For someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy tea, I’m surprised to find myself sharing yet another instalment of “afternoon tea in Nairobi.” I like to joke that this is one of the ways I live a “fake life,” because while I neither drink tea nor coffee at home – and rarely even crave them – I can’t resist visiting cafes and restaurants when I travel.
There’s just something about the ambience. Whether it’s a charming café in Tokyo or Cairo, or an unforgettable high tea with giraffes in Namibia, if there’s a stunning view or an elaborate setup, I’ll happily sip a cup of tea or coffee as if it were my daily ritual.
And after a delicious and relaxing afternoon tea and spa experience at Villa Rosa Kempinski, I knew I wanted to repeat the experience. I researched several places in Nairobi that had similar offerings and decided to spend another afternoon enjoying afternoon tea, this time at Hemingways Nairobi.
Afternoon Tea at Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel located in Karen, a leafy suburb about 20 minutes from Nairobi’s city centre. The property sits on beautifully manicured grounds, with sweeping views of the Ngong Hills in the distance, creating a stunning backdrop for afternoon tea.
Upon arrival, Mark and I were invited to take a seat in the lobby while we waited for our table on the outdoor terrace. It was a busy Sunday afternoon, and the Sunday buffet lunch was just wrapping up, which meant the restaurant was still quite lively. If I were to revisit for afternoon tea, which I most likely will, I would probably avoid the weekend in favour of a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
After a short wait, we were escorted to the outdoor terrace where afternoon tea is served. Hemingways offers this experience in an open air setting surrounded by lush gardens. We were seated on the ground floor, so there were no views of the rolling hills, but the garden setting felt serene and quietly regal. Soon after, it was time for tea.
We were offered a choice of coffee or a selection of teas. I thought the tea options were somewhat limited compared to what I was offered at Kempinski, but then again, I am hardly a connoisseur and was happy to choose an English Earl Grey. Despite my usual indifference to tea, I genuinely savoured every sip.
When one thinks of afternoon tea, I suppose the tea itself usually takes centre stage. For me, however, the real highlight was the traditional three tiered stand of finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate pastries.
I appreciated the beautiful, classic presentation of the sandwiches and pastries, but it was the taste of the food itself that impressed me most. Everything was fresh and full of flavour, with perfectly baked scones paired with rich, indulgent condiments. The desserts were light and airy, not overly sweet, which meant Mark and I could enjoy them fully.
Overall, the entire experience surpassed what I have previously had at Villa Rosa Kempinski, and I am now genuinely looking forward to returning for a proper lunch or dinner. My expectations are high, and if the afternoon tea experience is anything to go by, the meals will be exceptional.
Planning Your Visit
Afternoon tea at Hemingways Nairobi is available daily from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. I’d recommend making a reservation in advance, especially on weekends, as the intimate terrace setting has limited seating.
Pricing & What’s Included
KES 6,000 per serving (serves one or two people)
The afternoon tea menu includes:
- A selection of finger sandwiches
- Freshly baked scones
- Clotted cream, strawberry jam, and tree tomato jam
- A selection of handcrafted cakes and pastries
- Your choice of specially selected teas, freshly brewed coffee, or highland tea
- Unlimited tea and coffee refills throughout your service
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon escape in Nairobi, afternoon tea at Hemingways is well worth the trip to Karen. The combination of exceptional food quality, stunning garden views, and impeccable service creates a truly memorable experience. Even as someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy tea in everyday life, I found myself completely enchanted by the setting and the care put into every detail.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating yourself to some self-care, or simply want to experience one of Nairobi’s most beautiful afternoon tea settings, Hemingways delivers on all fronts.
Have you been to afternoon tea at Hemingways or anywhere else in Nairobi? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
