Kenya's top high tea restaurants

Taking tea is something most of us are accustomed to doing at the comfort of our homes but sipping it in an exclusive surrounding is a simple yet memorable treat. High tea accompanied with delicate cakes, buttery scones and the occasional glass of bubbly, is an English tradition that dates back to the early 19th century. It was a light meal taken between lunch and dinner, while guests, who were ideally elite members of the society, sat at high tables and stools.

It then begs the question, is high tea taken in Kenya? Tuvei Wilberforce the Food and Beverage Manager at Hemingways Nairobi says the practice is fast catching up among Kenyans who have embraced it and added a little Kenyan flare. We sample some of the spots you may find this culinary luxury in Nairobi: 

Hemingways Nairobi

Although the aristocrats of the 19th century dressed up for high tea, there is no formal dress code for high tea at the Hemingways; however, the common trend is for you to dress up. High tea at Hemingways serves as a pause and reflect moment as you savour in the serenity. You can enjoy your tea on the terrace overlooking Ngong Hills or outside overlooking the well-manicured garden. Hemingways have continued to demystify the notion that high tea is for the elite. 

High Tea was ideally meant for couples but in this contemporary world, Hemingways Nairobi offers high tea to Pre-wedding and Wedding Celebrations as well as Baby Showers and can cater to a group of up to 40 people. 

Also offered are the Traditional High Tea Favourites, including a range of teas served with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, all served on tiered cake stands. The menu offers a range of delicate and imaginative pastries and signature cakes that are handcrafted each morning and are as delicious as they are beautiful. A glass of prosecco or champagne can be added to make your experience extra special.

The price for this luxury affair that runs from 3-5 pm daily is just Sh2,500 which per serving of up to two people, with an additional Sh900 for a glass of prosecco or Sh4,500 for a bottle. Reservations are highly recommended.

Fairmont The Norfolk

High tea at the Norfolk was introduced in 1904. Since then the tradition has grown to cater to the changing times and accommodate new traditions. This is the place where you can enjoy one of the finest afternoon teas you’ll ever set your eyes on. You will enjoy your high tea at the elegantly and luxuriously furnished “T” Lounge.

It is served on a tiered tray with the finger food which is divided into savoury and sweet presented at the centre of the table. Be ready to devour ham and cheese, grilled vegetables, smoked salmon and egg, and tomato sandwich. The sweet pastries include macaroons, strawberry tarts, and a signature dessert for the Norfolk, mocha éclairs, cookies and opera cake, and a side tray with their signature passion clotted cream for your scones as well as a variety of jams. The rich tea selection completes your Fairmont the Norfolk high tea experience. The high tea comes in three options, the Savoy Style, Mombasa high tea and the Classic Norfolk high tea. The price ranges between Sh4,000 to Sh5,500 per couple depending on the option selected and is served daily from 2:30-5: 00 pm, with reservations, highly recommended. The suggested dress code is smart casual. 

The Lord Erroll

Enjoying high tea at East Africa’s premier French and Gourmet Restaurant should be on your bucket list. Four o’clock tea has been part of our culture but high tea heightens that experience. 

Your afternoon tea will be served at the Afresco seating lounge known as Idina West Terrace, where you can enjoy scenic views of Diana Hay Gardens at the Lord Erroll. This is the place where you can be intoxicated by the fragrance steam of a cup of tea, sip of that bubbly or the different kinds of pastries. 

They have an extensive afternoon tea menu and you can enjoy a choice of unlimited Black or White Tea or Unlimited Mixed Tea. It is served on a three-tier cake stand with savoury treats, sweet desserts and tea scones that include plain scones and scones with raisins. The scones are accompanied with clotted cream and strawberry jams. Prices of the high tea starts from Sh4,000 for two with a glass of prosecco going for Sh2,500 per person, served daily from 3-6 pm. Reservations are highly recommended. 

Zen Garden

Zen Garden recently hosted the 5th Annual Fashion High Tea event celebrating Haute Couture in Kenya. If you choose to make high tea part of your ritual then this is a good place to start. Their high tea menu is priced at Sh2,000 per person and your minimum party should be six people. It is served in two tiers with the top tier having savoury foods such as whole crusted mushrooms, mini garden calzones, cheese and chutney sandwiches, mini chicken pies and crispy chicken bao. The bottom tier has sweet desserts such as the Zen special honeycomb cakes chocolate and raspberry macarons, forest berry tarts and gelato cones. You have the choice of picking tea or coffee. The Zen Garden high tea menu is flexible and their team is available to discuss all dietary requirements for your guests. 

As French novelist and professor of philosophy, Muriel Barbery aptly states, that when tea becomes a ritual it takes its place at the heart of our ability to see greatness in small things. High tea in Nairobi allows you to fully appreciate the rich tea tradition that has now become part of our culture.