Mount Nelson Hotel takes on an entirely different charm during summer in Cape Town. From comforting afternoon tea, al fresco lunches, and a lavish self-serve Sunday brunch to haute eats courtesy of Executive Chef George Jardine, we break down a few good excuses to pop into The Nellie this summer.
Intimate fashion shows with CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS 2023
Mount Nelson Hotel is back with their capsule fashion showcase, CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS running from 8 to 12 November 2023 at the iconic hotel in Cape Town. If you’ve missed fashion week activities, this is a great opportunity to brush up on contemporary African fashion with a luxury edge.
The event is an annual 5-day series of capsule fashion shows where guests can view the latest collections and creative expression in an exclusive salon-style setting. Paired with the experience is an afternoon tea set menu that features a selection of designer-inspired confectionery.
This year’s trailblazing lineup includes two Cape Town fashion designers – the ‘Prince of Prints’ Chu Suwannapha of Chulaap, as well as returning talent and internationally acclaimed winner of the 2020 LVMH Prize, Sindiso Khumalo.
Joining them is Nigerian-based Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO, dedicated to preserving the ancestral textile techniques of her heritage; Adeju Thompson, founder of Lagos Space Programme; and Johannesburg-based Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, whose bold, print-centric garments are rooted in African indigenous culture.
Cost: R995pp includes afternoon tea and a glass of bubbles, book via Dineplan
When: From 8 to 12 November 2023, two slots daily at 11am and 5pm
Where: Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
The hotel is doing a newly updated afternoon tea for summer
Afternoon tea at Mount Nelson Hotel is a timeless Cape Town institution. After all, who can say no to a selection of picture-perfect cakes, pastries, and sandwiches served at one of the city’s iconic destinations?
Their afternoon tea celebrates a wide range of teas, curated by their tea sommelier, Craig Cupido while celebrated pâtissier, Vicky Gurovich packs a range flavours into melt-in-the-mouth surprises. Accompanied by Chef George Jardine’s savoury delights, it’s a sumptuous three-course feast.
For summer 2023, The team revamped the afternoon tea menu for summer 2023. You can now look forward to new additions such as a pea tart with baby tomatoes and dried olives, ‘Koesuster’ chantilly choux, decadent chocolate and salted caramel roulade among other dainty confectioneries.
Stroll beneath the arches and take a seat inside or on the balcony as you make a tea selection. Take your pick from over 60 different teas. End off the experience with a walk in the garden, typified by the flawless lawns and rows of roses.
Booking is essential for the afternoon tea and there are two seating times.
Cost: Classic Afternoon Tea – R550pp per adult, includes a glass of sommelier’s choice iced tea or L’Ormarins Cap Classique. Champagne Afternoon Tea, additional R400pp with a glass of Moët & Chandon. R350pp per child (ages 4 to 11)
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm and 3pm
Where: Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Keep Mount Nelson Hotel’s new Harvest Table in mind for your next private gathering
Looking for a stylish, special and sophisticated spot for a private corporate meetup or family event? Mount Nelson Hotel just launched its Harvest Table lunches that celebrate summer and fresh ingredients from the hotel’s food garden.
Choose between two private outdoor settings in the beautifully manicured gardens and take a seat at a floating table made from a single piece of African teak. Enjoy Cape Town dining at its finest under the trees with this new outdoor dining concept.
The chefs team under the direction of Executive Chef George Jardine will prepare a special selection of seasonal and innovative dishes, all served family-style. The Harvest Table is perfect for any celebration or simply a long lazy lunch with friends and the little ones. A minimum of 8 guests and a maximum of 30 guests are required for this experience. Get in touch to discuss the finer details now.
Cost: R950pp, book via email reservations.mnh@belmond.com or call 021 483 1000
When: Times to be confirmed upon booking
Where: Gardens at Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Sunday brunch with live jazz tunes and all the trimmings
Mount Nelson’s Jazzy Sunday Brunch continues to build up a rep for its buffet offering with an elegant edge. Table service will give you a run-down of what’s on offer while a live jazz band carries you into a carefree Sunday mood. Start off with a glass of bubbly and oysters before browsing the salad, sushi, charcuterie, and mezze to make your own gourmet platter. For mains, take your pick from a hearty curry or freshly roasted carvery options.
Those with a sweet tooth will love what’s on the cards for desserts. The classics are covered with mille-feuille, pavlova, and chocolate mousse to name a few.
Oh, and did we mention they’ve got a dedicated station for crepes, waffles, or comforting flapjacks? The menu also offers an option for unlimited bubbly to keep the weekend feels flowing. This is one that you definitely have to book in advance.
Cost: R650pp per adult | R400pp per child | Additional R225pp for unlimited bubbly. Book via Dineplan
When: Every Sunday, from 11.30am
Where: Oasis Bistro at Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Asian-fusion cuisine at Cape Town’s secret hideaway
The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse is a bold and dramatic new restaurant that opens at Mount Nelson Hotel under the guidance of top chefs Liam Tomlin and David Schneider.
This new restaurant in Cape Town is tucked away in a captivating underground den that used to be The Nellie’s iconic 70s Grill Room. Today you’ll find a dimly lit lacquered staircase leading you down to cosy booths and design flashes of velvet and potent red for intimate dining meetups.
‘Rather than a menu that mashes up cultures, The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse will represent the entire food footprint of Pan-Asia, all the way from Myanmar and Indonesia to India and China. We want to avoid reinventing these flavours, and instead present our interpretation of what Asian food is in South Africa, with a unique focus on the experience itself,’ explains Chef David. READ MORE
When: Restaurant – Monday to Saturday, 6pm to 9.15pm | Bar – Monday to Saturday, 4pm until late
Where: Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Dine on Chef George Jardine’s Verandah Experience for dinner
‘Everything tastes better when it’s in season,’ says Chef George Jardine. This ethos is driving all facets of Mount Nelson’s new offering. The Verandah Experience, for example, will be renewed every two weeks with George Jardine and his team focusing on a curated menu of four delicious starters, mains, and desserts.
Chef George Jardine is paving the way for a new culinary experience at the Nellie by incorporating a contemporary touch to its menus and focusing on the seasonality of ingredients, resulting in a magical culinary journey. An a la carte menu is available for all dinner servings. READ MORE
When: Monday to Sunday, from 6:30pm
Where: Mount Nelson Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Tel: 021 483 1000
Email: reservations.mnh@belmond.com
Website: belmond.com
Instagram: @belmondmountnelsonhotel
Facebook: @MountNelsonHotel
