By Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg has introduced its Champagne Afternoon Tea Experience in the recently opened Lobby Lounge & Bar, relocating one of the Hotel’s longstanding guest traditions from Flames Restaurant & Terrace. Featuring a refreshed menu curated by Executive Pastry Chef Nathan Jacobs and complemented by a glass of Champagne, the experience brings a new setting to a much-loved tradition while reflecting the Hotel’s ongoing evolution.
Filled with natural light with floor-to-ceiling views across the leafy suburbs of Forest Town, Saxonwold and Rosebank, the Lobby Lounge & Bar offers an elegant setting for afternoon tea. The space features an all-day dining menu, a curated beverage programme and live music on weekends, offering a relaxed setting for guests throughout the day and into the evening.
Drawing on classic afternoon tea traditions and global culinary influences, Chef Nathan designed the menu to balance familiar favourites with contemporary flavours.
The experience begins with freshly baked scones served with butter, cream, cheese and homemade strawberry jam. A generous savoury selection follows, including finger sandwiches, smoked salmon and dill cream cheese croissants, chicken and leek pie, Moroccan lamb pastilla and mushroom empanadas.
The patisserie selection showcases a variety of flavors and textures, featuring a chocolate and passion fruit petit gâteau, pecan and vanilla tart, caramel and naartjie choux, and pistachio and raspberry financier. Seasonal variations will be introduced throughout the year, reflecting ingredient availability and culinary inspiration.
Each course is paired with a tea from the collection created in collaboration with Nigiro, including a marula and strawberry rooibos blend that highlights local flavours.
“Afternoon tea is a tradition that many of our guests have come to enjoy over the years,” says Chef Nathan. “In refreshing the experience for its new
home in the Lobby Lounge & Bar, we wanted to preserve the elements guests know and appreciate while introducing new flavours and influences that reflect both local ingredients and global culinary inspiration.
“For me, a memorable afternoon tea is about balance,” Chef Nathan adds. “It combines quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation and attentive service in a relaxed setting. Whether guests are marking a special occasion or simply spending time together, we wanted to create an experience that leaves them feeling welcomed, relaxed, and truly pampered.’’
The Champagne Afternoon Tea Experience is available daily in the Lobby Lounge & Bar with advance notice. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the
experience is offered across two seatings at 12:00 and 15:00, accompanied by live music. The Champagne Afternoon Tea Experience is priced at ZAR 950 per person, and includes a glass of French champagne, or ZAR 650 per
A Season of Dining at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg
The launch of the Champagne Afternoon Tea Experience marks the latest addition to the evolving culinary offering at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg. Flames, recently recognized as Best Fine Dining Restaurant in South Africa by the South African Restaurant Awards, will offer a series of dining experiences curated by Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg, including seasonal collaborations with Cape wine estate Babylonstoren to an evening devoted to the artistry of South African agave spirit.
The programme includes:
July 31, The Spirit of Inzalo Agave
A bold exploration of agave spirits paired with a refined, fire-inspired menu
August 28, The Agronomist
Celebrating exceptional vineyards with exceptional ingredients
September 23, Spring with Babylonstoren
An exploration of honey, expressed with balance and restraint
October 24, Effervescence with Moët & Chandon
An evening of elegance, bubbles and elevated pairings
November 27, Wasted. Reimagined
A creative culinary journey where nothing goes to waste
December 3, Summer with Babylonstoren
A showcase of heirloom tomatoes at their seasonal peak
Each occasion is designed to extend beyond the table. Guests seeking to extend their visit may also enjoy an overnight stay, a treatment in the Spa, time in the sauna and steam facilities, and breakfast served in bed overlooking extraordinary views of Johannesburg.
Reservations
The Champagne Afternoon Tea Experience or The Westcliff Afternoon Tea may be booked via Dineplan, or by contacting the Hotel directly.
For reservations, call +27 11 481 6000 or email reservations.johannesburg@fourseasons.com.
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