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Ever since moving to Joburg little over a year ago, I’ve made it my quest to find delightful, little hidden gems in and around the city, where I can enjoy great food and drinks with friends. Over the Easter weekend, I stumbled across the most enthralling place, The Secret Tea Garden in Norscot Manor Recreation Centre, and I’m happy to report that it’s now on my list of top finds!
I arrived at the charming restaurant with a girlfriend of mine on Easter Sunday for some tea, cake and a catch-up. I was instantly blown away by the beautifully manicured lawns, stunning table displays and cutesy décor. If I’m perfectly honest, I think the setting is just breath-taking, and certainly one of the most tranquil that Joburg has to offer.
Luckily we’d booked, because the place was filling up fast. We took our seats at our table, which was situated in the middle of the extensive garden, and were instantly greeted by our very kind and friendly waitress, who made us feel right at home.
To start off, my friend and I both decided to order up an iced coffee. While catching up and sipping on our delicious icy beverage, we agreed that the feast of cakes in the large, gleaming glass domes close by were rather tempting, and so we decided that we’d just order something light for lunch, to make sure we had room for a slice of one of those heavenly cakes.
After a quick peruse of the menu, I decided to go for one of my favourite lunchtime eats – a tramezzini consisting of chicken breast strips, bacon, basil pesto, fresh avocado and mozzarella cheese. I must tell you that it was a tough task deciding on what to have, with all of the restaurant’s tantalising options, which included breakfasts, salads, burgers, open sandwiches, toasties and light lunches.
My girlfriend, on the other hand, ordered up one of their specialties – the Michelle’s Treat open sandwich, which boasts sliced chicken fillets, basil pesto, lettuce and avocado on toasted health bread. Our dishes came out in good time, and were simply delicious! The open sandwich especially looked like some form of art. Plus, my tramezinni was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. To wash it down, we each ordered a Rock Shandy to sip on in the basking sunshine.
And then it was time for cake … oh, glorious cake! Because what’s a girly luncheon without a sweet ending, right? The restaurant’s two signature bakes include their chocolate chiffon and orange chiffon, but they also had a number of new options on offer that day, including the Bar One, Milky Bar, coconut, salted peanut butter and chocolate mousse cakes.
Being the white chocolate lover I am, I decided to have a slice of the Milky Bar, while my friend had the Bar One. We also decided on a pot of Ceylon tea on the side. All I can say is that our cakes were truly a slice of heaven! In my opinion this wonderful restaurant is a real treat, and a perfect spot to enjoy lunch with your group of girls, your loved one, or family.
The Secret Tea Garden also offers a gorgeous Tea For Two option, which is priced at R150 and available from 2:30pm onwards every day, and includes scones, cake of the day, dainty sandwiches and biscuits displayed on a stunning three-tier stand accompanied by Ceylon tea or filter coffee.
If you’d really like to indulge, then perhaps their divine high tea option is more up your alley, which costs R170 per person and includes all the same fare as the tea for two, with a couple more delectable options to tuck into. Why not round all of your girlfriends up and go and treat yourselves to a luxurious little high tea in this beautiful setting? I know I’ll be returning to do that very soon!
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