Teatime is back in vogue, in case you missed the memo, and as the cold season ‘checks’ into Nairobi, this is the perfect excuse for you to indulge in the beautiful partaking of Afternoon Tea. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you one of Britain’s most treasured traditions, Afternoon Tea- a light meal, that largely consists of a variety of dainty finger sandwiches, fresh baked scones and delectable pastries arranged in a three-tier tea stand together with tea.
This rich tradition dates to the early 19th century when it was used to bridge the gap between the two main meals of the day (lunch and dinner). Credit goes to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who found that the usual habit of serving dinner between 8 and 9 pm left her hungry by late afternoon. To stave off the hunger, she would order tea, bread and butter and cakes to be served in her room hence the birth of afternoon tea.
Today it is embraced all around the world and remains an extremely popular partaking, enacted in restaurants and hotels, with Nairobi not being left behind. The type of sandwiches and pastries/ cakes may differ per establishment, but you are sure to enjoy a fantastic selection of fancies wherever you go in the city. Soak up the timeless tradition of this quintessentially British – and delicious – pastime at these 4 luxury landmarks in Nairobi.
Below is our selection of the best afternoon tea in Nairobi
T- Lounge, Savoy Style Decadent Afternoon Tea, Fairmont The Norfolk
You walk into Fairmont The Norfolk and immediately, you find yourself in a place where rich history and iconic elegance combine to create this new world sophistication jewel in the heart of Nairobi. From the lobby, you turn to your left and alas, The “T” Lounge beckons you, to pause, take refuge and relax in its elegantly luxurious finished seating space and surrounding. It is a truly rich decadent lounge where time stops so you enjoy your savoy style decadent afternoon tea. The sumptuous and refined décor with an elegant mirror and telescope with pieces of art all around you, adds a stylish flourish to the room, while lulling you into an inviting classical yet lifestyle zone.
The well laid menu in form of a booklet, introduces you to the history of Afternoon Tea titled Norfolk’s Romance with High Tea which faithfully follows the traditional combination of sweet and savory just like The Savoy in London.
The menu; Fairmont The Norfolk gives you an array of 3 packages to choose from, for your Afternoon Tea. For this day, we opted for the Savoy Style Option which is displayed below and in subsequent pictures.
Norfolk High Tea (Serves two) with a Glass of Laborie Cap Classique costs Kshs 4,500 and includes the following; A Selection of Finger Sandwiches (Smoked Salmon, Ham & Mustard (P), Egg Salad), Freshly Baked Raisin and Plain Scones (Clotted Cream, Passion Fruit Curd, Strawberry Preserves), Afternoon Tea Pastries (Mocha Éclair, Macaroons, Strawberry Tartlet, Dark Chocolate Cake) and Lord Delamere Signature Cakes (Carrot Cake and Fruit Cake)
Savoy – Style Decadent Afternoon Tea (Serves two) with a glass Glass Moet & Chandon costs Kshs 5000 and includes the following; A Selection of Finger Sandwiches (Cucumber and cream cheese on white bread, Ham & apple mustard on brown bread (P), Egg salad on white bread, Smoked Salmon with horseradish on brown bread), Freshly Baked Raisin and Plain Scones (Mascarpone cheese or clotted cream, Homemade lemon curd, Strawberry or Raspberry jam), Decadent Afternoon Tea Pastries (Chocolate brownie (N), Mango lemon, Vanilla Lavender éclair).
Mombasa High Tea (KC) (Serves two) which costs Kshs 4000 and includes the following; Chai Masala (Meat & Vegetable Samosas, Katlesi (Skewed Meat Balls), Mbaazi (Pigeon Peas), Chapati, Bhajia), and Vitamutamu (Kaimati, Mandazi, Mahamri & Kashata).
The tea selection is quite rich- Kenyan earth, Earl Grey, chamomile, peppermint, Flavoured Rooibos Tea, Slender – Oolong Tea, Tranquility – Jasmine Rain, Energize – Berry Kiss.
Time; Available daily from 2. 30pm – 5pm
Dress Code; Smart Casual (recommended)
Note- Reservations are strongly recommended.
Idina West Terrace, Afternoon Tea (The Lord Erroll Gourmet Restaurant)
Located in the upmarket suburbs of Runda in Nairobi, and renowned for having scooped the Global Award in Restaurant of the Year category, awarded by the prestigious Luxury Travel Guide (LTG), this French Gourmet restaurant welcomes you to an al fresco seating lounge known as Idina West Terrace where afternoon tea is served. A place to eat, drink and socialise, the focus is on this modern British tradition executed with style and panache, all wrapped in a seductive ambience that oozes cool sophistication.
You are surrounded by characterful interiors– well polished floor, wall paintings and green potted plants all around the dining area, which brings in a living element and provides function and form while looking beautiful.
The menu; Their striking three tier cake stand, the quintessentially English tradition of Afternoon tea is a feast for the eyes, as well as the taste buds as it is delivered with real style – and a gourmet cherry on top! From where you sit, you enjoy a warm, scenic and charming view of the Diana Hay Gardens at The Lord Erroll, which features a beautiful waterfall, stream and pond, creating a delightful ambiance that gives a country-like feel to the establishment.
Take your time as you peruse the extensive tea menu and make sure you try a few delicious blends with each course. For tea selection, you are served with a delightful choice of either unlimited black or white coffee and/or unlimited mixed tea. You also have the option of a Prosecco selection or drink of your choice to go with the delightful servings.
