An ‘Afternoon Tea’ Experience at Walkersons Hotel & Spa
Tea and Scones – a signature Walkersons delight
When it comes to indulging in British culinary traditions, the charming ‘afternoon tea’ tradition of with tea and scones stands out as a quintessential delight. Synonymous with leisurely gatherings, the appreciation of fine teas and a delectable array of tea-time treats, afternoon tea originated in 19th century England. It was the Duchess of Bedford who, when disclosing her secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinner, set a trend that would become a national tradition, complete with its own set of etiquette rules. Today, afternoon tea is enjoyed not only in London, but all around the world.
Walkersons Hotel & Spa, a much-loved country haven situated in the hills of the Mpumalanga highlands just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom an easy 2½ hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, is a place of mist, magic, endless vistas and a soul-soothing serenity. It’s a hotel that’s a perfect blend of elegance and charm with glorious gardens, stunning views, food ‘to-die-for’ and its own ‘afternoon tea’ experience, served on the Terrace – a popular Dullstroom tradition that brings together the glory of nature and the gastronomic delight of its famous scones in the most beautiful of settings.
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary year and operating under new owners, the hotel has recently undergone a transforming ‘mini revamp’. Another revamp of sorts, one with a ‘sustainable flavour’ has been a fine-tuning to Walkersons’ famous scones.
“Walkersons Hotel & Spa has long been famous for its scones – freshly-baked each day, these sweet delights are mouth-wateringly light and fluffy with a delicate crispy edge. Traditionally served with strawberry jam and dollops of freshly whipped cream, we’re adding new variation with a homegrown Walkersons twist,” says executive Chef Guy Nahman.
“Launching as part of our Spring/Summer menu are our scones with homemade lemon curd and blueberry jam. As part of developing our farm-to-fork philosophy, we use locally farmed ingredients where possible. We get our free-range eggs from Red Wing Farms, our new blueberry jam is made with blueberries supplied to us by Palmietfontein Farm that are literally, ‘bursting with flavour’ and our lemon curd is made with lemons from Walkersons’ own trees. Here are the recipes for you to try at home.”
Walkersons famous scones
Ingredients for 18 – 20 scones
1 kg self -raising flour
1 cup – 250ml white sugar
1 cup – 250ml plain Greek yoghurt
4 eggs
2 tsp of vanilla essence or 1 tsp of vanilla extract
1250g pure butter – room temperature
Method: Mix butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and Greek yoghurt well together. Add 30ml of fresh milk. Add the self – raising flour and hand-mix the dough – do not over-work the dough. Flatten the dough, roughly 2.5cm thick and cut into rounds or squares. Bake in a preheated oven at 170° C till golden brown.
Walkersons Blueberry Jam
Ingredients
4 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions: Mix blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until thickened, about 30 minutes.
Lemon Curd
Ingredients
3 eggs
2 egg yolks
½ cup castor sugar
½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 Tbsp Lemon zest, finely grated
½ cup butter
Directions: Whisk all the ingredients, except the zest, over simmering water in a double boiler until thick. Strain and add the zest. Store in a sterilised jar.
“Our aim in this anniversary year is to continue to offer memorable Walkersons experiences to our guests and our ‘Afternoon Tea’ experience is one you don’t want to miss”, says new owner and GM, Alex Band.
Situated on the 800-hectare estate, the exclusive 5-star Walkersons Hotel & Spa, the ‘Ultimate Gateway to the Lowveld’ is ideal for a luxurious weekend break in the country and the perfect venue for a wedding or a business conference.
To find out more about Afternoon Tea at Walkersons or to book a stay at this luxury Dullstroom hotel please visit www.walkersons.co.za
Reservations: +27(0)61 272 6185, +27(0)13 253 7000, reservations@walkersons.co.za
Facebook/Instagram: Walkersons Hotel & Spa
Walkersons Hotel & Spa
Built in 1993 the five-star Walkersons Hotel & Spa near Dullstroom is a perfect blend of elegance and charm with an old -world country atmosphere reminiscent of a Scottish Country Manor. Located on an 800-hectare country estate, Walkersons boasts 27 suites comprising 14 lakeside suites, 11 luxury lakeside suites, the Manor suite (suitable for families) and a Honeymoon suite – all tastefully appointed and fully up to date with all the modern amenities. There are also two luxury self-catering family cottages. Along with the unspoiled countryside and Walkersons’ ‘fly-fishing paradise’ of 14 lakes and dams stocked with Rainbow Trout, other significant attractions and activities are its hiking, biking and walking trails, a popular activity at the estate – taking in the views on horseback (the on-site Dullstroom Riding Centre offers horse riding at affordable rates), its wildlife – red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok, mountain reedbuck, grey ribbok, grey duiker, oribi and blesbok plus a large number of nocturnal animals including civet, serval, bush pig, porcupine and the black- backed as well as side-striped jackal, to mention a few. Also significant is its luxurious onsite-Spa, top class service and its gourmet country cuisine. Dining is an indulgent affair at The Flying Scotsman and a more laidback one at The Terrace where you can enjoy unpretentious country fare and light meals and glorious views, while the new Colonel Potter Bar is perfect for relaxed afternoon and pre/post-dinner drinks. Walkersons famous scones can be enjoyed at afternoon tea overlooking the beautiful garden or a specially prepared picnic hamper to be enjoyed down by the river. Recipient of the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award from 2013 to 2018 and the Travellers’ Choice Award in 2019, 2021 and 2022, Walkersons Hotel & Spa is ideal for exclusive weekend breaks, weddings and business conferences.
For more information please visit www.walkersons.co.za
Reservations: +27(0)61 272 6185, +27(0)13 253 7000 or reservations@walkersons.co.za
Facebook/Instagram: Walkersons Hotel & Spa