Every year, the Jacaranda Afternoon Tea experience at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff celebrates the city’s iconic Jacaranda bloom season.
Created by Executive Pastry Chef Nathan Jacobs, this year’s menu draws inspiration from the distinctive palette of spring while reimagining one of Johannesburg’s most cherished traditions.
The Jacaranda Afternoon Tea: What to expect
Each spring, Johannesburg’s streets take on a soft purple haze almost overnight. Elevated on the Westcliff ridge, the hotel offers one of the city’s most enviable vantage points from which to witness the transformation.
Served in the Lobby Lounge & Bar overlooking Johannesburg’s urban forest, the Jacaranda Afternoon Tea invites guests to pause and take in the season while enjoying a menu inspired by its colours and character.
Chef Jacobs has built the 2026 menu around the fruits that share the blossom’s palette. Blueberry, blackberry, blackcurrant and cherry feature throughout the sweet selection, while savoury offerings include beetroot-cured salmon, warm butter chicken pies and classic afternoon tea favourites.
Jacaranda Cocktails at Flames
Throughout the season, Flames introduces a limited-edition cocktail menu celebrating Johannesburg’s most colourful time of year. Two seasonal cocktails sit alongside the tiers, offering a spirited alternative to the traditional bubbles pour.
Drawing inspiration from the violet hues that settle across the city’s urban forest each spring, the collection offers guests another way to experience the city’s annual transformation.
As afternoon gives way to evening, Flames provides a spectacular setting from which to watch the sun set over the purple canopy, with panoramic views stretching across Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.
Experience lilac bliss on the Jacaranda bloom walk
On 24 and 25 October, the hotel invites guests to experience jacaranda season beyond the hotel grounds through a special weekend programme presented in collaboration with Joburg In Your Pocket.
Each morning begins with tea, coffee and light refreshments in the Lobby Lounge & Bar before guests set out on a guided exploration of Westcliff’s jacaranda-lined avenues. Led by local guides and specialists, the walks offer insight into the history, architecture and seasonal character of one of Johannesburg’s most celebrated neighbourhoods.
Following the walk, guests are invited to return to the hotel to continue the experience. On Saturday, the Jacaranda Afternoon Tea provides a fitting continuation of the morning’s exploration, while Sunday offers a choice between the Jacaranda Afternoon Tea and brunch at Flames, the hotel’s award-winning open-fire restaurant.
Cost: R1500pp, book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 24 October from 8.30am. Sunday, 25 October from 8am
Where: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg
How to book
Cost: R650pp, including a glass of South African Méthode Cap Classique. There is also a Champagne Jacaranda Afternoon Tea at R950pp, including a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne. Book via email [email protected] or call 011 481 6190
When: Running from 1 October to 30 November 2026. Every Friday to Sunday, with seatings at 12pm and 3pm
Where: Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, Johannesburg
Website: flamesrestaurant.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 481 6190
Facebook: @FourSeasonsHotelWestcliffJohannesburg
Instagram: @fsjohannesburg
Where to see Jacarandas in bloom this spring
