Paws & Pastries: A luxury high tea experience for dogs and their humans

Bantry Bay, Cape Town. The President Hotel is hosting ‘Paws & Pastries,’ an exclusive Doggy High Tea fundraising event on Saturday, 24 May from 2pm to 5pm at the hotel’s Deck Bar. This unique afternoon gathering invites dogs and their owners to enjoy a sophisticated high tea experience while supporting local animal welfare organisations.

The event brings together four respected animal welfare groups—Run for the Dogs, Paws A While, Pit Pals and the WOWproject—to raise funds for a vital sterilisation initiative in Atlantis that aims to help 100 dogs receive proper veterinary care.

‘We’re combining fun with philanthropy where guests and their four-legged companions will enjoy delicious treats while contributing to a cause that improves the lives of animals in underserved communities,’ says Jessica Sutcliffe, Food & Beverage Director at The President Hotel.

Event highlights

Gourmet dining: A specially curated menu featuring treats for both dogs and their owners.
Best-dressed dog competition: Canine companions are encouraged to dress in their finest attire.
Pet photo booth: Capture memorable moments with your pooch.
Paw print art station: Create personalised keepsakes.
Charity raffle: Win prizes from premium pet brands.

The carefully crafted menu includes:

For dogs there are savoury options such as chicken liver terrine, beef meatballs with gravy, pumpkin fritters and salmon croquettes. Sweet treats including peanut butter pupcakes, mini carrot cake, strawberry bites and coconut honey treats.

For humans the elegant savouries feature melanzane parmigiana tartlet, shiitake quiche, mebos chicken vol-au-vents, karoo lamb sausage roll and smoked salmon finger sandwiches, while desserts include citrus cheesecake, buttermilk scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, fruit tartlets, chocolate macarons and milk tart éclairs.

Proceeds from the event will fund a sterilisation drive in Atlantis, providing 100 dogs with essential veterinary services that improve their health and well-being while addressing community animal management challenges.

Event details

Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: The President Hotel, Deck Bar & Terrace, Cape Town
Tickets: R300 per dog, R350 per human companion
Booking essential: WhatsApp 071 368 9529 or bookings@presidenthotel.co.za
Website: www.presidenthotel.co.za

About the beneficiaries

Run For The Dogs is a foundation that transforms shelter dogs’ lives through running partnerships, pairing these animals with runners during organised events. Participants contribute cans of dog food as entry fees, which are donated directly to local shelters. This May, Run For The Dogs has collaborated with Paws A While, Pit Pals and the WOWproject to conduct a vital sterilisation drive in Atlantis, aiming to provide essential veterinary care to 100 dogs over a two-day period. Your participation in the Paws & Pastries event directly supports this initiative.