driving home.

Once in the car Cobalt and Coco could hardly keep their eyes open but were so scared they were going to miss out on something exciting. Jeanine and I both agreed this was one of the most amazing spoils and we strongly recommend Mount Nelson, both humans and dogs were spoilt beyond our wildest dreams.

Address: 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

Phone: 021 483 1000

Website: www.belmond.com/hotels/africa/south-africa/cape-town/belmond-mount-nelson-hotel/about

All the Dog beds and Dog beds came from Chommies. You can view their products here: https://chommies.co.za/collections/mount-nelson

If you want to read more about K9SARA, what they stand for, and how to join or donate please visit their website: https://k9sara.co.za/

Interesting facts about the Pink Lady

• In 1918, Aldo Renata Tagliavia wished to mark the end of the First World War in a memorable way. He discovered that pink was symbolic of peace, and painted the hotel in that colour to welcome home returning soldiers. “Mount Nelson has remained pink ever since and even has its own Pantone shade.
• The Oasis Pool is one of the largest heated pools in South Africa.
• Mount Nelson is home to South Africa’s first expert-trained tea sommelier. Head Sommelier Craig Cupido is passionate about tea and has an abiding appreciation of this time-honoured tradition.

What to expect in the next issue of WeLovePetsSA: High Tea at the 12 Apostles