The savoury treats tier include Tomato and Cheese, Salmon Open Feast Sandwich, Beef On Brown Bread, and Guacamole On Rye Bread. Please note, Gluten Free Available On Request. The tea scones include Plain Scones and Scones with Raisins and come with these condiments; Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jam. The confectioneries on the top tier include Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Cake, Fruit Tart And Grapes.
Price; Afternoon Tea for Two- Kshs 4,000. With a glass of Prosecco (2,500 Kshs per person)
Time; Available daily from 3pm – 6pm
Dress Code; Smart casual recommended
Note- Reservations are recommended.
K Lounge, Afternoon Tea (Villa Rosa Kempinski)
The grand and welcoming lobby of the Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi is home to the K Lounge, an enchanting informal area with a beautiful view overlooking the peaceful lush green gardens and a waterfall, and this is where afternoon tea is served. It is a lovely relaxed private understated lounge where one can have some peace and quiet time.
The Lounge’s atmosphere of exclusivity promises to provide an unforgettable setting of great memories. Offering the perfect fusion of European luxury and Kenyan hospitality, Villa Rosa Kempinski prides itsself as a unique destination where guests can spend time relaxing or working.
The afternoon tea delights are served in a masterpiece bespoke jewelry drawer-chest which truly makes the presentation stunning and eye catching and comes with a myriad of drawers is filled with the most delectable, fashionable patisserie and enticing savoury treats. You open each drawer, and an array of sweet, delightful treats await accompanied by gold dinnerware cutlery.
The Menu; You have a choice of tea or champagne/ prosecco. The Ronnefeldt Tea Selection includes Earl Grey, English Tea, Vanilla Rooibos, Green Leaf, Fruity Chamomile or Kenyan Tea Masala.
The afternoon tea delight is a set menu composition. The sandwiches include cucumber and truffle, smoked salmon, smoked beef, Egg and English mustard. The desserts include strawberry macarons, French opera cake, lemon curd shortbread tartlets and red velvet cake. You also get an extra drawer that comes with 4 scones, accompanied by clotted cream and homemade Jam. Finally, one is served with peach melba (peaches and raspberry sauce with vanilla ice cream).
The Price; Classic Afternoon Tea Package with tea/ coffee – Kshs 2,500 per person/ Afternoon Tea Package with a glass of Veuve Clicquot – Kshs 4, 600 per person.
Time; 3 pm – 6 pm (daily)
Dress Code; Smart Casual (recommended)
Note- For any dietary requirement, you can ask the staff. Reservations are strongly recommended.
The Terrace, Afternoon Tea (Hemingways Karen)
Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this plantation-style property welcomes you to The Brasserie terrace, a spacious outdoor restaurant overlooking far beyond, the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills, with a magical picturesque view for sundowners. It is totally an Instagram worthy venue for enjoying your afternoon tea in total awe of the views beyond, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘As far as the eye can see’. This green oasis of glitz offers one the sense of blissful seclusion, luxury on the edge of wilderness, and much needed soulful therapy.
Nothing says afternoon tea like a three-tiered cake stand. Savour every moment of this splendid experience.
The Menu; At the heart of the experience is the drink itself. From a rich Kericho Gold Classic Kenya tea to the Swahili Masala Tea to the African Mixed Tea, you will find teas that complement your sweets perfectly. You can also opt for these Herbal Infusions, which include (interestingly named) Kenyan Earth, White Mischief, Jasmine Rain, Peppermint infusion, Camomile infusion or the Full leaf Camomile.
The Hemingways Afternoon Tea set menu consists of finger sandwiches which includes Gravlax and Dill Mayonnaise on Rye bread Corn, fed Turkey and Cranberry in Bridge rolls Gammon, Ham with Sweet Chili Jam, Roast Beef with English Mustard Baps, Cucumber with Cream Cheese and Brie and Red Currant. The second tier comes with Freshly Baked Sultana Scones with Whipped Cream and Strawberry Preserve. The last tier has hand crafted cakes from our Pastry Chef which includes Lemon Buttermilk Cake, Hemingways Mince Pies, Eggnog Cheese Cake, ‘Hemingways’ white and dark Chocolate Mousse, and Exotic Fruit Tartlets | Macaroons.
The Price; Afternoon Tea- 2500 (serves one or two people) , with A glass of Prosecco – 900/- and A Bottle of Prosecco – 4500/-
Time; Available daily from 3pm – 5pm
Dress Code; Smart Casual (recommended)
Note- Reservations are strongly recommended.
There’s something comforting and special about afternoon tea. Maybe it’s those little sandwiches filled with cream cheese and cucumbers, or maybe its just the excitement of being presented with a multi-tiered tray full of miniature goodies. Whatever the case, it’s always a fun experience.
Your overall guide to Afternoon Tea whenever you choose to go
- Your wine, tea, your coffee always stays on the right side. The kettle handle should always be at the three o’clock.
- The sauce should always stay on the table unless you are standing up while holding it.
- All the finger sandwiches are meant to be eaten with your fingers and not cutlery. You never ever use a knife or fork to cut open your scones. Break it into half using your fingers.
- To stir your tea, you simply do so in a twelve six- twelve six motion.
Treat someone special to experience a new season of beautiful, delicate pastries. Nothing gets more indulgent, more delightfully decadent, than afternoon tea come rain, come shine.