Wintergarten

finest Patisserie by Fabian Scheithe

THE ART OF SMALL THINGS

TEA AND BAKERY SPECIALITIES AT THE EXCELSIOR

Petals on a petit four, the crunch and melt of a praline, the scent of tea and soft piano notes – in our Wintergarten everything revolves around the art of small things, which all come together to create a very special experience. The delicate patisserie of our executive pastry chef Fabian Scheithe and the Excelsior Afternoon Tea are full of special touches that turn afternoons and early evenings into an experience of their own. Everyone’s welcome to come and enjoy the occasion – hotel guests and visitors alike.

book Afternoon Tea

A LIFE DEDICATED TO TEA

There’s a suitable tea for every mood and every moment. And our tea sommelier Andrea Helbig knows how to find it. It’s not for nothing that she holds the coveted title of “Tea Master Gold”. Immerse yourself in fragrant, pungent and exotic tea varieties under her careful guidance. Best of all with your eyes closed at the end of a long week. And listening to the sweet-sounding tones of talented pianist Robin Meloy Goldsby, who – after stints at New York’s Grand Hyatt, Plaza and Waldorf Astoria – now spreads her magic in our conservatory.

TASTE IS IN THE DETAILS

FIRST-CLASS PATISSERIE

The more delicate a creation, the more intense the taste should be. Our executive pastry chef Fabian Scheithe creates delicious treats with his petits fours, petits gâteaux, tarts and pralines.

THE SOUL OF BRITISH TEA CULTURE

Tea first came to England over 300 years ago. It is said that Queen Anne was responsible for its rapid spread as she preferred to drink it for breakfast rather than the warm beer that had been customary up to that point. Since then, tea culture has been part of the British way of life. The right afternoon tea includes not only the beverage that is its centrepiece, but also the well-known mini sandwiches and of course scones. Executive pastry chef Fabian Scheithe developed them in London, where he once prepared afternoon tea for Queen Elizabeth II. With our Excelsior Afternoon Tea you’ll experience a classic part of British tea culture that is centuries old.

Book your Afternoon Tea

TAKE THE MAGIC HOME WITH YOU

PATISSERIE AS A GIFT

It would be such a shame if you couldn’t share an exquisite praline with others or enjoy it at home. That’s why our sweet works of art are available fresh from the display counter every day. And those who adore British tea culture are sure to appreciate a gift voucher for our Excelsior Afternoon Tea.

Gift an Afternoon Tea

THE MASTER BAKER

Fabian Scheithe

His love of baking began here in Cologne. Our executive pastry chef Fabian Scheithe did his confectionery training in one of the most celebrated cafés in the city. This was followed by a global culinary journey. After stints at renowned hotels in Austria and Switzerland and the legendary Lanesborough in England, he served on cruise ships around the world. Since 2016 he’s been sharing all he learned back in his hometown – here at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst. And as well as the Wintergarten, he is also responsible for the unique desserts on the menus of the Hanse Stube and taku. In 2022 Fabian Scheithe was voted “Pastry Chef of the Year” by the restaurant guide “Schlemmer Atlas”.