Fit for a queen: High tea in Vancouver
Sophisticated, elegant, restorative and downright scrumptious, the ritual of afternoon high tea is an indulgence to savour. Sip various perfectly steeped blends and nibble on miniature delights both savoury and sweet. For your next girls’ day out, bridal shower or simply to relax on a Sunday, reserve at any one of these salons.
Neverland Tea Salon
3066 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2H1As the name implies, Neverland Tea Salon is all about fantasy and whimsy. High tea here is truly a delight. Whether the full affair or a demi, with bubbly or even spiked tea cocktails, each impressive tower comes with dainty house-made sandwiches and cakes, scones, jam and Devonshire cream. Their bottomless pot means you can sample as many of their 60 teas as you can manage and they’re happy to accommodate food restrictions and sensitivities with gluten-free and dairy-free options.
Soirette
1433 Pender St W, Vancouver, BC V6G 2S3Known for their stunning macarons as well as their tea, Soirette offers both and more at their weekend high tea during four different seatings. Choose from their seasonal selection, a vegetarian version or a gluten-free option. Each is delectable in its own way and displayed as artfully as each perfect little pastry or sandwich is prepared. Pulled pork sandwiches with persimmon chutney, date and walnut scones and coconut passionfruit truffles are just some of the exquisite bites on your tiered tower.
TWG Tea Salon & Boutique
1070 Georgia St W, Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y2Decision-making is your biggest trial at this West End teashop. You could try the Westcoast Service with miso-maple sable fish in butter lettuce and tea-seared tuna tataki. Or go all out with the Caviar Service complete with Veuve Clicquot. Looking for a brunch alternative? Try their breakfast service. They even have a special high tea for children. Check out their festive, seasonal services as well and look to book your bridal or baby shower here. Whatever the occasion, the Merchant has you covered.
Secret Garden Tea Company
2138 40th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6M 1W5Nestled in tony Kerrisdale, Secret Garden is the perfect place for an elegant and sophisticated afternoon tea. Serving their own blends of teas as well as delightful miniature treats like bacon-goat cheese sandwiches on mini bacon-cornmeal muffins and petit chai cream profiterole tortes, all details are covered from pristine linens to creamy china. They’ll even pack your service to go, should you wish to offer this delectable mid-afternoon treat at home. Check back regularly for their changing seasonal offerings.
The Last Crumb Bakery and Cafe
3080 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G5This family-friendly, very pretty café in Mount Pleasant reserves their high tea for weekends. Their frequently changing menu always highlights two each of three different sandwiches, scones with homemade sweet cream and jam, and their famous desserts — comforting, house-made classics like pie, cookies and loaves. Be sure to order some loose leaf teas on your way out — on a day you’ve had afternoon tea here, bags are 10 per cent off.
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