The Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Toronto
Where to Go in the GTA to Have Traditional English High Tea
Aug 29, 2009
There is a proliferation of coffee shops on every available corner in Toronto, but preceding coffee's popularity, afternoon tea once reigned supreme. The Victorian tradition is lovingly recreated in several hotel restaurants, historic buildings, and estates in the GTA, and is a perfect escape from the cool, fall weather.
Afternoon tea originated in England as a result of the long wait from lunch to dinner, which was typically served at 8 or 9 p.m. Although often referred to as "high tea," afternoon tea is in fact lighter fare, served in mid-afternoon, and focuses on tea, sandwiches and sweets, while high tea is a full meal that includes meat, fish, eggs or cheese, and is served around 6 p.m.
Afternoon Tea Toronto
Many five-star hotels in Toronto offer a formal afternoon tea. Some of the best include:
- The Windsor Arms Hotel, 18 St. Thomas Street, 416-971-9666, is a busy spot for traditional English tea, with 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. sittings Mon to Wed, and 12:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. sittings, Thurs to Sun. Cost is $30 per person, $38 on Sat, Sun and Holidays.
- The Old Mill Inn and Spa, 21 Old Mill Drive, 416-207-2020, has been offering afternoon tea to pedestrians, cyclists, and canoeists since 1914. The fare includes finger sandwiches of shrimp, watercress, and fennel, cheese mushroom tartlets, lemon scones and Devonshire cream. Mon to Fri 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sun 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. $17.95 to $20.95 per person.
- Le Meridien King Edward Hotel, 37 King Street East, 416-863-4125. Named after Edward VII, this landmark hotel offers afternoon tea including raisin scones, cucumber, shrimp and salmon tea sandwiches, and chocolate tarts Wed to Sun from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $30 per person.
Afternoon Tea GTA
Take a fall drive about an hour east or west of Toronto and discover the following places for afternoon tea:
- The Drawing Room at the Prince of Wales Hotel, 6 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 1-888-669-5566, provides a traditional setting for afternoon tea in this 1864 hotel frequented by royalty. Includes four selections of sandwiches and pastries, and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. $32 per person, noon to 6 p.m. daily.
- Langdon Hall Country House, 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge, 1-800-268-1898, serves an afternoon tea of scones with apple butter, preserves and heavy cream, tarragon quiche, toasted hazelnut spread with prosciutto, and dark chocolate strawberry cake. $27 per person, Fri, Sat and Sun at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- R.S. McLaughlin Estate (Parkwood Estate), 270 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, 905-433-4312 or 905-623-4277, is the former elegant home of the founder of General Motors Canada. Afternoon tea is served in the Greenhouse Tearoom Tues to Sun from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Afternoon Tea Catering
Sharilene Rowland of Tea Celebrations will cater a tea party at individuals' homes. Specializing in bridal and baby showers, retirement parties, friends' get-togethers, garden parties, and little girls' birthday parties, Rowland brings afternoon tea that includes scones, Devonshire cream, preserves, tea sandwiches and sweets, along with china teapots, teacups, and linen. Prices range from $16.95 to $21.95 per person. Call 647-999-4458.
Afternoon Tea at Christmas
Muddy York Walking Tours offers afternoon tea by the fireplace at Toronto's First Post Office, 260 Adelaide Street East, 416-487-9017, during the Christmas season. Afternoon tea is $35 per person, and is served Dec 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. Guests can enjoy traditional tea while listening about:
- The history of early Toronto
- The Victorian origins of Christmas
- Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
- Robertson Davies' Christmas Ghost Stories
Afternoon or high tea is making a come-back, as evidenced by the number of hotels and historic establishments in Toronto and the GTA that offer this mid-afternoon meal. Individuals who would like to experience the traditions of the Victorian era will enjoy indulging in afternoon tea at the Old Mill, Langdon Hall, Toronto's First Post Office, or catered in the comfort of their own home.
For things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, read here.
For information on Christmas events for families in Toronto, read here.
For things to do in Stratford, read here.
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