Wintergarten
finest Patisserie at the excelsior
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 the Excelsior 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.
A LIFE DEDICATED TO TEA
There’s a suitable tea for every mood and every moment. And our team knows how to find it. 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 its taste should be. Under the guidance of Pavel Tanev, our pastry team creates delicious petits fours, petits gâteaux, tarts and pralines – delightful masterpieces of taste.
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.
THE MASTERPIECE OF PATISSERIE
pavel tanev
Raised in a family of pâtissiers, Pavel Tanev developed a passion for pastry from an early age. With over 16 years of experience, he refined his craft in some of Europe’s most distinguished kitchens, including Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany and Spain. His approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Since 2024, he has been bringing his expertise to the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, delighting guests with exquisite desserts. In addition to the Wintergarten, he is also responsible for the unique dessert creations on the menus of Hanse Stube and taku.
Exceptionally Special
Wintergarten Highlights
Excelsior Afternoon Tea
Excelsior Christmas Sollen
VALENTINE’S AFTERNOON TEA
mother’s day afternoon tea
pop-up flower café
Excelsior Afternoon Tea
With a pot of tea of your choice, including a selection of finest English Afternoon Tea classics and a glass of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive: 72 € p.P.
Live Piano Music
English Tea Time with live piano music by Steinway pianist Robin Meloy Goldsby* every Friday – Sunday: 3pm to 6pm
Our Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2pm to 6pm. Please book at least 24 hours in advance. Unfortunately, same-day reservations are not possible.
To make a reservation please call: + 49 221 / 270 – 1
or send an e-mail to: info@excelsior-hotel-ernst.de
Excelsior Afternoon Tea
THE ART OF SMALL THINGS
Petals on a petit four, the crunch and melt of a praline, the scent of tea and soft piano notes – all come together to create a very special experience. The delicate patisserie of Executive Pastry Chef Pavel Tanev and the Excelsior Afternoon Tea are full of special touches that turn afternoons and early evenings into an experience of their own.
Our Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2pm to 6pm.
Excelsior Afternoon Tea with live Piano Music
English Tea Time with live music by Steinway pianist Robin Meloy Goldsby: Friday to Sunday on selected holidays from 2:30pm to 5:30pm
Price: 76 EUR per person
With a pot of tea of your choice, including a selection of finest English Afternoon Tea classics and a glass of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive.
Reservations:
Please book at least 24 hours in advance.
Unfortunately, same-day reservations are not possible.
To make a reservation please call: + 49 221 / 270 – 1 or send an e-mail to: info@excelsior-hotel-ernst.de
TRADITIONAL EXCELSIOR STOLLEN
FAMOUS for GENERATIONS
The wait is over! You can once again indulge in the Excelsior Christmas Stollen this year. To enjoy this traditional culinary delight, visit us at the hotel and buy the Stollen at the reception. Of course you will also find us again at the "Christmas market at Cologne Cathedral", where we offer other exquisite delicacies in addition to the Excelsior Stollen.
For generations, the Stollen recipe has been kept in the hotel safe. At the beginning of September, Georg Plesser, the Managing Director of the hotel, takes it out and hands it over to the hotel's pastry chef. To sample the first Stollen of the year, Charles Roulet, the hotel owner, personally travels to Cologne to issue the production order for the Stollen.
The patisserie crafts this exquisite pastry with great care, using only the finest ingredients. We cordially invite you to visit our stand No. 42 at the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market and discover the traditional Excelsior Stollen. For each sold Stollen, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst donates one Euro to “wir helfen e.V.”, a Cologne-based charity that supports social projects for children and young people in need throughout the region.
Pre-orders can be placed online now. Shipping and pickup will start on 17th November 2025.
FINEST PASTRY COURSE
for lovers of sweet delights
Immerse yourself in the irresistible world of patisserie and experience an exclusive afternoon designed for all lovers of sweet treats. Led by Executive Pastry Chef Pavel Tanev and his talented team, you will gain a unique behind-the-scenes look at the art of high-end patisserie.
