Tea Under The Trees

Trees, Tea and Tranquility

Nestled under tall and magnificent trees on a farm just off Main Road, Paarl, is Tea Under The Trees, an idyllic spot for a cup of tea and a sweet treat or a relaxing lunch.  The tables are situated under the trees (as the name implies) surrounded by lush gardens overflowing with hydrangeas.  “I loathe hydrangeas” Madonna is perhaps the only person who would not find the setting gorgeous.  There are several vintage décor items located around the gardens, mostly bunnies, which enhance the quaint feel of the venue.  There were plenty of hearts around along with a large LOVE  spelled out against a wall, which was certainly appropriate considering that we visited on Valentine’s Day.  In addition to the tables in the garden, there are tables on the front porch of the majestic manor house which seems to transport one back to a simpler time when tea was an event and an integral part of one’s daily routine. 

The menu caters for diverse tastes and it was refreshing to note that items are reasonably priced whereas similar venues tend to inflate prices.  According to their website: “Tea Under The Trees uses fresh organic produce, including the farm's own grapes, strawberries, artichokes, olives and a variety of homemade preserves.”   We opted for the scones with preserves (strawberry and grape) and cream and were pleasantly surprised to receive two complimentary (still warm) cinnamon donuts as a Valentine’s Day treat.  The menu also includes an extensive collection of teas beyond your dare-I-say boring Earl Grey or Rooibos.  Deciding on which of the many flavoured teas to try was difficult but eventually I settled on a cranberry, raspberry and elderflower blend which did not disappoint. 

The service was excellent; staff were attentive without being invasive.  Sipping on a cup of tea while indulging in scones and looking out onto the gardens made me feel at ease, as if I had no cares in the world.  Even though it is a child-friendly venue, I have to say I loved the fact that there were no screaming children to ruin the tranquility for me – send the hate mail if you must, I stand by this.  In addition, there is a bric-a-brac shop with a host of interesting odds and ends that make for an enjoyable browse.

If you are in the Cape Town area, do yourself a favour and take a drive to Paarl to visit this gem of a tea garden.  Check out their website: http://teaunderthetrees.co.za/ for more information and their menu.