It was just a passing fancy.
All of a sudden out of the blue I was craving to go somewhere nice for high tea. And after asking a handful of my friends if they’d like to go, I see that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended – couldn’t help myself). I never thought of high tea as being a required taste but apparently that is the case.
It’s not that high tea has gone completely out of fashion (how can food go out of fashion?), it’s just that it’s not your normal lunch fare. But I was craving a variety of little treats. Luckily I got my sister at a moment when she was so hungry she wanted to go almost anywhere. I grabbed that moment. We were lucky to get a table at The Secret Garden.
Maybe it’s because I watched too many episodes of Downton Abbey. But I believe it’s mostly to do with the presentation and I was missing presentation. An elegantly arranged variety of goodies is always a win-win. And I find drinking tea has more of a lingering effect than drinking coffee. You tend to sip slowly and savour the moment. Plus the change in weather.
What is it about autumn that makes me want to indulge in beautifully arranged tiers of little finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and pastries served on fine china with an excuse to sip Earl Grey in style? It’s an occasion that is no longer about etiquette – it’s about intention.
We went through a variety of specialty teas served in proper tea pots covered in cozies (the British spell it with an “s” which becomes cosies). But the whole experience (because it is more of an “experience” is pretty cozy).
A little history lesson: you thought high tea was all upper crust society? Nah! It began in the Industrial Revolution, where the only thing high about it was the table.
The term “high” referred to the high-backed chairs and full-sized tables, not high society. It was the kind of tea that came with calloused hands, muddy boots, and zero patience for dainty pastries. Miners, mill workers, and factory hands made tea time a full-on meal. They didn’t invent elegance, but they sure knew how to eat.
But like all good things, high tea got a makeover. Hotels and posh venues rebranded it as a luxurious affair with champagne on the side. The coal dust was swept away, and suddenly, high tea was the darling of bridal showers and birthday brunches.
One thing is for sure – the spirit of this ritual is to slow down, steep deeply, and savour the moment, which so few of us do these days.
The Secret Garden Tea Company is located in Kerrisdale. They also have a high tea “to go” (if you prefer having it in the comfort of your own home) and the menu changes with the season. This place has a more traditional English feel. Make sure to make reservations.
Neverland Tea Salon on W Broadway – they have a whimsical Mad Hatter’s High Tea. For the little ones they have a Mad Hatter’s Tinkerbell’s High Tea.
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La Petite Cuillère is located in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. It has vintage custom interior and an innovative menu.
https://www.lapetitecuillere.ca/
A very nice place to take someone visiting from out of town is The Teahouse in Stanley Park. They serve a formal afternoon tea with a variety of teas, sandwiches, and pastries. A bit pricier than the others, but the location is beautiful. Book the conservatory if you can.
Teahouse
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