Victoria is known for its afternoon tea, and there are so many places to choose from. I have rounded up a few of my favourite places in the city to have high tea. I realised over the years that I have had tea at so many places it seemed necessary to do a round-up of my favourite places in the city. I don’t have a favourite place because they are all so different and have something unique to offer.
The Pendray Inn and Tea House
This was my most recent afternoon tea experience in Victoria, and it has become one of my favourite places in the city because of the beautiful location with views of the inner harbour. The Vintage Victorian mansion also adds to the atmosphere for a perfect vintage-inspired afternoon of tea and desserts. I think it is also good value at only $44 for a full Victorian-style afternoon tea. In case you missed you can see my entire blog post about my recent stay at The Pendray Inn and my Victorian-style afternoon tea.
Menu
Berries with TWG Bain de Roses Tea Infused Cream
Fresh Baked Scones
White Chocolate Lavender
TWG Earl Grey Tea Scone
With House-Made Local Fruit Jam, Devon-Style Cream
Assortment of Tea Sandwiches
Local Island Farm Fresh Egg Salad Smoked Salmon Pinwheel with Flying Fish Roe Cowichan Valley Chicken Salad, Thyme, Apricot Cucumber with Lemon-Dill Cream Cheese
Signature Pastries
Local-Made Bon Macaron
Gatsby Garden Mint Infused Chocolate Mousse on Wafer Lemon Tartlet
Almond Cupcake
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry
Point Ellice House
I love having tea at Point Ellice House because it also doubles as a time capsule Victorian house museum. In the fall and winter the afternoon tea is held indoors at the Secret Vintage Tea Shoppe, and in the summer you can have tea out on the lawn. I have had tea both outside on the lawn and in the Secret Vintage Tea Shoppe, and I think I prefer the outdoor atmosphere in the summer because you can enjoy the sunshine and play croquet afterwards.
Afternoon Tea Menu
Savoury Finger Sandwiches
Coronation Chicken
Cucumber and herbed cream cheese
Wild smoked BC Salmon with cream cheese
Egg and cress
Desserts
White and dark Chocolate Truffles
Summer Tartlet
French Macaroons
Lemon slice
Scones
Sweet and savoury
Served with strawberry compote and Devonshire cream
The Picnic Tea includes a choice of Tea, coffee or lemonade.
All for $35 per person.
Venus Sophia Afternoon Tea & Vegetarian Eatery
Venus Sophia is an excellent place for the vegetarian because they are one of the few places in the city that offer a vast selection of vegetarian food for afternoon tea. As you can see from the menu below, there are so many different options to choose from depending on the occasion. You can check out my original blog post to learn more about this unique tea room located in China town on Fisgard Street.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY AFTERNOON TEA
Our fantastic annual Special Event Menu is available through December only. Join thousands of others and make afternoon tea at Venus Sophia a holiday tradition! Let us spoil you and treat you like royalty this Christmas; we have extraordinary creations for you and your family and loved ones. Menu to be announced soon (replaces Signature Afternoon Tea through December). Please book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
SIGNATURE AFTERNOON TEA
Fall in love with high tea! It’s a royal treat for you and loved ones to enjoy over laughter and great conversation. This relaxing ritual is a three-course meal of dainty finger sandwiches, scones and desserts presented on the three-tier tower. This dreamy season’s all-new menu includes apple pie slices, date cakes, cranberry scones dusted with icing sugar, warm mini quiches and caramelised fig sandwiches. Includes one pot of organic loose leaf tea of your choice.
ROYAL AFTERNOON TEA
Perfect for long conversations and entertaining! Traditional three-tiered tray service which includes all the menu items on our Signature Afternoon Tea in addition to bottomless tea served in stylish vintage teacups. The perk is you get to try as many different teas you like from our exquisite, unique blends. Add $4 to current Signature/Event Menu.
PRINCE & PRINCESS AFTERNOON TEA
A special little treat for your little ones. The adorable miniature version of our signature afternoon tea includes cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches, cranberry scones, chocolate cake, cheesecake and more delicious eats. Presented on a tiered tea tray and includes caffeine free, nutritious organic herbal tea of your choice. Your server will be happy to make recommendations. Add $10 to current Signature/Event menu. $26
GLUTEN FREE AFTERNOON TEA
A very special made-to-order gluten-free high tea menu. Includes fresh organic tea service. Available by reservation only, please give us 48-hour notice. Add $6 to current Signature/Event menu. $42
PARTY DELUXE AFTERNOON TEA
Enhance your celebration with the Party high tea set designed for special occasions. Our chef will create a lovely selection of eats and treats in a three-tiered tower just for you! A handcrafted party favour is included. Perfect for groups! By reservation only, please give us 48-hour notice. $42
La Roux Patisserie
This is the perfect option for someone who doesn’t want to have a full high tea because everything is a la carte so you can pick and choose what pastries you want. I went there with my mom and we each ordered a pot of tea and shared a few French macarons and pastries. Hands down the best macarons and French pastries in the city. La Roux Patisserie is located right across the street from Venus Sophia on Fisgard Street. You can read my full blog post here about my experience at La Roux Patisserie.
The Fairmont Empress
Afternoon tea at The Empress is something everyone should try at least once because it is a delicacy enjoyed by royalty. It is located in the beautiful lobby lounge with full views of the inner harbour. I love having tea at The Empress because the tea selection is incredible and you can try a few different kinds. The only downside, in my opinion, is the price because it is significantly more than the other options in Victoria. I consider tea at The Empress to be a treat for special occasions. You can see my full blog post to see more photos of my afternoon tea The Empress.
“A grand tradition for over a century, the world-renowned Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. Reinvigorated in our timeless, sophisticated Lobby Lounge, Tea at the Empress will continue this quintessentially Victoria experience.
Tea at the Empress is the world’s best unique tea experiences. To complement our house-made signature Empress scones, pastries, clotted creams and strawberry preserves with fresh lavender from our rooftop herb garden, are 21 of the finest loose leafs teas available. Featuring our original blend of The Empress Tea and the exceptionally rare Tong Mu Phoenix Lapsang Souchong blend, the tea list is completely ethically sourced and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.”
Menu
SMOKED SALMON ON BLINI
Classically presented with dill and crème fraîche
HONEY HAM & MUSHROOM QUICHE
Featuring Vancouver Island foraged mushrooms
ENGLISH CUCUMBER ON RYE
Local heirloom cucumbers, fennel pollen, dill cream cheese
TRUFFLED EGG SALAD ON BRIOCHE
Garnished with fresh watercress
SIGNATURE EMPRESS WARM RAISIN SCONES
House-made clotted cream with strawberry lavender preserve
AIYANA CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY SLICE
A torte made with Empress signature chocolate, sweetened with wild honey
SPICED BROWN BUTTER SHORTBREAD
Delicate shortbread cookie, made with nutty brown butter & a hint of warm spices
MASCARPONE RASPBERRY TART
Creamy mascarpone crémeux tart, finished with velvety raspberry glaze
PEAR ALMONDINE CAKE
Finished with refreshing citrus buttercream on top
KIRSCH WHITE CHOCOLATE TEA CUPS
Wispy white chocolate mousse, scented with kirsch & garnished with bing cherries
EARL GREY TEA CAKE
A moist cake infused with earl grey tea
A favourite of Prince Philip; he enjoyed this cake with soft salted butter
Afternoon Tea per person 75
