Mount Nelson’s Pastry Chef Returns to Elevate Afternoon Tea

Guess who’s back? It’s me, Pastry Chef Vicky Gurovich! And I’ve got fantastic news for all you afternoon tea lovers out there. Prepare to have your taste buds spoiled rotten because we’re taking indulgence to a whole new level at the Mount Nelson.

Some of you may remember me as the Pastry Chef here at the Mount Nelson from 2009 to 2014. Well, after a little hiatus, I’ve returned to the breathtaking Cape and to this iconic hotel that stole my heart.

Now, with the winter chill settling in, I’ve teamed up with the brilliant Executive Chef George Jardine to sprinkle some extra magic onto our Afternoon Tea experience. Get ready for an explosion of flavors, both sweet and savory!

Autumn pastries are a mouth-watering temptation with layers of delightful flavors. They are elegantly displayed on tiered stands, and each sweet treat melts in your mouth. You’ll find an array of surprises like butternut and roasted vanilla custard mousse, apricot and rooibos delice, macadamia nut tart with spiced chantilly, and salted caramel and vanilla mousse.

Vicky’s table of seasonal cakes in the lounge will surely catch your eye. It’s like a heavenly beacon of baking with delicious offerings such as frangipane tart, vanilla bavarois with caramelized apple, carrot cake loaf, and baked cheesecake. And of course, we can’t forget the fluffy scones and seasonal surprises that complete the afternoon tea spread.

But don’t worry, if you prefer savory treats, we have something for you too. Alongside the classic cucumber fennel and cream cheese finger sandwiches, Chef George Jardine has introduced some exciting newcomers. How about soy-cured salmon on a charred aubergine rice roll or a spinach tart with whipped feta? These savory delights will surely satisfy your craving.

When it comes to tea, you’ve got plenty of options at this place. They’ve got a wide range of premium loose-leaf and flowering teas to choose from, including unique local infusions like buchu, rooibos, and honeybush. If you can’t make up your mind, go for their signature Mount Nelson Tea. It’s a special blend of Darjeeling, Kenya, Assam, Keemun, Yunnan, and Ceylon, with an extra special touch: pink rose petals that give the tea a lovely blush color, which perfectly complements the hotel’s pink walls.

Coffee lovers won’t be disappointed either. They’ve got an amazing barista who knows their stuff, and they use a fancy San Remo Racer coffee machine to brew up the finest single-origin beans, sourced sustainably from Ethiopia and Rwanda.

If you’re in the mood for something stronger, make sure to check out their premium whiskey, cognac, and liqueur selection. It’s top-notch.

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