Four Seasons Westcliff Launches Champagne Afternoon Tea in Johannesburg

If you’re looking for a refined afternoon tea in Johannesburg, the newly launched Champagne Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg is worth a visit. The hotel has reimagined its long-standing afternoon tea offering, moving it from Flames Restaurant to the recently opened Lobby Lounge & Bar. The result is a more contemporary, light-filled space that feels both elevated and relaxed.

The Lobby Lounge & Bar overlooks the leafy suburbs of Forest Town, Saxonwold and Rosebank, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of Johannesburg’s skyline. It’s a setting that works just as well for a slow afternoon as it does for a more social, occasion-driven experience, especially on weekends when live music adds to the atmosphere.

At the centre of the experience is a menu created by Executive Pastry Chef Nathan Jacobs, designed to balance classic afternoon tea elements with more modern flavours. It begins with freshly baked scones served with butter, cream, cheese and strawberry jam, before moving into a savoury selection that includes finger sandwiches, smoked salmon croissants, chicken and leek pie, Moroccan lamb pastilla and mushroom empanadas.

The patisserie offering leans into both texture and flavour, with a line-up that includes a chocolate and passion fruit petit gâteau, pecan and vanilla tart, caramel and naartjie choux, and a pistachio and raspberry financier. The menu will evolve seasonally, which makes it appealing as a repeat experience rather than a once-off visit.

Tea pairings are developed in collaboration with Nigiro, incorporating local flavour profiles such as marula and strawberry rooibos. The Champagne Afternoon Tea includes a glass of French champagne, while a more accessible option features a local MCC.

The experience is available daily with advance booking. On Fridays through Sundays, it is served in two seatings at midday and mid-afternoon, accompanied by live music. Pricing is set at R950 per person for the Champagne option and R650 for the MCC variation.

Beyond afternoon tea, the hotel continues to expand its culinary programme. Flames, recently recognised among South Africa’s leading fine dining restaurants, is hosting a series of curated dining experiences across the year, including collaborations with Babylonstoren and seasonal tasting menus. For those looking to extend their visit, the hotel also offers spa treatments and overnight stays that position it as a full-day or weekend escape within the city.