A Delicious Slice of Heaven: High Tea at La Residence, Franschhoek

As the rolling vineyards and dramatic mountains of Franschhoek fade into the distance behind your car, a sense of anticipation builds. You’ve heard whispers about La Residence—a hideaway of opulence, charm, and indulgence nestled in South Africa’s culinary capital.

But nothing, absolutely nothing, prepares you for the magical welcome that awaits.

Where is La Residence?

Firstly, La Residence is tucked away in the Franschhoek Valley, a small town about an hour and a half from Cape Town. Known for its French-inspired food scene, historic wine estates, and breathtaking scenery, Franschhoek is one of South Africa’s most beloved travel destinations.

And La Residence? It’s the crown jewel.

What is La Residence?

Secondly, La Residence is a five-star boutique hotel that feels more like a luxurious fantasy. It forms part of The Royal Portfolio, owned by Liz Biden, who transformed a fruit orchard into this heavenly escape. Every inch of La Residence reflects her artistic flair and love of travel, showcasing her collection of hand-selected furniture, artwork, and fabrics gathered from around the world.

The Grand Entrance

As you arrive, you’re immediately greeted by cheerful staff—smiling, waving, and welcoming you with the warmth usually reserved for long-lost friends. Their joy is contagious. A doorman opens the oversized wooden doors, revealing the lavish interior of the main building.

It’s as if you’ve stepped into a dream.

Décor Fit for a Maharaja

The décor is gloriously over the top. In the best way possible. Think bold colours—royal purples, deep emeralds, burnished golds. Rich velvets. Hand-painted Chinese screens. Enormous vases filled with fresh blooms. Chandeliers shimmer above your head like something out of a Venetian ballroom. Indian silks blend effortlessly with beautiful, bright prints, and antique furniture sits beside vibrant contemporary art.

It’s theatrical, fabulous, and completely unforgettable. Wander past the grand hall and you’ll find a treasure trove of thoughtful details and spaces to explore.

The Gift Boutique

Here, Liz Biden’s discerning eye shines once again. Every item in the boutique is handpicked—silk scarves, artisan jewellery, handbags, books, and luxe garments. It’s a curated wonderland where you’ll want to touch, try, and take everything home.

The Sitting Room

Depending on the season, you might cosy up in front of a roaring fireplace or sink into a velvet sofa with a book, the summer breeze wafting in from the garden. The sitting room is elegant, comfortable, and impossibly serene. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink—or in our case, the main event: High Tea.

The Library

Lined with beautiful old and new books, the library is a quiet sanctuary. You’re encouraged to swap your novel with one from the shelf, which feels like a secret little exchange between guests. Fiction, history, memoir—it’s all there waiting.

The Pool

Outside, the swimming pool glistens. Yellow parasols shade plush loungers, while surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Franschhoek mountains. Peacocks strut. Ponies nibble at the grass. Squirrels dart through the trees.

The scenery alone is worth the visit.

The High Tea Experience

But let’s talk tea. The magnificent High Tea at La Residence.

You are led to your table, elegantly set with polished silver, fine china, and crystal glasses. The setting is a scene from a romantic film. Sparkling chandeliers hang above, and fresh roses sit at each place. High Tea at La Residence is absolutely gobsmacking!

Soon, the magic begins. Tiered trays arrive—works of edible art, each layer more enchanting than the last. The savoury selection includes miniature quiches, smoked salmon sandwiches, and delicate tartlets bursting with local flavour. There are cheese puffs so light they almost float. A tomato and goat cheese mille-feuille that melts in your mouth.

Then the sweet side appears. Brace yourself.

Together with macarons, rich chocolate truffles, lemon meringue kisses, petit fours, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and the lightest sponge cake you’ve ever tasted. Each item is a bite-sized heaven.

Equally important, the pastry chef herself arrives at our table, beaming with pride. She walks us through each item with passion and joy, and suddenly, everything tastes even better. It’s not just food—it’s storytelling on a plate. You are not rushed; in fact, left alone to enjoy your surroundings.

A Scene of Joy

Additionally, we sat there, sipping our tea, wide-eyed and full-hearted, taking it all in. Furthermore, the mountains, the gold accents, and the soft pink piano that Sir Elton John played on. And of course, the real scene-stealers: the resident springboks, peacocks, squirrels, and Shetland ponies that roam the estate. Without question, it’s like having a mini game drive served up with your very own Jaipur!

Final Thoughts

Finally, High Tea at La Residence is not just an afternoon outing—it’s a sensory journey. From the warm welcome to the final crumb of pastry, everything is elevated, elegant, and deeply personal. Uniquely, it’s a place where the whimsical meets the luxurious, and every detail is designed to delight.

Without a doubt, you must come hungry. Come curious. Come ready to be spoiled most extraordinarily. Because once you’ve experienced High Tea at La Residence, nothing else will ever quite compare.