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A Victorian-style traditional afternoon tea in Victoria is a quintessential experience. This scrumptious indulgence is a time-honoured British tradition. Savour the flavour with a selection of tea menus that change with the season. Christmas High Tea is always extra special with more festive offerings.
History of Afternoon Tea
King Charles II and his wife Catherine of Barganza made drinking tea popular in England in the 1660s. Afternoon tea, though, was not introduced until the British high society made it a social tradition in the 1880s. Invited into Victorian drawing rooms to enjoy tea in the late afternoon, upper class women dressed in their finest attire, complete with hats and gloves, were eager to attend.
What is Afternoon Tea?
Typically, afternoon tea consists of three to four courses of dainty finger foods served on a special tiered serving stand meant to be eaten from the bottom up. The bottom level includes dainty savoury sandwiches, followed by scones with thick clotted cream and jam, leading into the rich array of elegant pastries and desserts. Fine tea is steeped in a china or silver teapot and then poured into delicate bone china cups.
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Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Victoria
Afternoon Tea at Pendray Tea House
The elegant surroundings of Pendray Tea House feature antique furnishings, stained glass windows, lace curtains and rich wood accents.
Not only does it ooze historic charm, the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste is impressive. In July, it became Canada’s first restaurant to be certified by The PLEDGE on Food Waste.
When we went, we chose two West Coast Afternoon Teas and two Children’s Teas. The tea starts with a savoury selection, then two types of delicious baked scones served with Devon-style cream and local berry jam, followed by an array of decadent pastries and your choice of Organic Silk Road or Westholme Tea.
The children were delighted with their menu:
- Tea Sandwiches – Cucumber & Cream Cheese, Nutella & Marshmallows, Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Freshly Baked Scone – White Chocolate & Lavender Scone, Devon-Style Cream, House-Made Local Berry Jam
- Signature Pastries – Locally Handmade Bon Macaron, Blueberry Italian Meringue Tart, Sustainable Chocolate Cashew Delight
- Choice of Organic Silk Road or Westholme Tea, Hot Chocolate, Mocktail, or Artisan Soda
The Pendray Tea House offers several lovely seating areas, and the beautiful veranda is open in the summer.
The delightful children’s menu for afternoon tea at Pendray Tea House in Victoria. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The delightful children’s menu for afternoon tea at Pendray Tea House in Victoria. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Wendy Nordvik-Carr enjoys afternoon tea at Pendray Tea House in Victoria. Photo: Melanie©
Afternoon Tea at the Empress
The luxurious historic Fairmont Empress Hotel offers Victoria’s most famous afternoon tea spot. Located on Victoria’s Inner Harbour on Government Street, the elegant surroundings make it a moment to remember.
The “Castle on the Coast”, as it is known, dates from 1908 and is a National Historic Site. Listen to live classical music while enjoying the traditional English afternoon tea served on china gifted to the hotel by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1939.
You can choose from a selection of premium loose teas, or elevate the experience with a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne from France. If you travel with little ones, a Princess and Prince tea is available.
The official festive Christmas tea menu is available for the 2024 season:
- Salmon – Local Sockeye, Caper Berries, Citrus Smoked Crème Fraiche, Blini
- Butternut Squash Quiche (V) – Free Run Egg, Heavy Cream, Butternut Squash, Warming Spice infused Mascarpone
- Grandfather Ham and Cheese – Shaved Ham, Rosemary Mustard, Swiss, Tomato Brioche
- Turkey – Smoked Turkey, Medjool Date and Preserved Lemon Emulsion, Upland Cress, Beetroot Brioche
- English Cucumber (V) – Dill Whipped Cream Cheese, Apricot, Fennel Pollen & Pink Peppercorn, Marble Rye
- Freshly Baked Empress Raisin Scones – House-made Clotted Cream & Strawberry Preserve
- Mini Buche De Noel
- Peppermint Dark Chocolate Mousse
- Chestnut and Rum Cremeux (GF)
- Cassis Confit
- Empress Fruit Cake (Vegetarian)
- Almond Marzipan
- Caramelized Eggnog Ornament
- Hazelnut and Almond Financier
- White Chocolate & Cranberry Macaron (GF, Vegetarian)
- Orange Scented Ganache
Reservations are a must, and proper dress code is maintained.
Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria. Courtesy photo.
Afternoon Tea at the White Heater Tea Room
The White Heather Tea Room has been in operation for more than 24 years. It offers a variety of afternoon tea selections in a quaint, casual setting. The tea is available from Wednesday through Sunday.
White Heather is located at 1885 Oak Bay Avenue in Oak Bay Village.
Afternoon Tea at Abkazi Gardens
The Teahouse at Abkazi Gardens is surrounded by a beautiful garden built out of a legacy of love. The teahouse maintains a strict dress code befitting to the elegance of the occasion. A gluten-free tea is available upon request. The Teahouse at Abkazi Gardens is located at 1964 Fairfield Road.
Beautiful Abkhazi Gardens in Victoria. Photo Credit: Destination Greater Victoria©
Oaks Restaurant Afternoon Tea
The Oaks Restaurant and Tea Room is the oldest building in Oak Bay Village. It serves the most reasonably priced afternoon tea in Victoria. You can order a full tea, light tea or tea and a scone.
We will stop at this restaurant whenever we visit the area. It is located at 206-2250 Oak Bay Avenue.
Butchart Gardens Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea at the world-famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria is a real treat. Enjoy beautiful garden views from a window seat in the dining room or on the patio of the former home of the Butchart family. The afternoon tea selection varies throughout the year. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Admission to the gardens is an additional fee. They are located just outside Victoria in Brentwood Bay.
Afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens. Courtesy photo.
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