One&Only Cape Town: A Festive Christmas in July Afternoon Tea

Whoever said Christmas comes but once a year didn’t get the Christmas in July memo from the Southern Hemisphere. Mid-winter is exactly the time to cosy up with all those festive flavours – and luckily One&Only Cape Town has it all wrapped up, with a celebratory afternoon tea in their glorious Vista Bar & Lounge. This year’s theme is inspired by a snow-kissed Swiss chalet, so expect toasted marshmallows, a Lindt chocolate fountain, mulled wine, sachertorte, eggnog and warm spices as part of the decadent Christmas in July festivity.

Afternoon tea and beyond

Amplified above and beyond even the extravaganza that is the regular Vista Bar & Lounge afternoon tea offering, this is an occasion to come hungry for (skip lunch and go easy on breakfast). You’ll want to make the most of the smoked gammon with pineapple tarte tatin and the roast turkey and cranberry sandwiches at the savoury buffet (smoked salmon blinis too). Then there are savoury crêpe and hot rosti stations (think emmenthal cheese, apricot-glazed duck roulade and more), and a brie and camembert tower laced with buchu honey, figs and nuts… but don’t get too carried away with those, as the sweet tables are calling too.

Christmassy aromas waft from an array of cinnamon-frosted macarons, pistachio and rum eclairs, red cherry tartlets, and apple and cinnamon strudel with eggnog Anglaise. Then there are decadent cakes by the slice: Bûche de Noël, red velvet cake, and Christmas cake cheesecake. Not to mention the Lindt chocolate fountain, where you’re invited to swirl strawberries, pineapple chunks, pretzels, waffles, cake pops and more. And don’t forget to warm up by the S’more fire, where you can toast marshmallows and assemble them with Marie biscuits, chocolates and sultry sauces.

Cheers to the season

Wrap your hands around a warming cup of mulled wine on arrival and breathe in the spicy warmth, then decide on one of the superb selection of loose leaf teas or variety of coffees to take you through the afternoon’s feast in leisurely sipping style.

This is all the excuse you need to enjoy a lavish helping of warmth, celebration and fabulous flavours and liven up the depths of winter with happy indulgence.

Dates 26 + 27 July 2025
Time 2pm –  5pm
Cost R650
Contact 021 431 5888, guestexperience@oneandonlycapetown.com
Where to find it One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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