Learn from a master of his craft, who will not only offer fascinating insights into the art of desserts but also share valuable tips and tricks that you can easily implement at home. You’ll soon be impressing and delighting your family and friends with your newfound skills and exquisite creations.
A course that will ignite your passion for patisserie and enrich you with new skills – a must for true connoisseurs!
Date: 12th October 2025 | This event is already fully booked.
Time: 2pm - 6pm
Price: 189 EUR per person including champagne and savory snacks.
To make a reservation please call: + 49 221 / 270 – 3166.
valentine’s day at the excelsior
for unforgettable culinary moments
The saying “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach” is well-known, but our Afternoon Tea is a true hidden gem. On Valentine’s Day, Executive Pastry Chef Pavel Tanev will add a special touch to this delightful experience. Indulge in an exquisite Afternoon Tea stand featuring freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, clotted cream, and other treats that are sure to make your heart flutter. The ambiance is perfectly complemented by live piano music, creating an unforgettable Valentine’s Day for you and your loved ones.
Date: 14th February 2026
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Price: 85 € per person incl. a pot of tea of your choice, a selection of finest English Afternoon Tea classics and a glass of Champagne Bernard Remy “Carte Blanche”
To make a reservation please call: + 49 221 / 270 – 1.
mother's day afternoon tea
a tasteful way to say thank you
Celebrate Mother's Day with our exquisite Mother's Day Afternoon Tea. Enjoy moments together with a selection of delicate tea variations accompanied by an array of handcrafted treats and exquisite pastries. Reserve now and make Mother's Day an unforgettable experience.
Date: 10th May 2026
Time: From 2pm
Price: 85 EUR per person
With a pot of tea of your choice, including a selection of finest English Afternoon Tea classics and a glass of Champagne Bernard Remy "Carte Blanche"
To make a reservation please call: + 49 221 / 270 – 1.
FLORAL ART MEETS TEA DELIGHT
AN AFTERNOON FOR ALL SENSES
Together with Ali Pourkhalili, the renowned Cologne-based florist and in-house florist of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, you will create your own unique floral wreath under his expert guidance. Known for his extraordinary creations and inspiring approach, Ali Pourkhalili will lead you through this floral experience – a creative highlight that is sure to captivate.
The afternoon will be accompanied by a traditional Afternoon Tea. Look forward to the finest tea varieties, delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and exquisite pâtisserie creations from our Executive Pastry Chef Pavel Tanev.
Whether as a soothing escape or a thoughtful gift for someone special, this afternoon offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy and create together.
Date: 31st May 2026
Time: 2pm - 5:30pm
Price: 175 EUR per person
including Afternoon Tea, a glass of champagne, and a floral wreath
To make a reservation please call: + 49 221 / 270 – 3166.
petals & pastries
pop-up flower café in the courtyard
Experience a truly enchanting summer highlight: From 25th June to 16th August 2026, our beloved Afternoon Tea will be served outdoors. Following last year’s great success, the luxury hotel’s courtyard will once again be transformed for seven weeks into a magical Flower Café, where the exquisite patisserie creations of Pavel Tanev blend seamlessly with the artistic floral designs of Ali Pourkhalili.
As dusk falls, the Flower Café transforms into a stylish terrace bar. In this enchanting evening atmosphere, guests can enjoy floral-inspired cocktails and a curated selection of premium beverages from the Charles Bar – the perfect way to unwind in a unique setting.
Reservations for the "Petals & Pastries" Afternoon Tea are now open. Due to limited seating, early booking is recommended. No reservations are required for the evening bar experience.
Dates: Daily from 25th June to 16th August 2026
Time:
Monday to Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm, at your preferred time
Saturday & Sunday: 1 pm to 3:30 pm and 4pm to 6:30 pm
Price: 95 EUR per person incl. a pot of tea of your choice, a selection of classic English Afternoon Tea favorites like sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and a glass of champagne.
In case of bad weather, the Afternoon Tea will be served in the Wintergarten.