High tea at Tintswalo Summer House

Tintswalo Summer House is no ordinary hotel. The latest addition to the Tintswalo Collection blends spectacular ocean views with elegant intimacy.

The restored heritage villa now offers Tintswalo Summer House High Tea, allowing guests to savour every sip while overlooking False Bay’s Glencairn Bay. Slow down. Reish the moment. Indulge in sweet and savoury treats.

Inspired by the people, history and seaside spirit of the much-loved property, the curated teas are meant to be enjoyed and sipped at leisure.

High tea with a twist

The signature family blends pay tribute to the women whose vision and influence have shaped Tintswalo. 

Blue Horizon, a Japanese Sencha from Shizuoka blended with mango, passionfruit and citrus, is dedicated to CEO Lisa Goosen. Cam in Colour is hand-tied green and white tea with jasmine and chrysanthemum blossoms, celebrating Camlyn Johnston’s bold design instinct. Graceful Gaye, a Rooibos, lemon, ginger and pandan blend, honours Gaye Corbett, the matriarch and co-founder who, together with her husband Ernest, built Tintswalo.

Adding to the experience are Summer House’s tea sommeliers Junias Manomano and Clement Moyo. Part storytellers and part flavour guides, their recommendations are always welcome.

What’s on the menu?

Think classic High Tea favourites with a distinctly South African touch. 

From Cape Malay bobotie spring rolls to Coronation chicken pies, chilled potato and leek soup, and prawn and avocado puffs, the fusion of flavours is intentional.

The finger sandwiches are as impressive: Cucumber and cream cheese; Franschhoek smoked trout with cream cheese and cucumber; grass-fed roast beef with caramelised onions and whole-grain mustard aioli; and classic egg mayonnaise with chives.

What’s a high tea without scones? Freshly baked scones are served with fresh cream, clotted cream, and assorted jams and cheese. For something sweet, expect raspberry macarons, lemon meringue tarts, pecan tarts, and the chef’s choice cake of the day.